Do you feel safer when everyone around you is armed? Then welcome to Nelson, a warm, friendly town of 1,300 some 55 miles north of Atlanta. The tiny city (it calls itself a city from some reason) is known for its marble industry and its baseball field, which you can rent for $150 a month—but only use once a week. Their kiddie park, however, is closed for renovations, as noted on the left-hand side of their home page. Wading-pool enthusiasts beware!
Not much happens in this quiet city, but it suddenly finds itself in the national spotlight after passing an ordinance that makes gun ownership mandatory for all citizens—except for convicted felons, mentally and physically disabled folks and peace-lovin’ hippies that are afraid of firearms. (This may or may not be actual wording.) According to The Associated Press, “The measure requires every head of household to own a gun and ammunition to ‘provide for the emergency management of the city’ and to ‘provide for and protect the safety, security and general welfare of the city and its inhabitants.’” Because nothing improves my welfare like being able to bust a cap for the emergency management of my city! 770 represent!
The AP notes that Nelson is pretty crime-free to begin with, but you can never be too safe. The Nelson Police Chief told the news agency “He mostly sees minor property thefts and a burglary every few months,” adding that “The most recent homicide was more than five years ago.” And giving everyone a gun is only going to lower that statistic, I’m sure.
Then again, the town might have reason for alarm, what with all those baseball players coming up from the big city to rent its field. As per the AP, a similar ordinance was passed in the Atlanta suburb of Kennesaw some 30 years ago. “City officials there worried at the time that growth in Atlanta might bring crime to the community, which now has about 30,000 residents.” Hmm, by that logic, shouldn’t all suburbs of Edmonton pass similar legislation?
(Now that’s a scary thought!!!)
