Guns 'N Fears

I was surprised by the uptick in handgun sales reported in the wake of the tragic shootings - by handgun - in Arizona.

I can only think of two reasons for this:

People bought handguns to protect themselves from other people with handguns.

- or -

People bought handguns in the fear that handgun sales would be restricted in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Neither of these 'reasons' makes much sense to the average, non handgun owning American. But I suspect both played a role in spurring the fearful and gun-loving amongst us into action.

In opposition to this sales trend, we heard renewed calls from some quarters of government and the media for more stringent gun control and restrictions.

This juxtaposition brings one fact into clear focus: many of us don't feel safe. That is a message we ignore at society's peril.

So, if you are among those who raced out and bought guns, I hope you feel a little safer. Safe enough to leave those shiny new guns at home locked in their cases, and not brought with you when shopping, waiting on line at the DMV, commuting in trying traffic, or attending sporting events.