Our right to bear arms, when that became part of who we are the world was very different. Armies were a reality. For you and I to have arms meant that we had some response against warring forces in the French and Indian War, and against the British Army in the Revolution. We could defend ourselves, our families and our communities.

The world is different now. Armies are losing their value in a world of terrorists and street crime. In our national community we have less fear of invasion. Bearing arms means little to protect me from missiles and drone attacks. The greatest threat to my family is local, on city streets. Arms now are a major threat to my life, my family, and to us.

Today, in our contemporary world, what would be most safe for you and I, is that we all lay down our arms. We don't need to bear arms anymore. Bearing arms now means danger rather than security. We need arms to disappear from our contemporary world. We need our children to be safe.

Don Vanvalkenburgh

Lummi Island