August 1994	Women & Guns 

Dear Self-Reliant Reader

	"No."	"N._ O."

	"What is it about this word that you don't understand?"

	As a child, I often heard these three statements.  You most
probably did also.

	As a mother (much to my dismay), I use these three statements.

	I have always thought that "NO" was an easy word to
understand.  Granted it does not always come at an agreeable time or
bring gratification to the listener.

	The word is one of the first that we hear as children.  It is
used by our caregivers to protect us and others from the danger of
certain actions or situations.

	A child reaching for an electrical outlet is told "NO!" A
youth requesting his tenth piece of candy is told "NO!"  A teenager
asking to stay out on a school night is told "NO!"  An adult, who has
over indulged, when ordering another drink is told "NO!"

	In each case the listener is being told that her/his actions
should cease.  In each case the speaker is watching out for the safety
of the listener.

	There are also other situations when the word "NO" is used.

	A child taking a toy from her/his sibling is told "NO!" A
youth throwing a ball close to windows is told "NO!"  A teenager
rough-housing in a pool is told "NO!"  An adult raising a fist is told
"NO!"

	In each case the listener recognizes that her/his actions
should cease. In each case the speaker is watching out for her/his
safety or that of another individual who appears to be in harm's way.

	A recent decision by the Pennsylvania State Supreme Court
construes a new meaning for the word "NO."

	According to the seven male justices on the Court, "NO" does
not mean anything.

	In 1987, a young female student at East Stroudsburg University
entered a dormitory room looking for a friend.  Instead she met Robert
Berkowitz.

	While she repeatedly said "NO", he fondled her, locked the
door to the room, removed items of clothing from her and had non
consentual intercourse with her.

	But according to the state law, he did not rape her.

	Justice Ralph Cappy wrote in the unanimous opinion that, "As
to the complainant's testimony that she stated 'no' throughout the
encounter with the appellee, we point out that, while such an
allegation of fact would be relevant to the issue of consent, it is
not relevant to the use of force."

	The victim acknowledged that her assailant did not use "force"
during the assault.  She acknowledged that her only action was to
repeatedly say "NO!"

	Although this case pertains to the law in Pennsylvania and
Pennsylvania plans to pass new legislation defining rape, it sends an
ominous message to the women of this country.

	Each of us has her/his behavior pattern when it comes to
self-defense. Until recently, women have been almost universally
advised to remain passive in assault instances in order to mitigate
their chances of severe physical harm.

	With this kind of judicial ruling, a woman must either show
extreme physical injury or provide a witness to prove that force was
involved and that she resisted.

	It could make date and acquaintance rape impossible to
prosecute.

	It is said that women who are assaulted are victimized twice.
Once by the perpetrator of the crime and the second time by the
criminal justice system.

	It seems that the reality is that they are continually
victimized.

	You can not count on anyone to protect you or defend you
except yourself.

	You must either be self-reliant or you run the risk of being a
victim.

	You must make concrete, soul searching decisions.

	You must choose how you wish to be self-reliant.  And you must
be prepared.

	Many of the women that I see at the grocery store, school
functions and other places in the suburban area where I live carry
"Pepper Spray" on their key chains.  Others carry a "mini-baton."
These are visible signs of their choices.

	I do not choose to be a victim or allow my children and/or
spouse to be victimized.

	I advocate the legal carry of firearms for any women who is
comfortable with the concept.

	I advocate the proper training and periodic sharpening of
skills.

	I advocate responsible storage of firearms and ammunition,
especially with children in the home.

	I hope that my actions will help prevent me and mine from
becoming a victim.

	By being prepared, I hope to avoid a confrontation that
involves violence to me or others.

	This is self-reliance.

	  

P.S. Miss Splendiferous, Miss Spectacular, Master Stupendous_ you are
not forgotten. Ronica, thanks for everything. Good luck as you all
embark on new adventures.  A.M.G._M.M.D.