I am a Democrat tried and true, but I also have my concealed carry

[greenbriar]

and own a Pink Lady

http://www.gunsandammomag.com/cs/Satellite/IMO_GA/Story_C/Charter+Arms+Pink+Lady+.38




I went through the class. Hubby wanted me to for my safety. I have never used it except for the shooting range. I do not think I am Matt Dillon or anything, but it may save my life someday. I shoot at the range at least once a month and am a pretty good shot. Could I really shoot someone? If it came to my life or the life of my daughter, I think I could.

[doctor jazz]

1. There are some who believe a raped and murdered woman is morally superior to one

holding a smoking gun over a dead rapist. Can't say as I agree with them.

[CANDO]

114. Not sure what social circles you travel among.

This is the 1st time I've ever heard that opinion. I own a semi-auto Colt 45, but I am simply not paranoid enough to apply for a concealed carry permit. Here in PA a person can carry a weapon openly without a permit, but if you conceal it you must carry a permit. I've never seen one carried openly(by a civilian) and I certainly would only have mine along hunting. That being said, I don't think a very nice reception would be given by the public at large for packing a handgun openly. As an aside, my right wing stepfather was carrying his piece concealed for my daughter's piano recital. It was held in a church! I only realized this after he dropped it on a restaurant floor after the recital. Made a complete ass of himself, for sure. I just looked at him and never said a word. Pretty bad if you must carry and then you don't have control of your piece and it drops on the floor among diners in a restaurant.

[uppityperson]

132. Who believes that? That is a different view than any I've seen or heard.

[depakid]

2. Guess someone has to ask

What are you so afraid of that makes you and your husband feel the need to carry a gun around?

And have you and your husband considered that having one and behaving this way actually puts your daughter at greater risk of harm?

[greenbriar]

3. We live in a huge city and we travel a lot

I really don't think there will ever be a need for usage, I do not carry it every day, mostly it is locked up in the safe, but when I travel I have it in the car with me.

[depakid]

25. Just seems like a lot of expense and hassle

Plus, it does increase the risk that something nasty will happen. I guess it doesn't make sense to me.

Maybe a story might help to say why.

In 2006, I had to travel from Portland Oregon to North Carolina- not a business trip or pleasure trip, but an unpleasant family matter.

The Portland airport is pretty laid back, as airports go- but changing planes in Cincinatti was another deal entirely. They were (quite literally) blasting "security alert status" type things and had big, mean looking fellows prancing about, looking self important- and tossing out stares. Raliegh was a bit less paranoid (which is the only word I can use for what I saw in Cincinatti) -but still, people were tense- as if somone was going to jump out and bite them.

Now, my guess would be that neither of those two airports has much of a chance of a terra attack- any more than Portland does, yet the people there (even at the bars) were visably upset. It was almost as if they felt something was stalking them.

Needless to say, after handling what needed to be done, it was sure nice to land back in a place where this pervasive fear hadn't taken hold.

[DeschutesRiver]

84. fwiw, I've had a concealed carry for almost 25 years

I've carried insurance on many other things too (besides this ccw "insurance" on my and my family's lives). Despite paying those premiums to companies who will insure my risk for a price, I rarely have had to file any claims over the last 30 years.

But since I can read, I know what can happen, and still choose to insure around various risks that might or might not occur. The ccw is no different, just self-insurance, and if the ccw permit holder does the necessary, ie understands the seriousness of the whole deal, and remains dedicated to being proficient at all times, then it make sense that the rate of crimes committed by those holding a permit is low.

I wish society would eliminate the driving privileges of many, given our nation's out of control accident rates and the much higher risk and cost to society that comes from allowing so many with poor to non existent skills access to driving. But that isn't realistic, and we all for the most part accept far more risk daily to ourselves from being on the road, than from being in the room with a responsible ccw permit holder.

An inconvenient truth - it is too hard to solve the problem of what makes people commit crimes of all types, with a wide variety of handy weapons, and figure out how to rehabilitate them, so instead society at times leans on the responsible gun owner, instead of the real culprit, the criminal minded. I don't know if that just makes people feel like they are doing something about a problem or what, but if we say something foolish, like anyone can become unstable at any time, so they should not own guns, then same would be true for cars and other items which could be easily accessed by most anyone and used as they are currently to wreck both cars and lives across the nation.

Good for you for getting your permit - and practice, practice, practice.

