OPINION – The gun people are getting all hot and bothered again, fabricating yet another instance of persecution.
They are getting vocal about Second Amendment rights in regards to a shooting range in Washington City next door to the Erin Kimball Memorial Foundation’s shelter for battered women.
The foundation, which bought the property and is locked into staying there for at least five years because of a grant it received to provide services and a facility, is upset that the city council approved a permit for a shooting range next door to the facility. It has gone to court to have the permit overturned.
Quite frankly, I agree with the foundation. And, according to reports I have read, so does former Washington County Sheriff Kirk Smith.
The gun crowd, however, sees this as an affront to its right to bear arms.
In fact, I saw a post to a news story we ran on the STGnews website where somebody claims that had somebody with a gun been present when Erin Kimball and her two children were murdered by her abusive husband 30 years ago, which is why her family created the foundation, the outcome would have been different.
Sorry, that is simply ludicrous.
But, let’s not get into the vagaries of guns, who should or shouldn’t own them, or how some cowboy with a quick-draw mentality can or cannot save the innocents of the world by dropping the hammer on some scumbag. That argument is irrelevant to the matter at hand and, in all honesty, I won’t change your opinion and you won’t change mine.
The error here was made by the Washington City Council, which approved the permit for Dixie GunWorx to open the gun range there.
Let’s be fair and honest. We need shooting ranges. We need good shooting instructors. We need every bit of training we can manage so those who choose to own and operate firearms do so in the safest manner possible. We need places where gun owners can become familiar with handling their weapons without shooting up the landscape and endangering innocent people who may be out enjoying that beautiful landscape. I’ve been to a lot of places where people gather to shoot and, in a word, they are disgusting trash heaps where people bring stuff they would like to shoot up, riddle it with bullets, then leave it. It is irresponsible. Just as irresponsible as the decision by the city council.
Every indoor gun range I have been to has been located in either industrial or commercially zoned areas, far from homes.
Then, there is the human factor to consider.
We have a wonderful organization that is offering shelter to a segment of the population that is vastly underserved and ignored.
Domestic violence is the dirty little secret nobody cares to air in public so it often goes unreported. That does not lessen the brutality and trauma experienced by the women, children and, yes, sometimes, men who are on the receiving end. The penalties for domestic abuse are a joke and the judges often not capable of fully understanding the lifetime scars these victims must bear, the tears they shed forever.
Some of these women are battered physically, some emotionally, some sexually, some at gunpoint. There is a trauma that will never be alleviated, a threat that remains etched within their hearts and brains, robbing them of the comfort of security within their relationships and diminishing self-esteem.
Violence, contrary to popular and political belief, is never the answer in a troubled relationship, is abhorrent, and should be unacceptable in civilized society.
But, instead, it is held behind closed doors, hushed up.
Experts will tell you that the instances of unreported domestic abuse are outrageous because women are fearful of what would happen if they called the authorities, that they have been beaten down so much – physically and mentally – that they truly believe they are responsible for the violent outbursts, that somehow it is their fault. Nothing could be further from the truth.
But, these concepts are lost on people like the Washington City Council members who allowed this permit to go through without realizing the impact it would have on the shelter and the people who seek services there.
This isn’t about gun rights and even if, by some slim congruence it was, always remember that your rights end the moment they endanger another or interfere with their life.
I don’t know the folks at Dixie GunWorx. I would guess, however, that they are good, honest, upstanding business people who are trying to provide a valuable and needed service to the community. And, I would bet a bottom dollar they were not looking for this controversy when they went before the council for their permit.
But, somebody has to think things through, and that is the council’s job.
More importantly, somebody has to stand for these women and children.
It was a dumb move on the part of the council and an even dumber move to defend the decision by arguing that they are protecting the Second Amendment.
Our women and children are more important than that.
No bad days!
Ed Kociela is an opinion columnist. The opinions stated in this article are his and not representative of St. George News.
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews, @EdKociela
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2013, all rights reserved.
Dumb decisions seem to be endemic to Washington County these days. It’s not as if there is a shortage of open space around here, so why put a shooting range next door to a facility for battered, traumatized women and their children? And why put a drug rehabilitation center on Sugar Leo Drive? Is anybody in power actually thinking about these decisions?
