Gregory Kielma • May 25, 2024
America’s Guns and Why All 400 Million of Them Have Got to Go
America’s Guns and Why All 400 Million of Them Have Got to Go
Says Kielma,
is it going to happen sooner than later? Continues Kielma, it’s not when, it’s not how… it’s WHY? What is the anti-gun lobby so afraid of? Good, legal citizens should always have the right to bear arms. God Bless The Second Amendment.
Please read below…..
In the cultural zeitgeist that is America, one topic has always sparked heated debate: guns. Some people love them, other people really love them, and others can’t stand the idea of them. Regardless of your feelings and for better or worse, guns are a way of life in the United States. However, there are those who believe that line of thinking must change.
All of this begs the question, why are so many Americans so attached to their firearms? According to a 2021 Gallup Poll, a high percentage of gun owners have cited self-defense as their primary reason, seemingly indicating that a great deal of Americans have a deep set fear of potential danger.
Actual circumstances in which gun owners have been forced to use their firearms in self-defense are extremely few and far between, though. Recent reports suggest that less than 3 percent of gun owners find themselves in situations in which they have had to resort to the use of a firearm to protect themselves.
When it comes to guns, many media outlets tend to drive the narrative of the need for reform. This is not the case with Fox News. Of all the media outlets, Fox News has played a crucial role pushing a narrative which perpetuates a constant sense of peril, while also sowing the seeds of distrust in our institutions.
Their constant peddling of propagandist alarmism has given their viewers a very distorted sense of reality, contributing to many of them feeling paranoid. And, in some rare cases, even willing to take up arms against imagined enemies. This dangerous rhetoric from Fox News has done little to calm the already existing tensions within the country, and one could argue that it’s made it worse.
This alarmist fear has led to some tragic accidents involving guns over the years. Data has shown that a significant portion of gun violence is accidental, particularly when it comes to guns in the home.
For gun violence that takes place out in public, innocent individuals have been caught in the crossfire of gun owners who believe that they’re doing good. Indeed, constant tension causes gun owners to see other individuals as threats, when they don’t pose any potential harm at all.
Further highlighting this growing issue perpetuated by Fox News and other media outlets such as Newsmax and the OAN Network, are the events that unfolded on April 13th of 2023 in Kansas City, MO.
Ralph Yarl, a 16-year-old African American boy, mistakenly approached the home of 84-year old Andrew Daniel Lester, believing it to be the place where he was supposed to pick up his twin brothers. The second he rang the doorbell, Lester immediately opened fire on the boy, shooting him twice. The incident left him with arm and head injuries, the latter of which resulted in traumatic brain damage.
Unfortunately, the case of Ralph Yarl isn’t the only incident like this. Just two days after the boy’s shooting, a young man in upstate New York made the fatal mistake of accidentally entering the driveway of an unfamiliar residence. Realizing he had made a mistake, he and the other four passengers in his car immediately backed out, but it was too late.
As the group was pulling out of the driveway, the homeowner, Kevin D. Monahan, opened fire on the group using a 20-gauge shotgun, killing the driver’s girlfriend, 20-year-old Kaylin Gillis. All because of an honest mistake.
That same month, another horrifying incident would take place. This time in North Carolina, where a group of children were playing basketball in the street of their neighborhood, and accidentally tossed their ball into the yard of Robert Louis Singletray.
According to neighbors and other witnesses, when the children and parents went to retrieve the ball, Singleton was irate. He retrieved a handgun and began to indiscriminately open fire on all individuals present. This resulted in minor injuries for some, but serious injuries for a 6-year-old girl and her father.
That same month, another incident occurred, this time in Texas. On April 18, 2023, two competitive cheerleaders, Payton Washington and Heather Roth, were both shot by Pedro Rodriguez, Jr. after mistakenly entering his vehicle, believing it was theirs.
Fortunately, both cheerleaders survived the attack, but the issue of people attacking those who mean them no harm is ongoing. These horrifying acts of senseless gun violence, all because of mistakes anyone could make, continue to pose a pressing threat not just to our society, but our mental well-being.
What’s even more concerning about all of these different incidents of gun violence is the fact that only 3% of Americans own half of all guns. The prevalence of gun violence in American society would imply that many more people owned the weapons, but in reality it’s a very small number.
Of those three percent, though, there’s an outrageous number of guns. There are currently more than 400 million guns in circulation in the United States, with some ten million Americans currently owning 30 or more guns, each.
Now, regarding gun laws in the United States, there’s no question that it is an issue plagued by endless debate and controversy. Many are either for or against guns, leaving little room for middle ground in the realm of politics or social setting.
This all goes back to the Second Amendment, which, in writing, does enshrine the right to bear arms. This is the main focal point of many pro-gun activists, who use it as the reason why there should be less restrictions regarding firearms. In the end, all it has really done is further divide ideological and legal perspectives.
While many conservative voices cite the rise in crime as reason for fewer gun restrictions, advocates on the other side would argue otherwise.
