By Stephen L. Blakeslee, Hornell, NY

The recent shooting at the Parkland, Florida school shocked and saddened our nation.  No parent should have to bury their child, especially under such circumstances.  We all suffer from such a tragedy.  The FBI failed on at least two occasions to follow up on leads about the shooter.  Social Services, mental health workers and law enforcement were at the shooter’s home multiple times and did nothing.  An armed Sheriff’s Deputy was on site while the shooting was occurring but did not even attempt to engage the shooter or save lives.

Now we are being asked by smug politicians to trust this broken system even further by giving up more of our Constitutional Rights, all the while they strut about with armed security by their sides.  Enough!  In a 2005 Supreme Court decision, it was ruled that local police departments have NO DUTY OR OBLIGATION to protect ordinary citizens during the commission of a crime.  Do not count on the police, or anyone in government to come and save you in your home, or your children at school.  You are the only one that can protect yourself and your family in the immediate situation.  Do not let the politicians tell you that you cannot defend yourself.  Call your Senators and Congressmen and women to demand passage of Concealed Carry Reciprocity for all 50 States. DEMAND that honest citizens be allowed to have the same type of semi-automatic rifles and large capacity magazines as the shooters.  Make schools safer by providing on site armed security personnel.

Train and arm teachers and school personnel that are willing and able to take on the task of protecting students.  Go to the polls and VOTE this November.  Take back your GOD GIVEN RIGHT to self defense and your Constitutional Right to Keep and Bear Arms.