The issue of guns, especially hand guns in public places, has always fascinated me. Too often in this land of the free, law-abiding citizens are forced to give up their freedoms in the name of safety or perceived safety.

Take the latest county commission’s consideration to move the metal detectors to the front doors of the courthouse, let alone carrying a gun on the premises, as a perfect example of perceived safety. It is interesting that in a building that was designated to uphold your rights in a free America that you are not allowed to practice your constitutionally protected right by the 2nd amendment. Furthermore, the Sheriff’s office in the courthouse is where you would go if you want to secure your freedom to bear arms, yet you can’t bring your gun to ensure this right.

Where in the Constitution does it provide for the right to protection for certain citizens—those working at the courthouse—when I’ll bet at your job no such “protective measures” have been enacted? Falsely, people believe that law enforcement has the obligation to protect private citizens, but just ask the Supreme Court, and they’ll tell you that no such obligation exists. I challenge you to research the rulings when police agencies are sued for not providing such round-the-clock, bodyguard protection.

Personal safety is the individual’s responsibility, not the role of law enforcement—and certainly not the role of metal detectors. Taking on your role of personal protection should not be left up to the government because they will provide you with nothing more than a perceived notion of safety.

Meanwhile, they expect you to relinquish your rights that the Founding Fathers fought and died for in building this Nation.

– Kevin Laws, Clanton