During a recent visit, my brother explained what its like living in a largely firearm restricted country. He shared with me how the laws work (and don’t) and the threats they face with minimal to no protection. This is the information he relayed to me... "Guns have been largely outlawed in Brazil for the general public since the 1960's (I think). Citizens can buy guns there legally, if they present a good reason for owning one to the Federal Police. "Before purchasing a firearm, a buyer has to pay for, and submit to, a psych evaluation. Afterwards they must attend a class that teaches the prospective owner how to use and care for a firearm. "The whole preliminary process ends up costing the prospective buyer about $6,000BRL (Brazilian Real). That comes out to about $1,838.94 USD. This is not including the price of the firearm. "Very few people have guns legally in Brazil. People who own them cannot (by law) carry them away from their home, or the premises they were purchased to be kept in. "When the bad guys find out a citizen has a firearm, they will come with a gang to steal it. This does not go in favor of the firearm owner because they’re often outnumbered. If it’s their home that is invaded to steal the weapon, and the homeowner shoots and kills anyone that has broken into their home, the established laws go against the homeowner. "The criminals always have guns in Brazil, and the laws are written for their protection. Home invasions and car-jackings are common, as are random robberies in public areas and a high rate of gang violence. "It’s because of the influence of drug cartels that laws have been made to favor and protect the criminals. If you kill a thief in your home, the government will prosecute you for murder. If a thief murders you in your home, he will very likely go unpunished or get a minimal jail sentence. "If a policeman shoots and kills one the bad guys, he will be responsible for paying the family of the deceased $750 BRL ($229.78 USD) per month for an undetermined period of time. Most homes, including mine, have bars on the windows and doors. "The bad guys here show very little fear in their actions because they know 99% of the public is unarmed. It is very common here for two men on a motorcycle to ride in between the cars at a stop light and car jack the nicest car in the line. "With all the things I seen happening in the U.S., I believe there will be a huge push to try and restrict, or ban guns. From my experiences living in a country that has had this ideology implemented for quite some time, I can attest that the firearm restrictions only restrict obedient citizens, not criminals. It has even helped the establishment to further restrict the rights of homeowners and the police who attempt to protect law-abiding citizens." A bad dream come true... A few years ago, my sister-in-law, Bela, a Brazilian native, had a recurring, disturbing dream. In the dream, armed men in uniform demanded to enter their home, late in the night. In a few weeks, the dream became a reality but during those few weeks, the family had been fasting and praying for God’s protection. When the gunmen appeared at their door, demanding entrance, they were let in. Once inside, the whole household was gathered, with exception to my four-year-old nephew, who remained sleeping in his bedroom. Once the others were gathered, the gunmen separated them. My brother and uncle (an elderly man in his 80s and who suffered from dementia) were led to one area of the house, and tied up. The women, who included a housekeeper and my young niece of 13-years-old, were taken to another area of the house, and tied up as well. My sister-in-law was away on ministerial duty (she is also an ordained minister), and had my youngest niece, an infant, with her. The gunmen asked my brother where he kept his firearms. My brother assured the gunmen he had no firearms on the property. The men went through the house and took everything they could find of value that was easily carried, and left, thankfully, without harming anyone. Leaving without inflicting injury or death is not an ordinary outcome in such cases, and they happen often. However, even the most wicked of criminals with the worst of intentions cannot dictate to God how things will be. It is His choice alone to supply mercy and grace as He sees fit. In this instance our family and friends were, and continue to be, thankful for His intervention and that no one was harmed. |
Follow me on...Site LinksThanks for sharing!Good for what ails ya!More popular postsArchives
June 2018
|