With global news accessible to anyone, on any device, at any time, it’s hard to hide from the fact that the world feels like a more violent and dangerous place to live than it used to be. This is an inescapable reality that Americans across the country face and has led to policy changes in Oklahoma. 

The adoption of this new Constitutional Carry Law, which went into effect in the state of Oklahoma in November 2019, sparked controversy among gun advocates and those who oppose these personal freedoms. Allowing citizens the freedom and flexibility to safely conceal their protective devices help to make society a safer space for all. 

Some argue that the systems we have in place, namely local law enforcement agencies responsible for maintaining peace and order, are enough of a protective measure to keep the general population safe, but the data argues otherwise. 

We’ve all heard the adage, “When seconds count, the cops are just minutes away.”, and it’s true. America’s police force is an excellent asset in helping to ensure public safety, but nothing replaces self-defense in the moments that matter most. Those that argue a potential increase in gun-related crimes as justification for stripping Americans from their second amendment freedoms need only consider how the benefits of allowing personal protection would stack up against crimes like robbery and rape, particularly for more vulnerable populations. 

Legal access to firearms doesn’t incite violent behavior in criminals whose aggressive behaviors fall outside the scope of the law. Instead, it allows law-abiding citizens to defend themselves in what could otherwise be fatal situations for them. It evens the playing field between criminals and everyday citizens who want to be safe. 

Firearms make it easier to safeguard the individual right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, our basic fundamental freedoms. They help to create safer spaces, with an understanding that anyone has the access and right to defend themselves against potential threats. Citizens will be more conscious of their personal safety and the responsibility that comes with it. 

Oklahoma’s Constitutional Carry law makes the state a safer place to live and play for all citizens. Americans have a right, as outlined within our Constitution, to exist in an environment that protects them as human beings. The legal freedom to practice self-defense is essential to ensuring that we all have the same right to life and liberty under the laws we hold dear. 

Allowing residents to carry firearms without special permits is necessary and should not be amended.