I am often in the company of fellow gun owners, and when the discussion comes up that our government is busy trying to do away with our rights, there is always at least one in the group that comments: “Oh the government would never do that because the constitution protects our rights.”

If I have the opportunity, I will ask them if they own a firearm. In many cases, some will say, “No, I don’t need a gun. If I have a problem, I can call the local police or sheriff and they will come out and take care of it.”

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the police can only come to your aid after you call them, and then they have to drive to your home or wherever they are needed. How long will it take the police to respond to your call and travel to where you are? Will it take five minutes, 10 minutes or maybe 20 minutes for them to arrive? I hate to tell you that whatever danger you were in has already happened, and the perpetrator has long gone. I am not kicking the local authorities in the pants, but they are not mind readers, nor can they be in all places at all times.

As I write this article, the United Nations is fast at work trying to influence the U.S. to sign documents that would override our Constitution, thereby doing away with our right to own firearms. The U.N. has made it clear that no private citizen can own a firearm. Many countries that have already signed on with the U.N. charter are already busy burning, cutting up and destroying all of the citizens’ guns. There has been a constant effort to take away our firearms for as long as I can remember. That goes back to the early 60s whenever I began to pay attention for myself just what was going on around me.

I ask you now if you have noticed how many activities that you once enjoyed are now being taken away from us. I list just a few, like smoking, talking on cell phones while driving a car, not having on your seat belt whenever driving, not being able to purchase a soft drink if it is too large, not being allowed to display the American flag in certain areas deemed illegal by those with the power to say so.

Now, let me explain these that I just mentioned. I am not a smoker nor have I ever been, but is it my place to tell someone else they can’t smoke because I do not? I will not let you light up in my home; it is my space, and when you are in my home you will abide by my rules or feel free to go outside and smoke. I do agree that it is unsafe to talk on a cell phone while driving. I put my seat belt on way before it became law because I saw the need to protect myself. I have no problem with someone that wants to purchase a large soft drink. If you ask me not to fly my U.S. flag, then look out you; just might have crossed the line with me.

The reason I listed just a few of our rights that are being taken away from us is to ask: “When will our government stop.” Next time, it may well be something that you now enjoy.

I want to recommend a group of people or organization that stands up for our gun rights more than anyone else. This organization is the National Rifle Association, known also as the NRA. If you have never belonged to this group, then this is the time to do so. I have been a member since 1967. There are some NRA policies that I do not agree with, but they are the largest and only group that protects my gun rights. We as individuals cannot get much done by ourselves concerning gun rights. We need the power of the masses to keep our constitutional rights. If the U.N. charters are adopted by our representatives, our constitution will be null and void.

I am getting down off my soap box. Election time is growing near, and we should look at the individuals that want our votes. Are they protecting our rights, or are they trying to destroy them?

If someone hands you a firearm, what is the first thing you should do? Make sure it is not loaded and pointed in a safe direction.

Roger Sherrill lives in Ringgold. He can be reached at tandemjumper@catt.com.