Published: December 04, 2006 07:04 am      

Calling citizens to arms

Cherry Tree gun plan a message to criminals

We appreciate the spirit of Henry Statkowski’s proposal, and we hope his message is heard – whether his ordinance is passed or not.

Statkowski is a councilman in Cherry Tree Borough in Indiana County. He is proposing – and borough council is considering – an ordinance recommending that households in Cherry Tree have at least one firearm with ammunition for self-defense purposes.

But, Statkowski said, this is not only a message for residents urging them to take precautions.

This is as much a message to would-be criminals who think Cherry Tree might be a good place to break into someone’s home.

“Ijust wanted to put the word out that, hey, this is rural America,” Statkowski said. “If you try to break into someone’s house here, you might not like the result.”

The Cherry Tree Borough Council will meet on Wednesday and Statkowski’s proposal will likely be on the agenda.

He doubts the plan would get immediate approval – a vote in January is more likely – but Statkowski hopes his fellow council members will take a serious look at the meaning behind the proposal.

He also hopes residents understand that his plan would not require people who don’t like guns to have them.

“It recommends that every homeowner have a firearm and know how to use it,” Statkowski said. “If you don’t want to do it – if you have the moral scruples that firearms are evil – you wouldn’t have to do it.”

Does Cherry Tree need this gun ordinance?

Not really.

The Tribune-Democrat has long supported every citizen’s right “to bear arms,” and that right already exists under the U.S. Constitution.

And it has been noted that Cherry Tree has not seen a recent jump in crime.

Beyond that, there could be safety issues that arise from this proposal, and we doubt the town plans to start providing gun training.

But we do appreciate a public official who wants to do something to help keep people safe.