Letter: Why I decided to get a firearm

Posted 4/18/21

To the editor:

Several years ago, it occurred to me that I wanted to take greater responsibility for my safety and that of my family. I am a daughter, sister, mother, and a registered nurse. As …

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Letter: Why I decided to get a firearm

Posted

To the editor:

Several years ago, it occurred to me that I wanted to take greater responsibility for my safety and that of my family. I am a daughter, sister, mother, and a registered nurse. As a nurse I am trained to make decisions based on facts, logic, and reality. I decided I wanted to get a firearm and learn how to use it safely and accurately. 

Close friends of mine suggested I take a Basic Pistol course at the Newport Rifle Club, so I enrolled in a ladies-only course. This all-day program was professionally developed by the National Rifle Association and consisted of classroom discussion, hands-on instruction, and one-to-one guidance in the range with an experienced instructor. Safety was consistently emphasized throughout this excellent course. At the end of the day I went home with greater confidence and knowledge, enough to get my own firearm. 

I believe it is wrong for “gun-control advocates” to try to limit the ability of law-abiding citizens to protect themselves with a firearm. Clearly, we all have a right to defend ourselves and those we care about. The increased violence utilizing guns in our society (mostly by criminals and those with untreated mental illness) is worrisome. But let me be clear, the defund-the-police movement and gun-control bills should cause more profound worry amongst all of us! 

I have contacted my legislators to request that they not support the gun-control bills in the Statehouse now. They will make it more difficult to own a firearm and do absolutely nothing to make me and my family safer. These bills are all directed at lawful firearms owners, not criminals who are the source of almost all the violence involving guns. Any attempt to undermine our Second Amendment should be met with vigorous opposition. 

Owning firearms has given me a greater sense of security. It is an option that others, especially women, may find works for them too.

Jennifer Theriault, RN

25 Dorothy Ave. 

Portsmouth

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