Im pretty sure across the street from Walmart is an industrial area. I can see you point about a five year arrangement being made to stay at the home, but the gun shop took over another abandoned building with the plans to stay there long term also and had the plans for the shooting range when they were allowed the permit to open the store/facility.
I wont get into what is right or wrong, but your argument is based on your biased opinion and only looks at one sides circumstances.
MR Kociela,
You concede in your article the futility of your efforts. ….. “I won’t change your opinion and you won’t change mine.” Then I assume the purpose of this article was to fill your requirement to provide “column inches”?
When I imagine domestic violence, I visualize punching and slapping. I doubt that the violence involves fire arms except rarely. If I am wrong, please support that point, then this exercise in futility will have some purpose.
I view the opposition to the gun range as another contrived excuse to limit gun rights. Kind of like the “spotted owl” was in the environmentalists battle against the lumber industry.
“When I imagine domestic violence, I visualize punching and slapping. I doubt that the violence involves fire arms except rarely.”
You must have your head where the sun doesn’t shine. Do you not read the newspapers? Does the evening news go unwatched in your home? What follows is a partial list from 2012…
Adria Parker, 25 •March 22. The Washington County mother and her 5-year-old daughter were shot and killed by her boyfriend, who then killed himself.
Eliza Parker, 5 • March 22. The 5-year-old was the second victim in a double murder-suicide in Washington County.
Shantelle Reid, 25 • April 9. The Murray woman was allegedly shot and killed by her boyfriend, who was later injured in a shootout with police.
Alida Dalton, 28 • Sept. 22. The Taylorsville woman was the victim of a murder-suicide in which her boyfriend shot Dalton then killed himself in a nearby schoolyard.
Ann Jensen, 43 • Nov. 4. South Salt Lake police found Ann Marie Jensen dead at her apartment while responding to a 911 call concerning gunshots. No one has been charged with her murder.
Jessica Lucero, 39 • Nov. 5. Gary Lee Lucero shot his wife and then himself in a murder-suicide at their home in Syracuse.
But, how would you know this since you’re just a lamb following the crowd as you doubt the use of firearms in a domestic dispute.
Craig,
Of the 4 instances you cited, how will stopping the range have affected any of them?
Domestic violence is horrible but there are guns being sold across the street and the men in these horrible acts then killed themselves. So can you or Ed inform us of how?
My comment was directed towards the statement made by Dixielambs. At no time did I address the location of any gun range. Let me refresh your memory.
.”“When I imagine domestic violence, I visualize punching and slapping. I doubt that the violence involves fire arms except rarely.”
Try to keep up.
Congratulations, Craig. You searched the files and found a few examples of domestic violence that involved guns. I doubt that the victims in those cases will be treated at the shelter. How many cases of punching and slapping did you pass over to find the few that tend to give you an argument? You know as well as I that most domestic violence don’t involve guns…
Ed, you may be right on many things but on this you are totally wrong. I’m not going to argue whether it is an issue of the Second Amendment (it isn’t) even though many people who are pro gun do not understand the definitions of the words ”rights”, inalienable”, ”arms”, and ”shall not be infringed”. What this comes down to is Dixie GunWorx was there first. The foundation bought the property knowing the gun shop was there. They may not have known the plans for expansion but they still purchased the property with the full knowledge of the existence of the gun shop. Now they are complaining that the shop is intruding into the peace and quiet, the healing that is happening at the foundation. As I understand it, the gun shop already shoots inside their shop when testing repairs. The shots are inaudible outside the store. Much like someone purchasing a home near the Sun Bowl and then complaining about the noise from the band; this is nothing more than an attempt by a Johnny-Come-Lately to get their own way.
Well put, Ed Kociela. I agree whole heartily. But might I add that a distraught husband looking for vengeance could also blend in among gun carriers using the range. Why give them that opportunity? Some people will say that the threats against these women are over blown but having a Deputy Court Clerk for a wife, I know better.
