Would you choose to own a gun if your life depended on it? America has defended itself with weapons since December 13, 1631 when the National Guard was born. We are a country that defends what we love. What do we defend ourselves with? Obviously firearms. Guns and America were discovered around the same time. Guns will forever be a part of America. Without weapons the American Revolution would not have been won (Boehm). There have been a few moments in American history where firearms have caused the loss of innocent human life to an unstable person, but there have been even more moments where firearms have defended the freedom of every American. Most people don't think about everyday life and how guns can be useful to our lives. Private gun ownership should not be banned because guns provide protection, people are responsible for killing other people, without guns criminals will find other ways to kill, and it is our American right to own guns to protect ourselves. Without weapons, people would run like crazy through the streets. We all want to feel that warm, fuzzy feeling of protection. Protection is now the primary reason Americans own guns (personnel). Those who are against guns usually say that there are other ways to protect yourself such as calling 911 or the local police (Justice). While this is true, it is an unrealistic way of protecting yourself. The police usually arrive after a crime has been committed or when it is too late (Why). The first person an armed criminal encounters is the victim, and if the victim is armed, he can protect himself on the spot without having to hide or wait for the police to arrive. We call the police because they are armed with a firearm and can protect you. If used for protection, guns will save... half the paper... and the web. December 11, 2013. “Personal safety is the primary reason Americans own guns today.” Personal safety is the primary reason Americans own guns today. Np, nd Web. December 11, 2013. “Statistics Show: More Guns, Less Crime.” Infowars statistics prove that more guns equals less crime. Np, nd Web. December 11, 2013."What are the gun laws in Iowa?" About.com Crime/Punishment. Np, nd Web. December 11, 2013."Why own a gun? Protection is now the main reason." Pew Research Center for People and Press RSS. Np, nd Web. December 11, 2013. “Adam Lanza Would Not Have Been Stopped by Tougher Gun Control Laws.” PolicyMic. Np, nd Web. 11 December 2013. "Justice Stevens: You have a 'constitutional right' to call 911, not to own a gun | Outdoor living." Outdoor life. Np, nd Web. December 11, 2013. “Refuting the Arguments Against Gun Control.” The cynical progressive. Np, nd Web. 11 December. 2013.