A while back, I wrote about a plan to help arm 50 women with shotguns, an effort to assist them in being able to defend themselves. While there were some initial problems with GoFundMe, the program is underway and happy to report the first two women have been armed.

The truth of the matter is that women are more likely to be a target of a violent attack than almost anyone not involved in criminal activity. As such, they tend to have a pressing need to be armed so they can defend themselves from those attacks.

Despite what some might like to think, less than lethal options aren’t effective enough for some to be willing to bet their lives. Additionally, the average woman is weaker than the average man, especially in upper body strength. That’s where the firearm comes in.

However, guns aren’t cheap. Even a low-cost option is going to be over $100 most of the time. If it’s not, it’s probably not worth trusting your life to. Then couple it with Illinois requirements for things like Firearm Owners Identification Cards and so on, and the price continues to climb. That puts it out of reach for many disadvantaged people who are decent, law-abiding folks. That’s not right.

Which is why this program exists, to help raise money.

Currently, the effort has armed two women and is poised to arm three more of their candidates. However, that’s a long way to their goal of 50 people. More funds are needed, so if you can, please donate.

The fact of the matter is that we all know that guns in the hands of potential victims is the most effective means of stopping crime. Not just that crime, but crime in general. A load of buckshot into a burglar or rapist has a further reaching effect than just stopping a single instance of criminal activity.

But without help, there are a lot of people who will never be able to obtain a firearm so they can defend themselves. While it boggles the mind for those of us in gun friendly states, places like Illinois don’t trust their citizens. They treat everyone like criminals, and guess who suffers the most? It’s not the criminal, who just ignore the laws. It’s the poor, disadvantaged people who are most likely to be exposed to violent crime in the first place.

Help 50 is trying to change that. Frankly, we all need to put our money where our mouth is. If you believe that more guns mean less crime, then kick in a few bucks to try and make it happen. Who knows, if this works well enough, this one organization may do more to stop violent crime in Illinois than a thousand marches through downtown Chicago.

Though, in fairness, it’s not like the marches will do a blasted thing.

Arming 50 ladies so they can take care of business should the need arises, though? That will have longlasting and real effects in the long run. While I hope none of these women ever need to use that shotgun, I personally feel better knowing they’ll at least have it if they need it.