Those who advocate for stricter laws regarding firearms tend to zero in on the need for public safety imperatives. In theory, this would mitigate not just random gun violence, but also help prevent criminal activities such as mass shootings. Due to lax gun laws, the United States is currently the top record holder for most mass shootings in the western world.
National conversations about the need for comprehensive gun control measures have been even further catalyzed in the wake of tragic mass shootings. Some of these include the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre, which claimed 28 innocent lives, the majority of whom were children, and the 2017 Las Vegas shooting, which resulted in the deaths of 58 people.
Unfortunately, though, horrible incidents such as these don’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. There have been many more since these events occurred, further intensifying the emotional toll and societal impact around the controversy of firearm safety and availability.
These tragic instances of mass shootings have only further catapulted more calls for further legislative action. Not only to address the issue of the proliferation of firearms, but also to regulate access to certain firearms, and to enhance background checks on those seeking to own one.
In the wake of the mass shootings that continually plague the United States, it should seem common sense that these regulations be implemented. Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as some would have it.
Unfortunately, unlike other countries that have managed to accomplish significant gun restrictions, the United States has a unique problem when it comes to gun control.
Each state in the U.S. has significantly different gun legislation, which contributes to the complexity of the issue. Each jurisdiction handles guns differently, and this patchwork model of gun laws only contributes to the complexity of the goal of achieving widespread elimination of gun violence.
Unfortunately, unlike other countries that have managed to accomplish significant gun restrictions, the United States has a unique problem when it comes to gun control.
Each state in the U.S. has significantly different gun legislation, which contributes to the complexity of the issue. Each jurisdiction handles guns differently, and this patchwork model of gun laws only contributes to the complexity of the goal of achieving widespread elimination of gun violence.
The resistance against gun control is contributed to, in large part, by the deeply ingrained gun culture in America. No other country in the world has quite the attachment to firearms like Americans, and it shows in the resistance to any discussion over gun legislation.
Hunting culture in many conservative states is one factor that has contributed to the lack of gun control measures, as well as the cultural significance of firearms. The association of guns with personal freedom and self-reliance has helped to shape the national attitude towards firearms.
The deep divide in opinions on guns is reflected in the various grassroots groups that have cropped up in the last several decades, both for gun control and against it.
The activism of small and large interest groups alike showcases the enduring controversy around guns, as well as the high stakes that are involved in shaping gun policies. The most famous of the organizations, of course, is the National Rifle Association (NRA) which has had a significant hand in blocking gun control legislation in the United States in the last fifteen years.
Unfortunately, it’s likely that the blockade around gun legislation will continue. Until efforts are made on the part of both Republicans and Democrats to understand the other side, a nuanced approach to gun control is impossible.
Achieving lasting gun control legislation is not as simple as banning guns altogether. The interplay between constitutional rights, public safety imperatives, and societal attitudes must be addressed before any forward movement can take place surrounding gun ownership and legislation.
Legislators are not the only ones who need to be convinced regarding gun legislation, either. Convincing law enforcement, advocacy groups, and the general public will all prove to be deeply important when it comes to the conversation around gun control, as well.
These are all deeply important conversations to have in America, particularly in an election year. New state laws and motions are being submitted around guns every month, and only comprehensive federal legislation will smooth out the rough edges of gun laws from state to state. It’ll require bipartisan efforts from both sides, but it would be worth it for the American people, if legislators have the courage to do it.
About Edward Bailey: Why We Should Support Edward Bailey for Manatee County Commissioner, District 2
Why We Should Support Edward Bailey for Manatee County Commissioner, District 2
John Dunn: A Grassroots Candidate Enters the Manatee County Commission Race
DOJ Announces Rulemaking Package Aimed At Protecting Second Amendment Freedoms
Why Every Home Should Have a Firearm for Personal Protection
3d Printed Firearms What are They and Are they Legal? Let's take a look
Being Prepared for the 2026 Hurricane Season By Gregory Kielma, Tactical K Training & Firearms The 2026 Hurricane Season is shaping up to be another year where preparation isn’t optional it’s essential. Florida has seen record heat, rising insurance pressures, rapid population growth, and increasingly unpredictable storm behavior. None of that is meant to create fear. It’s meant to reinforce a simple truth: preparedness gives you control, confidence, and options when the weather turns. Whether you’re protecting a home, a business, or a family, the goal is the same build layers of readiness before the first storm forms. Start With Awareness and a Plan Storms don’t give you time to “figure it out later.” Your plan should be written, practiced, and known by everyone in the household or workplace. Key elements of a solid plan: Where will you go if evacuation becomes necessary Multiple routes out of your area A communication plan if cell networks fail A designated out‑of‑state contact A plan for pets, elderly family members, and anyone with medical needs For businesses, include: Who secures the building Who handles digital backups Who communicates closures and reopening A plan removes panic. It replaces it with action. Strengthen Your Home or Business Before the First Storm Florida structures