Joe Biden’s speech in Poland, Feb. 21 pertained in large part to Ukrainian and global freedom, and what we as a nation are doing to foster that goal in Ukraine, and the rest of the world.

We, with NATO, are flooding that country with lethal military weaponry for the Ukrainians to repel the Russian aggression.

When Russian tanks started rolling into the Ukraine, the Ukrainian government was arming an untrained citizenry with assault weapons, many handed out at local police stations. Those guns were tools to help protect their freedom and sovereignty.

We, as free Americans are endowed by the prudence of our Founding Fathers with the Bill of Rights, of which the second amendment guarantees the right of law abiding citizens to possess firearms.

The Founding Fathers were well aware of the tyranny of despots, and founded America with the novel idea that the people should have the power, not the government. As Jefferson appropriately stated, “when the people fear the government, there is tyranny, when the government fears the people, there is liberty.”

If it weren’t for guns in the hands of the patriots, we would still be British subjects.

Yes, tragically there are sick and evil people who commit heinous criminal acts with firearms, and the laws to prevent them from getting guns can be circumvented. Worse yet, criminals using firearms are often not prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. These issues must be addressed.

We’ve all heard the phrase “freedom is not free.” However, if we are to remain a truly free country, “The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.” With this right comes the responsibility of keeping our guns secured. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to protect him or herself from becoming a victim. Guns, when in the right hands, are a source of great good in the world.

Just ask Joe.

Frank Goss

Lehighton