Citing shootings, NY sheriff urges citizens to carry guns

[TeddyR]

Despite all the rhetoric on here about seizing guns, and all the juvenile name-calling by those who would confiscate guns, confiscation is a decidedly minority position that will never happen. In any event, the sheriff in Ulster County, NY, an elected Democrat, "is urging residents of his county who are licensed gun owners to arm themselves when they leave home, citing recent mass shootings in the United States and Paris." In other words, that sheriff thinks it is a good idea for citizens to exercise their Second Amendment rights. From the article:

"I urge you to responsibly take advantage of your legal right to carry a firearm," Ulster County Sheriff Paul Van Blarcum, a Democrat, wrote on the department's Facebook page less than 24 hours after 14 people were shot dead in San Bernardino, California.

The post quickly drew hundreds of comments, for and against it.

"I'm not trying to drum up a militia of any sort," Van Blarcum told The Associated Press on Thursday. "It's just a reminder that if you want to, you have a right to carry it. It might come in handy. It's better to have it than not have it. We're partners with the public in crime prevention."

The largely rural county in the Catskill Mountains about two hours north of New York City has 10,000 licensed handgun owners, Van Blarcum said.

http://www.thespec.com/news-story/6158482-citing-shootings-ny-sheriff-urges-citizens-to-carry-guns/

[GGJohn]

1. I've been told that once you get out of the NYC area,

the rest of NY is pretty pro 2A and getting a firearm license is relatively simple and pain free, unlike NYC.

[Elmergantry]

2. Speaking of NY

Those who think gun owners would hand over weapons like sheep if banned should tell me how the SAFE act is working out.

[GGJohn]

5. Or Los Angeles's over 10 round mag ban. eom.

[BeyondGeography]

3. Another reason why I'll continue to make my life on the east side of the Hudson

[Logical]

4. So why should I listen to this sheriff?? Explain! Nt

[GGJohn]

8. You shouldn't,

you should make your own decision and do what's right for you.

[Logical]

9. I do, but weird OP. not sure why it was posted. Nt

[GGJohn]

12. Maybe to show how some are getting too paranoid.

[Logical]

13. Good point, people way over estimate the chances you will need a gun.....

Most cops in a lifetime never fire their weapon. Hell, in NYC there are 30,000 cops and in an average year 40 of them fire their weapon a year

Average citizen odds are much much lower.

I think you are right, paranoia.

[GGJohn]

14. Agreed, most firearm owners will never fire their weapons in self defense. eom.

[marmar]

6. Yes. Let's all be armed to the teeth.

I know I'll feel safer if the person behind me at Starbucks has a TEC-9.

[ileus]

7. It's always wise to be safety minded.

[Logical]

11. Lol, you seriously are like a parody IMO. NT

[steve2470]

15. Sheriff is only feeding into the NRA narrative

Everyone doesn't own a gun and everyone doesn't go packing when they leave home. If everyone was packing and ready to shoot, THEN.....gun violence would come down. Also, we need armed guards ready to shoot at every public venue and every public gathering.

in case I need it.

Yea sure, if everyone was packing and ready to shoot at all times, SOME gun violence would be averted, but then we'd have people who don't care and would commit crime anyway, and also we'd have shootouts every day between angry, drunk, high individuals and gangs, and accidental firings of jumpy gun owners who fire at the wrong moments and at the wrong targets.

The NRA/hard right wing position is total bullshit and totally wrong. LESS firearms properly controlled is the answer. I'd say NO firearms (unless they are safely locked up at home for self-defense only, or for farmers who need them for livestock protection) but we all know that that will never happen in this country.

[TeddyR]

16. Haven't you heard

We have shootouts between gang members every day anyway. They sure don't seem to be too worried about gun control laws that prevent felons from owning firearms, and certainly aren't concerned about laws that forbid you from shooting another person. This sheriff is a Democrat and his position isn't particularly unpopular among Democrats or Republicans.

[steve2470]

17. I don't want to live in your world

People that use firearms in ANY crime need to be locked up for life without parole. We will never agree, so don't waste your time. I certainly won't. Good day.

[TeddyR]

19. We actually do agree

On the point that the use of firearms in a crime should result in serious prison time. But do you really want to lock up for life an 18 year old who robs a convenience store with a firearm but doesn't shoot anyone? I'm not even sure that would be constitutional.

[Rex]

18. Yes be paranoid! Obama will be coming for your guns any day now!