It's said repeatedly, ad nauseam. "What we need is common-sense gun control." This seems to be the single biggest talking point and catchphrase uttered countless times by politicians, the media, and celebrities whenever a mass shooting or really any time tragic gun-related violence occurs. So what exactly does this mean? More importantly, would it make an impact and create a safer more secure country and citizenship?

Oklahoma brings more common sense to the "common sense" gun control debate

Oklahoma flag (U.S. state) Gun Control USA. United States Gun Laws.
Allexxandar
loading...

Obviously, something needs to be done and I think we can all agree that what we're doing right now isn't working. All the laws and gun control on the books to date haven't stopped the violence and shootings. Common sense would say we need to do or change something. After all "Common sense gun control" keeps being mentioned over and over. So by all means let's apply some common sense and logic to the problem.

FACT: Well over 96% of all mass shootings occur in gun-free zones. They are among some of the most dangerous places in the country. Also, states with the most restrictive gun laws have some of the highest crime rates and gun violence on record. Why is that? Shouldn't these restrictions make us safer? Sure, if we all obeyed the law. That's the biggest problem, only the law-abiding will adhere to the law. Criminals on the other hand will completely ignore the law. Criminals by their very name, definition, and nature are criminals.

Crime & violence are on the rise having the means to protect yourself & others is vital

Crime Scene
John Roman
loading...

Common sense and logic would suggest that these gun-free zones and restrictive gun laws aren't making us any safer. As a matter of fact, it's having the opposite effect and making us less safe and creating victims. Yet we keep piling on more laws and further restricting guns and the citizen's right to protect themselves. No one would say what we're currently doing is working, so why do we keep doing it? The definition of insanity is "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." Which is what we're doing.

So if disarming law-abiding citizens and stripping them of the most effective means to defend themselves and others isn't working, maybe we should consider the alternative. After all, experience has shown us that gun-free zones and restrictive gun laws aren't producing the results we want. So let's talk about "Common sense gun control."  First common sense would say gun-free zones are deadly and need to go away. Disagree? Well, how do you explain all the death and injury that have taken place in gun-free zones? Exactly!

Seek training on proper safe gun handling and self-defense instruction

rear view of girl shooting with gun in shooting gallery
LightFieldStudios
loading...

Second, it's been proven repeatedly that restrictive gun laws only affect law-abiding citizens making it more difficult, if not near impossible, for them to protect themselves and others. Doubt that? How do you explain the crime rates and gun violence in states and cities with some of the most restrictive gun control in the nation? More often than not these places have much higher crime rates and gun violence than places with less restrictive gun laws. It proves the point that being helpless doesn't make criminals harmless. So like gun-free zones these draconian gun control laws need to go away as well. The sooner the better.

That's just my opinion and I'm entitled to it. Or at least I used to be anyway. I'm sure this will be misread and misinterpreted by those who would rather persecute armed law-abiding citizens instead of prosecuting murderous criminals. Our freedoms do not hinge on the criminal acts of others. More laws and gun control aren't the answer. So what is? it's found in the immortal and uncompromising words of Col. Jeff Cooper: “If violent crime is to be curbed, it is only the intended victim who can do it. The felon does not fear the police, and he fears neither judge nor jury. Therefore what he must be taught to fear is his victim.”

Top 10 most popular carry guns in Oklahoma

Check out the top 10 most popular carry guns in the Sooner State. While there are a wide variety of firearms and calibers to choose from for everyday carry (EDC) the handguns listed below are among the most purchased and widely used personal and home defense weapons in Oklahoma. These models and brands account for the majority of gun sales in the state and are among the most popular choices for EDC or home defense weapons (HDW). If you're looking for a quality reliable EDC/HDW these are all solid picks. Which by default makes them the most popular. WARNING: Seek proper training and instruction on firearm safety rules and the practice of safe gun handling skills prior to the loading and carrying and/or shortage of a firearm. The time to learn what to do and how to do it isn't when your safety and life depend on it. BE SAFE!

See How The Ten Most Dangerous Cities In Oklahoma Rank

While some of Oklahoma's most dangerous cities may not be a total shocker, there are some real surprises on this Top Ten list.

Top 10 safest towns & cities in Oklahoma

These 10 Oklahoma towns and cities have been ranked and named as the safest in the entire Sooner State. If you're looking for someplace to move, retire or visit and are worried about crime, these are the safest places. They have some of the lowest crime rates in the state, some have the lowest in the Nation according to FBI crime statistics and the most recent survey report from safewise.com. Most of the cities and towns that made the top 10 safest places this year are located in the southwest central portion of the state. One town made it to the very top of the list at #1 for its 4th consecutive year, that's quite an accomplishment!

11 Illegal Things to Throw Away in Oklahoma

We live in a period of time where it's far easier to do almost everything than ever before. This includes disposing of things in the house, it's amazing how much things have changed.

While burning trash in a backyard pit and reusing old motor oil to heat the shop was common, even in my lifetime, here are the few things that are illegal to throw away in Oklahoma.

More From KLAW-FM