A popular idea among activists of all sorts these days is the idea that slogans save lives.
As an example, take the phrase “Never again.” This phrase is often used to express the intention to not allow another Holocaust type of attempted genocide against Jews which is a commendable intention.
Of course, slogans are used by all types of activists for all types of causes. A Jewish professor, though, argues that if Jews are serious about never being subjected to an attempted genocide again, they need to be able to do more than than say “Never again.” Adam Fuller writes,
A gun in the hand is worth more than ‘never again.’
Fuller is absolutely right. If any group, whether Jews or another minority, whether it is women or the elderly, chooses to chant slogans instead of choosing to arm themselves, they are actually choosing to be defenseless. It’s appalling. Fuller continues:
Now that we recognize just how precarious Jewish lives have become, American Jews have two solutions going forward. The first is to rely on government to protect us. How is that working out, though? While many attacks are foiled by law enforcement, plenty still slip through the cracks. Unless we’re prepared to turn America into a full-on Orwellian surveillance state that watches everyone’s every move and strips basic freedoms from all, dangerous people will always slip through.
The second solution is more reasonable: Jews must become more self-reliant. That means becoming armed.
And again from Fuller:
Jewish Americans need to buy guns, seek firearms training, and carry legally.
Fuller is absolutely right.
I want to make the point, though, that both the problem and the solution are not unique to Jews.
Violence is a reality in the world and is increasing from some parts of society. That’s why all of us need to train and carry daily.
You don’t know how many lives that you’ll save by doing so.