Yet another "gun-free" zone failure

Once again, a place where lawful carry of a self-defense firearm is frowned upon, innocent lives were in grave danger. Fortunately, only the intruder was harmed. In this case, it was on the grounds of an LDS (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) temple in a Salt Lake City suburb.

Who needs a gun for self defense on church property? According to some church and public officials, nobody. A church is a sanctuary, after all -- which, it is presumed, even criminals and the insane would surely obey.

Even after the in-church murder of an LDS bishop, the LDS Church stipulates that "Churches are dedicated for the worship of God and as havens from the cares and concerns of the world. The carrying of lethal weapons, concealed or otherwise, within their walls is inappropriate except as required by officers of the law." (Handbook 2: Administering the Church, 21.2.4)

It seems to me that it is unreasonable to presume that persons with criminal intent will obey any law or other prohibition -- even a religious "haven."

"Gun-free" zones are, in reality, disarmed-victim zones where only evil-doers and cops carry guns. Fortunately, this time the cops arrived in time. Most times they can't. This time, worshipers were lucky -- saved only by an observant citizen who called 911 just in time.

If armed security is apporpriate for certain government and church leaders -- even within so-called "gun-free" zones, why must we commoners be expected to do without self-protection other than a cell phone?

Even the Scriptures indicate that defense of self and others is appropriate and necessary:

A righteous man who falters before the wicked is like a murky spring and a polluted well. — Proverbs 25:26

But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. — 1 Timothy 5:8

He that hath no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one. — Luke 22:36

If the thief be found breaking in, and be smitten so that he dieth, there shall be no bloodguiltiness for him. — Exodus 22:2

Rescue the weak and needy; Deliver them out of the hand of the wicked. — Psalm 82:4

When a strong man, fully armed, guards his house, his possessions are safe. — Luke 11:21

And they were doing that which they felt was the duty which they owed their God; for the Lord had said unto them, and also unto their fathers, that: Inasmuch as ye are not guilty of the first offense, neither the second, ye shall not suffer yourselves to be slain by the hands of your enemies. And again, the Lord has said that: Ye shall defend your families even unto bloodshed. Therefore for this cause were the Nephites contending with the Lamanites, to defend themselves, and their families, and their lands, their country, and their rights, and their religion. — Alma 43:46-47

Let us resist evil, and whatsoever evil we cannot resist with our words, yea, such as rebellions and dissensions, let us resist them with our swords, that we may retain our freedom. — Alma 61:14

"Gun-free" zones such as churches, schools, businesses, government property, etc. must be abolished unless sufficient on-site armed security is provided to foil all criminal attacks on or in that property.