I hope if anyone ever asks this question again, they will think of this picture of a resident of Coney Island (where my mom grew up) who has to guard his home with a baseball bat from looters, and “warning he had a gun.” When there is an emergency, such as Superstorm Sandy, and the state is unable to help, people are on their own. And that is when personal ownership of firearms becomes most important. For those would say people should not be armed, and that they oppose vigilantism, please just think of this person trying to guard his family and his home. A baseball bat is only so effective. The reason why the Post could not print a photo of a person holding a firearm is that such an act would be illegal in New York City.

Update: This New Yorker is forced to resort to Medieval Times with a bow and arrow to defend their lives, liberty, and property.

And another local surfer said he has knives, a machete and a bow and arrow on the ready. Gunshots and slow-rolling cars have become a common  fixture of the night since Hurricane Sandy.

“I would take a looter with a boa. If I felt threatened I would definitely use it,” said Keone Singlehurst, 42. “Its like the Wild West. A borderline lawless situation.”

City Councilman James Sanders (D-Far Rockaway) said he fears the situation will devolve into anarchy.

“We have an explosive mix here,” said Sanders. “People will take matters into their own hands.”

Walter Meyer, 37, lives in Park Slope but often surfs in the Rockaways. He said it’s not the place it was before the storm.

“After sunset everyone locks their doors,” said Meyer, as he loaded up a solar panel from a factory in the Brooklyn Navy Yard to bring to local residents. “They’re trying to find whatever weapons they can find. Some people are even using bows and arrows.”

“If you are heeding into the Rockaway beach to assist, there is a request for firearms, hot food, and cold beer. These next 24 hours are critical for these folks, the government has really let them down,” Meyer posted on Facebook Thursday.

I’m sure the Mayor will ensure that all of these lawbreakers are prosecuted–the people with guns, that is. After all, today he said:

“The NYPD is the only people we want on the street with guns.”