I’ll bet there are more men involved in domestic violence then guns are used. I think, using Ed’s logic, the council should ban any men from being able to use the property next door. Just a thought…
Dear Ed. After reading your article I feel the need to point out a few things. I relate well to the syndrome you write of about how battered women are made to feel it is our fault when an abusive husband takes out his rage on you. In my case he was a former police officer who knew all the tricks. After our divorce he stalked me for years. Even after remarring and moving he has found me again. The fear is constant. You always wonder if he is just outside waiting. But I have to tell you, the best thing I did was buy a .45 and learn how to use it to protect myself and my kids. I can get to it easily and I am a great shot. It allows me to sleep at night when my husband is out of town or when the nightmears return. I highly doubt that the women that go to the shelter will find they have any issues with the gun range being right there. In fact, nothing would have made me feel safer than knowing that in an emergency I could run next door and get help. You are obviously biased about gun ownership in this country but please don’t muck up the two issues. I doubt you have either been a battered women or a gun owner so how about we not trample on the rights of the gun owners with the idealistic thoughts that just living next to a gun range will cause someone to feel like a victim all over again. You wouldn’t make the same argument if it was a boxing ring or martial arts facility going in. I bet you that in the long run there will not be any issues between the neighbors so lets not make up any. Personally I can’t wait to try out the gun range and that is the one place I wouldn’t mind my ex knowing that I frequent.
Lady K, I am sorry that you have had to deal with such a harrowing experience.. Ir gives me some comfort that you have thrown off the guilt and no longer accept responsibility for your EX’s deficiencies. Though it is not for everyone, I take some comfort that you have armed and trained yourself in self defense. If crunch time ever comes, that preparation will be of more value than a court order ( or for that matter, the whole Police Department) in preserving you life. I wish you the best
This opinion piece is a joke. Nowhere in the article is there a valid argument why the shooting range shouldn’t exist. This piece talks about battered women and their struggles but in no way demonstrates why this shooting range would be traumatizing to the shelter. If you ask me this article actually does an disservice to the argument but not formulating any valid ideas or decent argument one way or the other.
The shooting range is indoor and private. I maybe could see the trouble if it was outdoors and the inhabitants of the shelter could actually see the gun range but since all the shooting will be done indoors I don’t see why such a controversy exists.
Spot on, Brandon.
This author is totally off base. As a woman who was battered and threatened with a gun to my head I know. I had to send my daughters for help to a man who had a gun to save my life. Guns are not the problem here. People who think guns are the reason for all violence is the problem. That gun range will be no more dangerous than a base ball field. Women can also get beaten with a ball bat. As far as Washington City making a mistake. In my opinion they are doing what is right to improve Washington City by bringing in business and providing a place for people to practice shooting responsibly.
Hey Ed, its an enclosed facility. Maybe they will give the women their free training.
That’s what I was thinking, too.
“I won’t change your opinion and you won’t change mine.” — Well then, it hardly seems worth it, doesn’t it?
I have posted my disagreement with this decision from the beginning. I am a former Marine Sniper. I own guns, I carry, I shoot, and I am all for the 2nd Amendment. If any “gun people” (as this article calls them) feel that they are being persecuted, I have not heard about it. Most of the disagreement I see stems from some feeling the Shelter’s claims about the effects of the range on their well being is unwarranted. If anyone with half a heart feels the claims are warranted, I think they would agree that the range permit should be denied and all should work together to find another solution. If your position is to discount the claims of those who have been abused, what are you basing your position on? I hope not legality trumping humanity.
Just to clarify a previous post, didn’t the last article state that Gunworx didn’t secure that property until well after the Shelter had secured their property?
That is correct about Erin Kimball Foundation having been the first to secure the property. However, it has been “under construction” for several years now.
Gunworx, I believe is up and running and ready to open their range right now. Erin Kimball is STILL under construction while “looking for funds for construction.”
Billion, Thanx for your service from a fellow vet.
I am a little disturbed by your reference to “having a little heart” I quit thinking with my heart some time back, I try to let the grey matter dominate. I am so tired of hearing that “if it will do the tiniest bit of good it is worth the sacrifice of as many of our liberties and quality of life as it takes” That sentiment tugs at the heart, but it is not true.
I have great sympathy for victims of domestic violence and applaud the efforts to come to their aid. But this stir about a gun range close by inflicting trauma on the residents just smacks of folks who think with their hearts doing all that they can to solve an imaginary problem. (and if it will inconvenience “gun people” so much the better)
http://www.vpc.org/fact_sht/domviofs.htm
Nice Ed, using 13+ year old data. I’m sure there is much more recent data out there. Just look for it. I too, could “choose” what data to provide to fit my agenda.
From the 3rd paragraph of the supporting information you provided:
“Although firearms are used in a relatively small percentage of domestic violence incidents, when a firearm is present, domestic violence can and all too often does turn into domestic homicide.”
I don’t want to minimize the tragedy of domestic violence, but the sensational figures from the first paragraph have little bearing on this discussion… Homicide victims will not be housed at this shelter.
they should give the women who are at the shelter free fire arms courses, discounted ammunition, and the contact information to reputable small arms dealers.
they will never again be a victim of a violence without the tools and knowledge to kill an attacker
Exactly. Help these women shed the victim mentality and foster a feeling of empowerment. Teach them to make critical decisions.
The anti-gun people need to understand that responsible gun ownership (and OC/CC) does not irrevocably lead to gun-related violence. It does lead to greater self-awareness, and environmental awareness.
Let’s apply the anti-gun logic to Martial Arts training. If I open up a karate dojo, does this mean that the patrons are more likely to get into melee combat? Not at all. Martial arts training teaching focus of mind and body. This training can actually help individual identify and avoid dynamic critical situations.
I’m guessing that some of the victims could benefit from this idea.. (not all of course)
Yet another nice try Ed. I would bet my bottom dollar that the majority of these battered women and children have never heard, or know, what a actual gunshot sounds like. (Not considering Halo or Grand Theft Auto) I have a lot of compassion and concern for anyone who has been abused. The way of the liberal is not to take care of the problem of abuse which seems to be Ed’s beef here. The way of the liberal is to use a emotional situation to further his agenda. In that aspect Ed did a great job.
Ed, you conveniently forgot to mention that the Kimball Foundation is located in a commercial zone, just as the gun shop is. Would you advocate that Wal Mart across the street also be moved because it sells guns and ammo? Maybe you would want to have Sportsmans moved also due their proximity.
Are you going to petition the Washington City Council shut down those business’ also? It is very encouraging to see many women on here who are in support of the gun range. If more women would take the initiative to empower themselves and get trained on the use of firearms, there would be less women who would need the services of the Kimball Foundation. Aahhh…I get it now. The more women who need their services, the better the bottom (financial) line.
And if the Foundations owners need to justify their requirement to stay in this building for 5 years, then they should just utilize it as their “main office” or “administrative offices”, and locate the home in a more “peaceful” location like, say….Winchester Hills or Diamond Valley….or even Veyo.
And, Ed, while we are at it, let’s move Mikes Smoke Shop too. More people die of tobacco-related cancers than hand-gun related incidents. So the tobacco vendors need to be moved down by the airport, away from people.
I’m sure you are right about one thing in your editorial here Ed. (No pun intended there, my friend.) 😉
You and I will never agree on this one, nor will we change each other’s minds.
That being said, I’m going to attempt to change yours anyhow. Not that I expect to succeed, but I’ve got to try.
You know that I am retired law. I have been professionally involved in countless domestic violence cases, some of which were so sad, that I still have nightmares about them. The one thing that I kept seeing over and over again, were the “victim mentalities” of the victims. Whether male or female, the folks who kept being victims over and over had that “victim mentality.”
On the rare occasion that the victim becomes proactive, their victimization comes to a halt. In one instance, this involved the wife actually shooting her abuser dead. The case was reviewed by the DA and no charges were brought against her.
What happened more often though, was the victim removed herself from the situation, and let the offender know exactly what would happen, should problems continue.
What I am seeing with this Erin Kimball/gun range situation, is actually two fold. First off, it is of course a power play on the part of the Erin Kimball foundation. They are not just afraid that the gun range will be detrimental to the folks using the foundation, they are afraid that it will impact them financially.
There is certainly a place for institutions like Erin Kimball. But where they miss their mark is in the way they deal with a situation. Instead of helping a victim stand up and take control of their lives, they are much more an enabler, not that much different than the enabler that helps someone continue on their path of drug and alcohol abuse.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking these Erin Kimball folks are being totally altruistic here. They are not. They are looking to exercise control and power.
There is no conceivable way that having an indoor gun range next door to them, is going to be detrimental. The owners have, from what I’ve read in prior articles, offered the free use of their facilities and free instruction, to the folks at Erin Kimball. The facilities have already been certified by Washington City P.D. as being safe, and being soundproof.
The fact that Erin Kimball Foundation is taking this on past the appeal process, making it into a lawsuit, shows just how dedicated they are to their power play.
Well said Big Don. Ed K. is fully aware of what he is doing with this piece. He just has his own agenda and will not let it get in the way of his intentions. Nice try Ed.
Isn’t the point of the foundation to help these women? what better way to help these women than to give them the tools so they will never be a victim again. Teach them how to fight back, teach them self defense. Help them understand they don’t have to be a victim and that they have control of their lives. I’m not saying a gun range is the solution to all their problems but its a step in the right direction. Along with intense therapy give them training in verbal deescalation, martial arts, and firearms. just my 2 cents…..
I may be totally off the wall here, but here goes….I worked as a victims advocate for years for the SGPD. I know what it is like to work with a woman who is scared to death of their abuser. I am also a conceal carry permit holder for my own protection and protection of my family. One of the biggest problems that I have seen with this whole situation is the fact that if the Kimball foundation is suppose to be a safe house for woman and children, WHY? WHY? WHY? are they advertising where this safe house is to the whole county. The Dove Center is in a remote location with security cameras, fences, and is far more safe that the Kimball foundation will be. If we truly want these woman and children to be safe (which we all do).Let’s not advertise it’s location to the world! And I also think that the shooting range will be a great asset to the Kimball Foundation…what better place and people to be there to teach and watch over and protect those woman and children.
Kellee, are you aware of just how public the location of the Dove Center really is? It is plainly shown on Google Maps, and Google Earth. I have even seen the address to it posted on the net.
And I question that its “remote” location is actually a “safety factor.” I think it would be safer if it was right out in the open, surrounded by homes and business and streets on all sides.
Teaching women to run and hide from their abusers may be a necessary “First Step.” But it certainly is not a long term solution.
Ed, I really used to enjoy your weekly rock-n-roll music reviews when you were the other local print media source. Have you considered going back to what you know best…..rock-n-roll music?? Reading your recent rock-n-roll book will only satisfy my love of rock-n-roll for a little while. Weekly reviews would be much better.
Well, I enjoy Ed’s thought provoking articles. That doesn’t mean I agree with him, in fact most of the time he and I could be on totally opposite sides of an argument. But I enjoy the articles anyway, and I would be willing to sit down with him face to face over a cup of coffee and talk about things at any time. Particularly if HE was buying the coffee. 😉
Does anyone know if there is a place or way that we can go to offer our support of this gun range? Is the city holding hearings or is there an attorney representing them that we can contact and offer our help? Or can soneone think of a way that we can help the shelter foundation understand how important it is to make sure their residents are not made to feel fearful of this range? How can we help make a difference in this situation? We may not be able to help Ed understand but there are most certainly others that we can help. Ed, if you are reading these replys can you find out from the shelter foundation if they need any supplies. I am sure that those of us who care enough to respond to your article can find a way to help the women that may be in need. I would be willing to donate to the gun range to give the women staying at the shelter a chance to learn to shoot and to feel the same empowerment that I felt when I realized there was a way to protect myself. There is nothing that will help them more than giving them a way to protect themselves. Let’s work together to make this a positive situation and not forget the ones that are in need the most. June, thank you for sharing your story. I truely believe it takes those of us who have been through it to help those who are going through it now.
To hell with a gun range anyway. There is enough open land to go shooting. Spend the money on a roller rink. That way we don’t need to ruffle anybodys feathers. Build it right next to the center. That is a non-violent solution. I have been trying to find somebody who GO FALCONS!
Roller Derby is non-violent???? Are you serious? Roller Derby is MMA on wheels.
I like MMA.
I guess if you feel roller derby has the same level of danger as firearms then I stand corrected. Roller derby with guns would be more your speed I guess. I own firearms…so im not hating. I was just stating the fact that we need a Roller rink before a gun range. Its a waste of space. “MMA on wheels” that is a bit much. I got it! MMA fighters wearing skates and packing! Thats your next PPV and million doller idea!
GO PACKERS
“This isn’t about gun rights and even if, by some slim congruence it was, always remember that your rights end the moment they endanger another or interfere with their life.”
