I’m Dan and I am one of those good guys with a gun. I believe our Constitution gives everyone the right to carry a firearm. I carry 24/7/365.

I’m a teacher and I always lock the door and keep one eye on it, and I’m happy to watch over the hallway between classes – except, of course, for bathroom breaks; then I leave my weapon to the most mature middle schooler.

Since the D.C. sniper attacks, I no longer go to the store alone. In the parking lot, a companion and I walk back to back, in a zig-zag, so we can neutralize threats from all angles.

More recently, the Yarmouth interstate shooting made me realize my vulnerability while driving. Now I hold my firearm in my right hand and the steering wheel in my left. To defend against shots from the rear, I bought a lady-pistol for my toddler in her rear-facing car seat and now we’re safe.

If firearms owners stick together and remain constantly vigilant, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from the real threat out there: too many guns, often in the hands of loved ones.

Daniel Smith
Yarmouth