Katrina Elevates Gun Awareness and Sales

The title link is to a google search on the terms: gun sales increase after Katrina

This search reveals dozens of news articles describing how average citizens have been rushing to purchase firearms for self defense and emergency preparedness. Many of these articles report gun sales during the first 10-12 days of September exceeded the usual average number of sales for the entire month.

In light of the looting and slow law enforcement response, who can blame these people? Recent history has given us many examples of armed people persevering their lives and property after various types of disasters and unrest. Who can forget the images of the Korean shop owner and his brother-in-law brandishing their AK-47's at an attacking mob during the L.A. riots and then watching the rioters turn tail and run the other way? While nearby shops were looted and burned to the ground, this family business was left unscathed. Another memorable example is that of the New Orleans "Algiers Point Militia", a group of armed elderly neighbors who successfully defended their homes from looters in the aftermath of Katrina.

Over the past few years we have seen a wave of self-defense friendly laws passed by states all over the country. The Florida Castle Doctrine, Alaska's "Defense of Self" bill, the overturning of the D.C. gun ban, and the many laws discussed in this article are all great examples. People are beginning to face the reality that armed citizens are less likely to be victimized and are more likely to deter crime.

I encourage both long time gun owners and recent converts to consider taking an additional step to help ensure public safety and liberty. Join one or more of the many pro-gun and pro-self defense organizations that lobby to protect and expand 2nd Amendment and Self Defense Rights. By joining and funding such groups, you will help ensure that our rights to armed defense are not taken away once the current pro-gun furor dies down. Here are some great groups to consider joining:

The National Rifle Association (NRA)
Gun Owners of America
The California Rifle and Pistol Association
The Second Amendment Foundation
Armed Females of America
Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership