By Tom Reynolds 

Barack Obama and the left say that closing our borders is not who we are; but they won't admit that we really are a nation under attack by terrorists. The facts are obvious: the Obama administration is unable to protect America from terrorist attacks; cities with strict gun laws, like Chicago, are unable to protect their citizens from gun crime; countries, like France, which have strict gun laws are unable to protect their citizens; gun-free zones are abysmal failures; the government cannot monitor all potential threats without endangering the Constitution. 

The Obama administration is unwilling to confront the terrorism issue and defend the American people. The President even suggested climate change is to blame for terrorism. If so? Why aren't Catholics and Buddhists beheading people? Is ISIS really motivated by changing weather and a lack of jobs? 

Insanity has been defined as doing the same thing over and over while expecting a different result. Disarming citizens is a program that has been tried, over and over again, and does not work. It's time to try something different. 

Admiral Yamamoto, who planned the attack on Pearl Harbor, said, "You cannot invade the mainland United States. There would be a rifle behind each blade of grass." Terrorism has invaded our homeland. Let's have no more "soft targets" for terrorists. Let's re-arm Americans to protect Americans. 

A highly visible gun presence will be a deterrent to crime and terrorism. All Americans start with the Constitutional right to bear arms and only those that fall into narrow categories and have had a judicial hearing should be denied that right.  Concealed carry laws must be expanded. Handgun licensing should be expedited in the interest of protecting Americans; judges should not have the discretion to delay licensing because of their political beliefs. It should again be a common sight to see rifles mounted in the back window of pickup trucks. It's a program without government cost since private citizens already own guns and will be buying the guns. 

This is not a call for unlimited gun ownership but for expanded, common sense gun ownership. Silly and ineffective laws such as the SAFE Act should be repealed. Carrying a gun while intoxicated should have similar penalties to driving while intoxicated. Private property owners must retain their Constitutional right to control their property. Felons, mental patients, etc. would obviously be denied. Use of a gun in a crime should increase the penalty. 

People without respect for the lives and rights of others must learn that Americans will not be easy targets. Fourteen people died in San Bernardino even though the police arrived in less than five minutes. Terrorists must learn to expect an immediate response to their actions. Drive by shooters must understand that potential victims can shoot back. 

Why should Obama, Cuomo and legislators be protected by guns if citizens are denied that same right? 

The 2nd Amendment insures all our Constitutional rights as well as our inalienable rights of life liberty and the pursuit of happiness.