A New Zealand Tidbit

A newly learned tidbit about New Zealand (Americans that are tuned in should brace themselves)…The police here do not carry guns! They have special gun carrying units that will be called if they believe there is a need for it. But, 9 times out of 10 wouldn’t it be too late for the special gunmen police to jump in their cruiser and head to the scene? A Kiwi couple that were hosts of one of the B&B’s we stayed in up in the Northlands were telling us that Kiwis are discussing more and more whether to change that approach since there are more violent crimes happening now than ever before. But for now, no guns.

It has become perfectly clear over the time we have spent here that the right to bear arms is truly an American value (2nd amendment to the Constitution and all). It is difficult to try to explain to a non-American that if you shot someone that was trespassing in your home in the middle of the night that you would probably only be asked to give a statement, thanked and then allowed to return to bed. Or, that you can buy a gun in a superstore like Cabella’s or any other hunting store and that in more than half the states there are no licensing requirements. And lastly, that every police officer carries a sidearm.

Living in Philadelphia we thought long and hard about whether or not to own a personal handgun but decided that it wasn’t for us. We went with the metal bat under the bed home security system. Well, along with a hard wired alarm and Jason’s diligent before bed checking of the window and door locks. I appreciate the fact that I got to make that choice myself with my family knowing our personal circumstances and I definately think that police should be carrying guns as they are put in the most dangerous of situations. Besides, how else would you unarm an armed man? With nice words and a smile? I might be able to do that, but not a Philly cop.

After living in two very safe cities, Sydney and Auckland, maybe there is something to be learned from these places. I’m not talking about stripping away American rights and leaving police officers unarmed but, as an American and a Philadelphian, shouldn't I feel safe in my home or walking about my neighborhood?