OPINION

New Zealand suspect acquired his guns legally, same as virtually all the killers in recent mass shootings here: Opposing view

Alan Gottlieb | Opinion contributor

Gun control proponents argue that America could “learn something” from the horrendous attack on two New Zealand mosques.

They are hoping that our citizens, gripped by emotion, will overlook the obvious and agree that law-abiding gun owners should face additional restrictions on their rights.

The real lesson to be learned from the Christchurch massacre is that madmen aren’t deterred by gun control laws, or laws against murder. Morality doesn’t enter into their thinking, so honest people must be prepared for the unthinkable and be able to respond.

The gun prohibition lobby hopes to capitalize on a terror attack half a world away in an effort to advance its agenda. Forget, for a moment, that the Second Amendment stands in their way. Focus on the irrational notion that somehow a defenseless victim is morally superior to an armed private citizen who can fight back and save lives.

Karen Ducey/Getty Images

When two armed citizens stopped a mass shooting at an Oklahoma City restaurant, and when an armed citizen stopped a gunman from entering a crowded Colorado Springs church, the gun prohibition lobby was silent.

The New Zealand suspect acquired his guns legally, same as virtually all the killers in recent mass shootings here. Millions of law-abiding American gun owners should not be penalized because of murderers’ misdeeds.

What happened in Christchurch should remind us all that no community is immune from violent terrorism. This despicable act underscores the importance of our right to keep and bear arms, and provides ample justification of our right to carry now exercised by millions of citizens who choose not to be victims.

We understand the desire to “do something.” But any solution should not involve evisceration of our Second Amendment. That is not negotiable.

We must not allow hysteria to overcome common sense. We must protect our right to defend ourselves, our families and our communities from those to whom laws mean nothing.

Alan Gottlieb is founder of the Second Amendment Foundation.