by http://www.responsibilityproject.com/bio/kathy-mcmanus/ - Kathy McManus  

Mothers and Guns

... http://blogs.parentcenter.babycenter.com/momformation/2008/06/27/do-you-think-that-every-mother-should-own-a-gun/?intcmp=promoslice_pos12&pn=Answers - a mom blogger described the terrifying experience of a mother who was attacked at home in a safe neighborhood by a rapist with a gun. The woman fought, the attacker fled, and the blogger posed a question: “Do you think that every mother should own a gun?”

The point-blank debate about point-blank defense revealed that some moms are packing heat.

“I carry a Keltec 380 (small pistol) on my hip everyday,” revealed a mother of a one year old and a two year old. “I feel comfortable knowing that I will be able to defend my kids and I if we are in a life-threatening situation.”

Another mother—eight months pregnant and with a toddler—wrote that her husband works the night shift, and “our gun is the only way I could defend myself and my children should someone intend to do us harm.”

And there was this disclosure from a police officer mom: “I keep a loaded 9mm in my Coach diaper bag.”

Suddenly, it seems, mothers with guns are everywhere—movie star moms included. http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2008/06/01/2008-06-01_angelina_jolie_brings_out_the_big_guns.html - Recent news reports quote actress Angelina Jolie as saying she keeps a gun at home for security, and that “if anybody comes into my home and tries to hurt my kids, I’ve no problem shooting them.”

Tell us what you think: Should a mother’s responsibility to protect her children include having a gun?