LETTER: Offers thoughts on animal, gun control

I know here in Hull the population has immensely grown from 1980 when I moved here until now. We had two neighbors then, this place was desolate, the woods went on forever. Now we are as crowded as many of the bigger cities and we have many white-collar workers who add to the counties taxes.

The county is already having problems with money, what would happen if many of these folks moved away or prospective home buyers decided not to move to Madison County because of the ordinances and services the county provides.

Madison County is not what it was 28 years ago we’ve grown. I’d rather have the peace and quiet we had back then but that is not reality.

Back then we could take our guns to our backyards and practice shoot. Today we have neighbors in our backyards, there aren’t many big farms anymore, and subdivisions packed with homes are the norm.

I have a little over four acres and anywhere I stand on my property I have folks living a few hundred or less feet away.

I have a place on my property where I can safely fire my gun. I am also responsible with my gun. I’m not a hunter but have my gun for protection. I don’t have children so I keep my gun loaded and ready to fire.

In most cities around the country, folks take their guns to shooting ranges and practice.

The grandkids don’t know where I hide my gun or probably don’t even know I own one.

I figure the hunters in the family can teach them about guns.

As for shooting a dog, well that is against Georgia State law and with animal control and responsible pet owners we won’t have that problem.

Right now, building has stopped, but as our country grows and when we get out of this financial quagmire, the housing will again be a top demand and Madison County will grow again. More residents, more pet owners and more money Madison County will receive to take care of the county as it should be taken care of: roads, schools, animal control and other resources that people need.

As for protection from the law, I’ve never had a problem and when I call them they are usually right out and very helpful. I don’t call them much. But I can see how the police will have their hands full keeping up with criminals to give much protection to us. There are so many of us now and not enough officers so I can sleep better knowing I have protection.

I’ve always heard our guns will be taken away. Some associates of mine believe that. I don’t think any politician would take away our guns and leave only the criminals with unregistered guns.

I’ve always been liberal and I used to hate guns and wouldn’t own one, but that was back then, less people, more police and less criminals. Today it’s different. We hear of more and more horrific crimes today and I believe every household should own a gun for protection.

Sincerely,

Susan Kingsolver

Hull