Armed Females of America -- They tell you in the anti-gun women's magazines to be aware of your surroundings and to take precautions so you are not caught in high-risk situations. (Don't go out by yourself at night; don't go into high-crime neighborhoods; don't talk to strangers; etc.) They tell you to always check the back seat of your car before you get in; to walk on the street-side of the sidewalk (rather than the building-side); and to get inside a well-lit store if you suspect someone is following you.

These are all good suggestions that I practice all the time.

What the anti-gunners don't tell you is that no matter how prepared you are, and no matter how careful you are, you are still at risk of being attacked. And if attacked, your chances of being maimed, raped or dead are much higher if you have no adequate means to defend yourself. (Screaming, running, and passivity, contrary to what they would have you believe, are NOT adequate!)

I was originally from Long Island, New York, and before I met my husband, I didn't even know that regular citizens like myself could legally own a gun for self-defense. Then my husband taught me about the Constitution, how to shoot a pistol, and how to use a gun for self-defense.

Now I know that as long as I am prepared, I have a vastly better chance of surviving an attack by a predatory criminal. It is exciting to know I have control over my own body and life, and I don't have to live in fear.

Some say I am selfish -- that I am putting my life above that of the criminal. I say: When it comes to criminals, they are putting their lives above mine. Someone who would rape, maim, or kill me is an animal without morals or conscience. The strongest and most well-prepared will survive. Thanks to my handgun and the lessons my husband gave me, I am more likely to be stronger and more well-prepared than my attacker.

Some say I am stupid -- that my gun can be taken away from me and used against me. I say: That is why I take self-defense lessons, and practice my draw, my stance, and my grip.

Some say I am naive -- what if the criminal has a gun too? I say: May the best aim win. If my attacker has a gun, I certainly wouldn't have a chance without one, would I?

Some say I am lazy -- that if I "really" cared about self-defense, I'd go learn Karate. I say: I am disabled, and I have a RIGHT to be able to defend myself ADEQUATELY against an attack!

What do you say?