Normalizing Guns: A Path Toward Safety and Self-Reliance in America
By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS
As an Iranian-American who grew up in a tumultuous era, having witnessed the horrors of authoritarianism, war, and terrorism firsthand, I have come to deeply appreciate the value of personal freedom, security, and the protection of one’s family. These values have shaped my journey from being a socialist and vegan to becoming a Christian conservative who stands firmly for the right to bear arms. In recent years, the debate over gun rights has intensified in America, and I believe it’s time for a return to the normalization of firearms—a cultural stance that many countries, including Switzerland and Israel, have successfully embraced.
For much of American history, guns were not only normalized but were a cornerstone of daily life. From the early days of the Republic, the right to own and carry arms was enshrined in the Second Amendment, with the understanding that self-defense is a fundamental human right. Yet, over the years, this principle has been obscured, and the narrative surrounding guns has shifted from a symbol of empowerment and self-reliance to one of fear and division. It is time to revisit the old American tradition, one where responsible gun ownership was the norm, and the state played a minimal role in dictating what individuals could and could not own.
One need not look far to find examples of societies that maintain strong traditions of gun ownership while preserving public safety. Take Switzerland, for instance. The Swiss are required by law to undergo military training, and their gun ownership is not only legal but encouraged. In fact, Swiss citizens store their military-issued rifles in their homes. Yet, despite the widespread availability of firearms, Switzerland consistently ranks among the lowest in terms of gun-related crimes. This is because gun ownership is seen as a duty—a responsibility, not just a right. The Swiss culture around guns emphasizes respect, responsibility, and safety, and it is rooted in a long-standing tradition of neutrality and self-defense.
Similarly, Israel has long understood the importance of armed citizenry for national defense. In the face of constant threats from neighboring adversaries, Israel has implemented a policy of mandatory military service for both men and women. After completing their service, many soldiers retain their weapons, which they are expected to keep at home. Gun ownership is a common practice in Israel, and while the country faces high security risks, the rate of gun violence remains relatively low due to strict regulations and the cultural respect for firearms as tools of defense, not violence.
These examples highlight an important truth: normalization of firearms does not lead to chaos and violence, but rather can contribute to a culture of responsibility, self-reliance, and safety. Gun ownership, when viewed as a right and a duty, instills a sense of individual responsibility and ensures that citizens are able to protect themselves and their families from threats, both foreign and domestic. This is especially important in a world where law enforcement, despite their best efforts, cannot always be relied upon to respond immediately in times of crisis.
I have personally experienced the dangers of living in a society where the government holds all the power, and citizens are disarmed and vulnerable. Growing up in Iran, I saw how the government's monopoly on force allowed them to oppress and silence the people. This stark contrast to American freedoms is why I believe so strongly in the right to bear arms. In Iran, the ruling regime used force and violence to maintain power, while ordinary citizens were helpless to defend themselves. In America, our right to bear arms serves as a safeguard against tyranny—a guarantee that, should the government turn against us, we will have the means to protect our freedoms.
Of course, this does not mean that we should abandon common-sense regulations. Just as Switzerland and Israel have strict laws governing who can own firearms and how they must be stored, so too should we ensure that gun ownership in America is responsible and regulated. Background checks, mandatory training, and safe storage laws are all important steps in preventing gun violence. But these measures should not infringe upon the fundamental right of Americans to own and carry firearms. We must reject the narrative that guns are inherently dangerous or that the solution to gun violence is simply to take away the rights of law-abiding citizens.
Instead, we should embrace a culture where responsible gun ownership is seen as a part of our duty to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities. Guns should no longer be treated as taboo or feared; they should be respected for the power they represent in defending freedom. It is time to restore the normalization of firearms in our society, just as it exists in places like Switzerland and Israel—where guns are part of the fabric of life, not a source of division.
America’s strength lies in its people, in our ability to take care of ourselves and each other. Normalizing guns is a step toward returning to those American ideals of self-reliance, liberty, and personal responsibility. It is time to embrace a future where we honor our right to bear arms, where we trust our fellow citizens to be responsible, and where we stand ready to defend the freedoms we hold dear.
Citations:
- "Gun Control in Switzerland: What the World Can Learn from the Swiss Model," SwissInfo. https://www.swissinfo.ch/
- "The Israeli Model of Gun Ownership," The Jewish Virtual Library. https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/
- “The Second Amendment: A History of the Right to Bear Arms in America,” National Archives. https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/bill-of-rights
- "Self-Defense and the Role of Guns in American Culture," The Heritage Foundation. https://www.heritage.org/
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