“Arm Yourselves” Ashtabula and Richland
If this doesn’t reek of some sinister slow moving conspiracy, then at what point do we start making the burden of proof be put on those who believe this isn’t an underground nationwide effort rather than putting the burden on us to prove that it is?
In Ohio, we have Ashtabula County, Richland County, and the City of Elyria to show as examples of a sheriff’s department or police department being absolutely gutted. Not just a layoff here and there, but departments almost eliminated entirely. That means no detective squad, minimal sex offender tracking, slow response times (if there’s ANY response). It’s more likely that a domestic violence beating will become a murder. It’s more likely that the inability of law enforcement to follow up will increase the likelihood of cases going unsolved, and increase the reliance on shady witness accounts.
We’re at an age where the idea of the peace being kept is now held in doubt. It’s no longer being taken for granted. Gun sales are still at historically high levels.
We can arm ourselves to the hilt all we want. The reality is that the County Sheriff is the only person that can legally stand between the force of federal government and the county’s citizens. Maricopa County (Arizona) Sheriff Joe Arpaio and Graham County (Arizona) Sheriff Richard Mack have gone a long way towards teaching Americans the true value and power of a county sheriff. It kind of makes me wonder about the timing of all these sheriffs’ deputies layoffs occuring throughout Ohio, if not nationwide.
Of course, this is all happening under the guise of “we’re simply just out of money” and “Ohio does not mandate that the sheriff maintain a road patrol”. Unfortunately, many people are expectedly seeing distorted reports linking sheriff’s departments to excessive spending, as if our law enforcement is fat that needs to be cut. With social services operating under huge surpluses, especially in my home area of Richland County, we’re supposed to be ok with the idea that we don’t need to fund our own protection?
Government is supposed to provide defense and infrastructure, at all levels. Yes, we can arm ourselves; and we can also get training as far as all the “how to’s” that come with that territory. However, there is a big difference between armed citizens and trained professionals. Even the most vigilant armed citizen will not have their guard up at all times; otherwise, we’d be unable to live our lives. Trained professional law enforcement agents make it part of their job, and part of their lives. They are paid to practice at this mindset, just like an accountant is accustomed to Microsoft Excel, and a lumberjack is to cutting wood. It’s the difference between recalling how to react at a moment’s notice, and split second instinctive reaction. There’s no contest.
An armed citizenry is still a good thing, but we need the Sheriff’s Department to lead us because they’ve been there time and time again, while we stand by never hoping to be in a position they’re in for fear of the possibility for traumatizing memories to set in our lives due to witnessing or being part of a tragic situation.
Apparently our county has had some beatings, break-ins, and a stabbing reported last night, the first full day of one car patrolling 500 square miles.
One more reason an armed citizenry is a good thing – there’s an organization called OathKeepers. We may need to lean on them during these interesting times. We shall see.