I know. It sounds like a headline from The Onion. But it's not a joke.
My nephew lost one of his best friends, John, last Wednesday. Out of respect for his family and friends, I won’t post his real name or a link to his obituary, but I thought that how he died might be of interest to my fellow Kossaks.
John, 22, still lived at home with his parents. He got into an argument with his Dad, and before storming out of the house, John found his Mom’s purse and removed her loaded handgun. She kept this gun with her for protection. (I should note that John’s parents live in a very safe, upscale Atlanta suburb). John then drove to a construction site and shot himself in the head.
How many people who purchase guns for self-defense actually ever have a legitimate opportunity to use their guns for this purpose? On the other hand, how many people who purchase guns for self-defense, or any reason, end up losing a loved one or a friend as a direct result of such purchase?
The fact remains…if you bring a firearm into your home, then you significantly increase the chance of losing a loved one to a gunshot wound.
Please protect your families: Don't own a firearm.