take a beating every year. Small improvements now prevent major losses later. Exterior protection: Inspect your roof for loose shingles or soft spots Clear gutters and drainage paths Trim trees and remove dead limbs Install or test shutters Reinforce garage doors—one of the most common failure points Interior protection: Surge protection for critical electronics Elevate valuables and important documents Know how to shut off water, power, and gas If you own a business, walk your property as if you were a storm: What can break? What can blow away? What can flood? Fix those points now. Build a Realistic, Usable Supply Kit For Your Home or Business A hurricane kit isn’t about stockpiling, it’s about independence. After a major storm, help may take hours or days to reach your area. For homes and families: Water: 1 gallon per person per day (minimum 3–7 days) Non‑perishable food Medications and medical supplies Flashlights, headlamps, and batteries Battery bank for phones First aid kit Copies of important documents Cash in small bills Tools, gloves, tarps, duct tape For businesses: Backup power for essential systems Printed employee contact lists Hard copies of insurance documents A plan for securing inventory and equipment Preparedness isn’t about fear it’s about not being dependent on luck. Protect Your Digital Life In 2026, digital readiness is just as important as physical readiness. Back up important files to the cloud and an external drive Photograph your home, business, and valuables for insurance Store digital copies of IDs, insurance policies, and receipts Keep chargers, power banks, and a small solar panel if possible When the power goes out, your digital preparation keeps you moving. Understand Post‑Storm Safety Most injuries happen after the storm, not during it. Be cautious with: Downed power lines Flooded roads Carbon monoxide from generators Unstable structures Contaminated water If you evacuated, don’t rush home. Wait for official clearance. Your safety comes first. Mindset: Prepared, Not Paranoid Preparedness is a discipline, not a reaction. It’s the same mindset we teach in every Tactical K class awareness, planning, and responsible action. A hurricane is a natural event. Your response is a choice. When you prepare early, you protect: Your family Your property Your business Your peace of mind And you set an example for your community. Kielma’s Parting Shot The 2026 Hurricane Season will bring challenges, just like every season. But Floridians are resilient, and preparation is part of our way of life. Start now. Strengthen your home, your business, and your plan. Build your layers of safety before the first storm forms. If you need help building a plan, creating a checklist, or preparing your family or business, Tactical K Training is here to support you with practical, real‑world guidance.
Why You Should Never Travel Through High Water
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 87 Months in Trafficking Nine Firearms, Including to Buyer Who Said He Was ‘At War’ Thursday, April 30, 2026 U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Columbia WASHINGTON - Brandon Smith, 34, a previously convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 87 months in prison for conspiring to traffic at least nine firearms to a prohibited buyer over the course of six months, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. “Brandon Smith was already on supervised probation for a violent felony when he chose to traffic firearms, and he continued even after being told the buyer intended to use them for violence,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Over the course of six months, he arranged the sale of at least nine guns—including one with an obliterated serial number—to a prohibited individual. This was not a momentary lapse in judgment, but a sustained and deliberate effort to arm someone who could not legally possess firearms. My office remains committed to holding accountable those who endanger our communities by trafficking illegal guns.” On Jan. 9, 2026, Smith pleaded guilty before Judge Howell to conspiracy to commit trafficking in firearms. In addition to the 87-month prison term, Judge Howell ordered Smith to serve three years of supervised release. Federal prosecutors had requested a 108-month prison term. According to court papers, beginning in November 2023, ATF opened an investigation after a confidential source reported that Smith, then on supervised probation for a violent felony, was actively advertising firearms for sale by texting photographs of guns to prospective buyers, including individuals with prior felony convictions. During the next six months, Smith sold or arranged the sale of nine firearms to a buyer on six separate occasions. During the transactions, Smith sold his own personal carry firearm on multiple occasions when a supplier failed to deliver, then purchased a replacement for himself afterward. In early January 2024, as Smith and the buyer discussed an upcoming transaction, the buyer told Smith he needed the firearms because he was “at war” after his cousin had been killed. Smith proceeded with the sale. The buyer had also told Smith he was serving a criminal justice sentence at the time of the transactions. Smith acknowledged that he, too, was “on papers.” Smith arranged a total of six transactions from Nov. 30, 2023, through May 30, 2024, resulting in the sale of nine firearms. At least one of the firearms had its serial number obliterated. On Oct. 26, 2024, MPD officers conducted a traffic stop on the 1600 block of 16th Street SE and found Smith in the front passenger seat of a parked vehicle. Officers observed open containers of alcohol and discovered a satchel at his feet. Inside the satchel, in plain view, was a loaded Glock Model 19X 9mm handgun with a round in the chamber and 16 additional rounds in the magazine. The bag also contained a bank card and government-issued identification in Smith’s name. Smith has prior convictions for Simple Assault (2011), Attempted Robbery (2013), and Robbery and Possession of a Firearm during a Crime of Violence (2016), for which he was sentenced to five years in prison. He was serving a term of supervised probation from the 2016 conviction at the time of the firearms trafficking conspiracy. This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Office, and the Metropolitan Police Department. The matter was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan M. Horan. Convicted Felon Sentenced to 87 Months in Trafficking
