By MELISSA PEACOCK

Gina Wilson Green, 41, was found strangled in her home Sept. 24. Murray Pace, 21, was stabbed to death at her home in May. Just last month, Pam Kinamore, 44, was abducted from her home and later found dead, her body dumped at the Whiskey Bay Exit in Baton Rouge.

The words of Gov. Mike Foster in the wake of the tragedies have become some of the most widely recognized in the state: “Most people don’t ever want to use a gun to protect themselves…” he said, “…but if you know how and you have a situation with some fruitcake running around…it sure can help.”

With three bodies found, all victims of a serial killer, and increasing reports of attempted kidnapings throughout the area, terrified women in Baton Rouge and surrounding areas are finding some comfort in those words and are rushing out to buy handguns.

While no one wants to see another woman fall victim to the Baton Rouge serial killer, state and local support for privately-owned weapons is doing far more than protecting individuals – it is escalating the risk of violence in the state. Guns are being put into the hands of first-time users and no amount of training can safeguard residents from an individual that, shaken, believes he or she is being followed, threatened or attacked. What measures are in place to prevent accidental shootings?

It is a constitutional right to bear arms and I do not believe that the government, whether state or federal, should have the power to completely revoke that right. What I do believe is that fear, the kind of fear blanketing Louisiana now, is not a sound reason for purchasing a weapon. To be a good marksman, as well as a good judge of what situations warrant protection, an individual has to be able to maintain some semblance of confidence. Terrified residents and first-time gun users do not often have that confidence. All it takes is one trembling finger to end a life – whether guilty or innocent.

Increasing the number of guns in private residences also increases the exposure of children to guns and the risk that children in Louisiana could be critically wounded or killed by a gun. How can we monitor homes with guns to make sure guns are adequately stored every day, locked away from tiny, prying fingers.

Worried about walking through the parking lot after work alone? Find a buddy getting off work at the same time every day and make it a point to walk out together.

Scared? Try taking one of the many self-defense courses available now. Not only do they teach moves that could potentially save you from an attacker, they also teach students to remain calm during an attack..

Worried about a daughter attending school at LSU this fall? Teach loved ones to use good judgment, to go out in groups at night and to be alert and aware of surroundings when alone.

If you still do not feel safe, try pepper spray or mace. They are a lot less permanent.

There are better ways to manage fear than with guns.

MELISSA PEACOCK is a staff reporter at L’Observateur. She may be reached at (985) 652-9545.