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In the small town of Kennesaw, Georgia, an ordinance from the 1980s compels every head of household to possess a firearm and ammunition, a measure that underscores a commitment to self-defense and community safety. This law not only reflects Kennesaw’s deep-seated values but also serves as a crime deterrent, with locals and officials noting its significant impact on keeping potential criminals at bay.
The essence of Kennesaw’s charm, from its bustling local businesses like Honeysuckle Biscuits & Bakery to the neighborly exchange of hand-written notes, is complemented by a robust stance on gun rights. “It’s not a symbolic law. I’m not into things just for show.” insists Mayor Derek Easterling, emphasizing that the law is a practical measure to ensure residents can protect themselves and their property. The prevailing belief among the community is that the mere knowledge that every home could be armed makes criminals think twice before committing crimes here. In 2023, this approach appears to be effective, as the town reported no murders and maintains a reputation for being a safe place to live.
The law includes sensible exemptions for those unable to own guns due to mental or physical disabilities, past felony convictions, or religious beliefs.
Yet, it remains a source of both pride and contention within the community. For some, like Blake Weatherby, the law symbolizes a proactive stance on personal safety. ”
It’s the attitude behind the guns here in Kennesaw that keep the gun crimes down, not just the guns themselves,” he explains, suggesting that it’s the community’s spirit of self-reliance and protection that enhances safety.
Despite mixed feelings among some residents who worry about the town’s reputation, the principle of armed self-defense has undeniably integrated into Kennesaw’s social fabric, influencing how the community is perceived and operates.
Kennesaw is not alone in its approach. Similar laws have been enacted in other American towns like Gun Barrel City, Texas; Nelson, Georgia; and Virgin, Utah, each adopting the mandate as a statement of freedom and a deterrent to crime. These towns have seen how such policies can foster a culture of responsibility and safety, echoing Kennesaw’s experiences.
As America’s support continues to coalesce around gun rights and safety, Kennesaw serves as a compelling model. The town’s approach offers a blueprint for how combining legal mandates with community values can potentially reduce crime and enhance public safety. Perhaps it’s time for more American towns to consider this proactive measure, not only to safeguard their residents but also to reinforce the fundamental right to self-defense, ensuring that criminals are well aware that the community is not defenseless.
I have been a life member of the NRA for over 60 years and I strongly support the 2nd amendment.
I do not believe that you have the right to prevent me from owning a firearm.
For the same reasons, I do not believe that you have the right to force me to own a firearm.
It is my freedom as an American to decide.
Since the 1620s, every male in the town, village, or city was required to own a fire arm and drill as part of the militia. Later that got thinned out to show up once a year and demonstrate that he knew how to use it.
War with China, Iran, Russia, NKorea, and Venezuela will present the same threat that the militia was the answer to in our early history.
I understand your point and agree with personal choice. That said, I view these “mandatory gun ownership” laws as more symbolic than anything. They rightfully provide exceptions for religious reasons, convicted felons, people with mental health issues, etc. If you don’t want to have a gun, just pick one. The easiest would likely be religious reasons. If I didn’t care about having a gun, I could make a good case for mental instability and have fun doing it. Plus, I don’t believe one of these ordinances has ever been enforced. As I seem to recall, the Kennesaw ordinance was a… Read more »
I don’t believe in mandating electric cars, electric ranges, LED light bulbs, voting, gun ownership or anything else. When the various levels of government start mandating and/or banning whatever, it never goes well for anybody.
Just as abolishing the ATF sounds great at first glance, we have consider the unintended consequences of mandatory gun ownership. Would gun manufacturers do like the insurance companies and raise the price because it’s mandatory? That’s just one aspect to think about.
I have felt for a long time. At least, basic training for all. (this would provide training. Maybe weed out those that are careless.)
Then a credit/allowance to purchase a firearm. Then yearly allowance to pay for ammo/range fees.