Protecting Liberty While Encouraging Firearms Education

In the wake of national tragedy, emotional headlines and political pressure have once again fueled the push for sweeping gun control legislation. The recent opinion piece titled “Improving Maine Gun Laws While Protecting Responsible Gun Ownership” calls for tightening background checks and imposing new regulations in response to the unfortunate mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine. While the pain from such events is real, it’s critical to approach solutions with facts—not fear—and with a firm commitment to preserving our Second Amendment rights.

The Truth Behind Maine’s Existing Firearms Laws

Maine already has some of the lowest rates of gun violence in the country, despite having some of the loosest gun laws. It’s a constitutional carry state where law-abiding citizens can carry firearms without a permit. According to the article, authorities missed several red flags in the Lewiston case—mental health episodes, prior incidents, and military concerns. These lapses don’t point to a failure of gun laws. They highlight government miscommunication and a systemic failure to enforce laws already in place.

Blaming legally armed citizens for failures in enforcement is not only misguided—it’s dangerous. It fuels a reactionary approach to legislation that often penalizes the very individuals who are willing to take personal responsibility and train to use firearms safely and appropriately.

Responsible Gun Ownership Starts with Training

While national conversations often turn toward restricting access, we at Fortress Firearms Training believe the focus should be on increasing personal accountability and education. The article mentions the importance of “reasonable regulations,” but often those discussions ignore the role of gun safety training and education for responsible gun owners.

The call for “Improving Maine Gun Laws While Protecting Responsible Gun Ownership” fails to mention that many gun owners are already seeking out proactive training. Here at Fortress Firearms Training in Fountain Inn, SC, we offer comprehensive courses that not only prepare individuals for self-defense but instill a deeper understanding of legal and ethical responsibilities associated with firearm ownership.

• Basic Firearms Safety Courses: Ideal for new gun owners seeking foundational knowledge.
• Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) Training: We equip South Carolinians with legal knowledge and practical skills to carry responsibly.
• Advanced Defensive Shooting: Focuses on protecting life under real-world conditions, not Hollywood fantasies.

No law, however strict, will ever replace education and discipline. It is training—not legislation—that transforms a gun owner into a responsible, law-abiding defender.

Gun Control Laws Often Fail Those They Claim to Protect

“Improving Maine Gun Laws While Protecting Responsible Gun Ownership” suggests that by layering more regulations on top of existing ones, communities can prevent future tragedies. But time and again, we see the opposite. The Lewiston shooter had been institutionalized, flagged by his unit, and known for erratic behavior—yet he still slipped through. Adding more red tape will not tighten the net; it only tangles it further.

Furthermore, laws like universal background checks disproportionately impact first-time lawful gun buyers, not criminals. The black market, stolen firearms, and illegal channels will continue to operate beyond legislative reach. Disarming the law-abiding will never disarm the violent. Instead, we leave good people more vulnerable.

Key Failures in Gun Control Proposals:

• Enforces out-of-touch federal mandates over community-based solutions such as local training initiatives.
• Criminalizes private sales between family or friends, even when both parties are legally permitted.
• Ignores rural and cultural contexts where firearms are an everyday tool, not a threat.

These flaws are why Fortress Firearms Training pushes back against blanket “fixes” that do more harm than good. Gun control laws should not punish law-abiding citizens for failures in administration, enforcement, or communication between mental health and law enforcement agencies, as clearly happened in the Lewiston case.

Encouraging Preparedness, Not Paranoia

Training facilities like Fortress Firearms Training are often left out of these conversations, and that’s an oversight. By educating the public, we can reduce accidents and improve outcomes in emergency situations—without infringing on anyone’s freedoms.

We proudly stand for the rights enshrined in the Constitution, particularly the Second Amendment, which is not negotiable. Our instructors teach not just how to fire a weapon safely, but how to assess threats, de-escalate conflicts, and use firearms only as a last resort.

Why Training is the Most Responsible Step:

• Builds confidence and safety into every firearm interaction.
• Creates law-abiding gun owners who understand the law.
• Empowers individuals to be their own first line of defense.

If we truly care about public safety—as the authors of “Improving Maine Gun Laws While Protecting Responsible Gun Ownership” claim—we must invest in training, not overreaching bans or complex bureaucratic hurdles.

Protecting Our Freedoms Starts Here

While tragedy and fear have historically been used to justify erosion of civil liberties, Fortress Firearms Training stands firm in promoting responsible, educated gun ownership. What happened in Maine should encourage better enforcement and communication between institutions, not more legislation that disenfranchises lawful firearms enthusiasts.

South Carolina residents: if you’re a gun owner—or plan to become one—don’t wait for politicians to value your rights. Get the training you deserve. Build the confidence and skill set to carry and use a firearm safely and legally. Visit Fortress Firearms Training to learn more about our courses and secure your rights through responsible action.

In a world increasingly calling for regulation, be part of the solution by becoming an educated and prepared firearms owner. Let’s work together to preserve the freedoms that make America strong, while ensuring our communities are protected by those trained to do so.