Yeah, I don’t see that in the constitution. Where in the second amendment does it say “right to bear arms, unless there are cowards who fear inanimate objects around.”
Donovan, who is “interfering with their life”? Shooting in the open wildlands is more endangering than in a controlled shooting environment. You need to get a clue. Maybe you should educate yourself more on firearms before you post embarrassing comments.
WOW, Really People! If you don’t like guns that’s fine. Just stay at home in your bubble and you won’t get hurt. Leave the rest of us that enjoy our freedoms alone. I wonder how many of you have even stood outside of a gun range? You wouldn’t even know they were shooting guns inside if it weren’t for the signs outside. Why should Dixie Gunworx have to spend all the money relocating???? It’s not fair to them either that it took this facility Years to get going. What about all the road noise that will come from all the traffic on Telegraph. That will add stress to these people that need help and support…… Will the auto repair shops have to put silencers on their air impact guns that they use for tires and other repairs?? Whats next…..
Ed, why don’t you reference the written ruling of the City Council in your article? Referencing the written reason underlying the council decision would lend at least a small degree of credibility to your article.
The sad part for me of this whole debate is that the Foundation has chosen to start a fight that will lead to the Foundation’s demise. If the Foundation hopes to engender community support and encourage future donations, they are going about it the wrong way.
I know that my donation made to them last year will be my last.
So, Curly, the need to fire a gun is more important than the need to provide shelter and comfort to battered women and children?
Nice priorities.
Ed, no one is attempting to deny anyone shelter and comfort. Whereas the shelter IS attempting to deny DGX its right to do business. Really very simple Ed, not too difficult to comprehend. Surely you can comprehend, right Ed?
I understand. Business takes precedence over compassion. At least somebody is honest here.
Once again Ed, with passion, because your arguments are just so much emotional pap. Your opinion piece is a non-sequitur.
I say we make Walmart quit selling guns and ammo…I mean after all, its across the street. Makes as much sense as moving the gun range. Lots of emotion in the article, little facts, but that is what an “opinion” article is about isn’t it? Ed gets to say what he wants and share his “feelings”, and we get to tell him he is up in the night and share ours. It is always interesting to me how rude people get in this type of discussion. Remember, we can only be offended by comments if we care what others think. I don’t care about Ed’s opinion…at least on this topic…so I take no offense to the way he looks at those who disagree with him…you all should do the same.
Eds “opinions” do not offend me, just shows his liberal light is on, even when Ed Ed IS “up in the night”.
Yes Ed Kociela, the need to fire a gun is more important than the need to provide shelter and comfort to battered women and children? because if they knew how to shoot and use a gun they wouldn’t have a need for a shelter to hide out in. Kirk Smith always was a moron!
Ed, if you ever research the issue you will find:
1. Before the foundation bought the house it was zoned commercial like everything around it. That zone specifically permits gun sales.
2. The foundation asked the city to change the zoning for the house to mixed use commercial so that residences in the house would be lawful.
3. The gun store sought approval for sales and repair and was granted such because that use was specifically permitted in the zoning designation.
4. This issue is one of zoning and conditional use permits. Not gun vs. battered women.
Why do you prefer your right to disingenuous issue-bating over battered women? Can’t you see that your dishonesty is making the foundation out to be the bad guy? Yours, and others efforts to couch this as guns vs. women is giving the foundation a very poor public perception. Shame on you for hurting their cause.
There is clearly a double standard when it comes to the issue of gun rights. For example: at the same Wal-Mart that John speaks of right across the street from the range and across the street from a place that manufactures ammo, you can’t even buy a pack of cigarettes if you are under the age of 19ys. Yet, an 18yr old can die for thier country, buy a gun and ammo from the same cash register at wal-mart that tabacco is sold from. if said 18yr old is in possesion of a lighter they could be charged with a crime. Yet said 18yr old could buy a gun and ammo come back into Wal-mart and rob them of all of thier cigaretts. i.e. they would also be charged with a crime as well. Clearly a double standard. I’m going to drag religion into this now…Jesus did not have a gun. So why would we need one? Protection? From what? Gang members? This is Saint George. People are getting way to touchy about shooting a bloody paper target. If another country invades us trust me there are enough gun owners out there that would not even pull the trigger to protect anybody. GO FALCONS!