It's one of the hottest debates
our country has seen in years. Aggressive new gun control measures have sparked
outrage from some law abiding gun owners. They've responded in mass numbers.
Our state is seeing a record
amount of people wanting a gun license. In January 2013 alone, OSBI received
almost 5,000 initial applications. That's about two and a half times as many as
January 2012.
Are fears the federal government
could take our guns away breeding life into a militia movement?
"I'm scared, like everybody,"
Gun owner Craig Huxman said. "Just because of the talk of putting any kind
of ban on guns."
Huxman has been shooting guns
since he was 7 years old.
Read more about the
Green Corn Rebellion.
"I love shooting targets. I
love shooting every kind of gun," Huxman said. "If it makes a bang, I
like shooting it at things."
Now he teaches his grandkids gun
safety.
"Gun responsibility is very
important," Huxman said. "That doesn't mean gun control. That means
owner control."
Gun enthusiasts are coming out in
droves. Stores can't keep weapons or ammo on the shelves. Some people fear a
collection of guns in a home is a sign there's a revolt coming against the
government. But Tecumseh Assistant Police Chief J.R. Kidney said he's not
worried.
"It's something we do keep
in the back of our mind," Kidney said. "I don't think people are
running out trying to get these because they want to start a war. I think
they're out there getting them so they can exercise that right through the
second amendment, so they can keep their arms and bear their arms."
Read more about the
Whiskey Rebellion.
Rose State College History
Professor Dr. Aaron Bachhofer says revolutions typically begin where there's
either an economic or philosophical disagreement between the public and our
government. While he believes our country will see changes to gun laws, he
doesn't anticipate a revolt.
"Have I gained the
perception people are talking about picking up their guns and literally
shooting at folks? No, I don't see that happening," Bachhofer said.
Bachhofer said history proves
revolutions usually don't work.
"The idea that people would
pick up arms and challenge the government is not a winning proposition
historically," Bachhofer said.
For Huxman, he just wants the
freedom to protect his family.
"Would I ever shoot anybody?
I hope I never, ever, ever have to be able to answer that question,"
Huxman said. "I would like to know that I have the right to protect myself
if I can."
