Shooting in Arizona
Most people are aware of the shooting in Arizona that killed a number of people and wounded US Congresswoman, Gabrielle Gifford. The shooter, Jared Loughner, is apparently extremely disturbed.

More disturbing than even Jared Loughner is how this shooting in Arizona has become political. Once again the right and left are attacking each other, each accusing the other of causing the shooting. For example, a number of people used this tragedy to attack Sarah Palin’s bull’s eyes on a map graphic, saying it provoked this insanity. I’m not a fan of Sarah, but to use this tragedy to take cheap shots at a person you don’t like is the true insanity.

Rather than join the insanity, I thought I’d offer a slightly different point of view, even though it won’t be popular—or a politically correct.

I live in Arizona. One reason I live here is because of the state’s gun laws. I have a license to carry a concealed weapon, and I do carry one.

Now, I know this sounds insane to many of you that I carry a concealed weapon. But let me explain my reasons for living here and carrying a gun.

First of all, I like guns. I grew up with guns, using them even though my mom and dad were against them. I was fortunate to have a neighbor who liked to hunt. He took me along with his sons and taught us how to hunt and how to properly use and respect the power of guns.

Second, while I was in high school, I got into a fight with a guy who had a gun. I was unarmed. The moment he pulled his gun and put it in my face, I knew I had to back down or die. I didn’t like kissing the butt of a punk just because he had a gun.

Third, I’m a former Marine. I’m well-trained in the use of guns and warfare, and I spent a year in Vietnam. Being shot at in combat is a life changing experience.

Fourth, I’ve been attacked with a gun twice in civilian life. Once was by a deranged war veteran who didn’t like me criticizing the Vietnam War, and another time during an armed robbery in Waikiki.

Fifth, a few years ago, my neighbor called the police because he came home for lunch and found a burglar in his home. The police took over thirty minutes to arrive even though the station is less than two miles away. If the burglar had been armed, my neighbor might’ve been dead.

Through my experiences, I’ve learned this lesson: the police don’t prevent crimes. They only investigate, arrest, and prosecute after a crime is committed. If no crime is committed, the police can’t do anything.

The real tragedy of the murders in Tucson is that police couldn’t have prevented it, even if the state had tougher gun laws or outlawed guns entirely. Unfortunately, the world is awash with guns and anyone who wants a gun can get one, legally or illegally.

Also, the police can’t arrest every weird person in the world, crazy or not. If they had the power to do that, we would be back to living under an oppressive government with the power to round up anyone who they deemed as strange, sick, or undesirable. History is full of such governments. One only has to think of Hitler or Stalin to realize the importance of retaining our freedoms even in the face of danger.

Freedom is great, but it has its risks. One risk is allowing strange, even insane people the same freedoms we all enjoy.

Simply said, in a free society, the police can’t protect you until after a crime is committed. In other words, it’s up to you to prevent crimes against you.

This is why I’m thankful to live in Arizona, carry a gun, and practice shooting on a regular basis.

Thank you for supporting COR.

Robert Kiyosaki

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Robert Kiyosaki is the author of the #1 bestselling personal finance book of all time, Rich Dad Poor Dad.