Letter to the editor: We must protect ourselves if our government can't

An open letter to the Westmoreland County Commissioners, Pennsylvania State Police commander in Greensburg and Westmoreland County sheriff:

I have watched with great concern the violence perpetrated against innocent civilians in major cities in this country. Many of us blame the local governments for not stifling riots, pilferage and assaults. These governments must be weak or playing some kind of dangerous political game. They seem to take no action.

I thought it would never happen here, but in Pittsburgh, innocent citizens were assaulted and threatened. The citizens of Westmoreland County deserve to know if we can count on our government to protect us from this violence. Let us know in this newspaper or a public meeting.

The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution begins, “A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State.” If we cannot depend on law enforcement to protect our freedom, we have the right to protect ourselves. I can form and lead such a group. But I hope it’s not necessary. This Airborne Ranger is old and tired and doesn’t need another war, particularly on my own land.

Thomas Abraham

Unity