[L0oniX]

111. Amen ...over 45,000 traffic fatalities every year. How many were from drunk drivers?

I am more scared of those drivers than a gun incident. Unfortunately I can't drive a Abrams tank for protection but I can keep a CW for those who dare to assault me, rob me or invade my home. O yea ... I go the range every month and fire off 200 rounds. I believe that those that have gone through the gun courses are by far a much safer user of guns than those who don't. A cop who sees your CWP knows you have passed a back ground check in Florida and knows you've been instructed on safe handling of the weapon.

[DeschutesRiver]

122. Out here in this ranching community

all of the neighbors and part timers shoot on a regular basis. Same at our old place in the valley (near a major city, but on a hundred acres, surrounded by smaller parcels). Nobody has gotten shot in over 30 years in either location. Out here the trucks all have gun racks.

OTOH, we not only have avoided numerous accidents on our windy, bad ass 6 mile gravel road to leads to the highway; 3 years ago a neighbor finally nailed dh during a snowstorm - head on, two crew cabs colliding, and the only thing that saved dh's life was that he had just turned onto that road from our driveway so was going slow as the other truck hit him sliding off an icy road, going 50 mph. And the air bag of course, plus the front end which took all the impact exactly as advertised. (So I know what you mean re the drunk drivers from a close call personal experience, plus from things that have happened to people I know. In all my years, I don't know of a single injury or death to anyone in our extensive group of friends, family and acquaintances from anyone with a ccw permit).

The other driver called to his house for help - what help? Well, they came and took dh to their place until I could get down off our hill, and sent another car to clear the driver's booze bottles and drugs out of his truck (I saw it as I was driving past to go pick up my dh at their house). This being a small town, dh ran into their insurance adjuster months later, who said that the guy has multiple claims for doing this, despite how radically they keep increasing his insurance premiums. They paid out completely and immediately on our insurance company's demand.

So what they do have out here that scares me more than all the guns is the people who drink and drive - we are polluted with them. Several in my neighbor do this on a regular basis; there is even one woman who lives here that was convicted and spent some time in prison for killing a person while driving intoxicated. She still has a drinking problem; yep, and she still drives - how is that being allowed?

We are a couple of retired lawyers, who've carried for years, never killed or harmed anyone or drawn a weapon on anyone nor used them irresponsibly. I practice enough to stay proficient with mine, while dh practices on the "back forty" almost daily. I am not sure what there is to fear from us holding a ccw. People like you and us are not the ones I fear with weapons, and neither should anyone else - the statistics proving this are out there.

And our cops in the local small town have the same attitude about us ccw permit holders.

[RiverStone]

113. I can't fathom living in a place where I felt the need to carry a gun

If I lived in a big city (or anyplace) where I felt a concealed gun was needed to feel safe, I would move the hell outta there!

But I respect the right for you to carry one if it makes ya feel more secure.

To each his or her own...

[greenbriar]

31. I do not walk around scared

but I am secure

[ShortnFiery]

39. Sort of like the same "secure feeling" by being trained in self-defense and earning

a black belt in a martial art discipline? :(

Forgive me, but unless you have someone "stalking you" or are connected to law enforcement, as a member of "the public" I DON'T FEEL SECURE with you being armed.

[Chief]

47. Armed?

Would you feel more secure in a crowd of 1000 people...

If you know who is armed?

Or if you don't know who is armed?

[friedgreentomatoes]

67. you won't feel secure

if you are upto something bad. otherwise, why worry?

[ShortnFiery]

69. No, it depends on the entire context of the area and life situation you are involved with.

I don't get it - why average, not law enforcement folks must have a concealed handgun - but we've got that pesky 2nd Amendment and I won't counter the rule of law. :shrug:

[friedgreentomatoes]

81. As a graduate student...

I often have to go to the lab late at night. Usually there is not a soul to be seen. In such circumstances, I sure would feel safe if I had a gun. What I do now is ask my roomie if she would be up, so that if I don't come back by, say 2.30am, she should contact the police. Also, I don't know if you are male or female, but women have this added disadvantage, even after giving the perpetrator every thing I was carrying with me, he still can take something more!? :shrug:

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

74. Good thing your feelings have nothing to do with it.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

93. Why is "stalking you" in quotes?

I've got a black belt and I see no problem with concealed carry, especially for women. I'd carry if I didn't live in a stupid state for guns.

[michreject]

42. If she's armed

She shouldn't fear anyone.

[walkaway]

4. Or you could shoot the wrong person...or someone else could use your...

gun against you. Here is hoping your gun never gets fired again or that you can find some kind of inner peace that allows you to live without it.

You must feel extremely vulnerable to need deadly force in your pocket. I am lucky, I live in a safe neighborhood and I am not frightened to walk around without a weapon.

[elleng]

8. I live in a big city and travel a lot,

and cannot imagine feeling safe if I carried a gun.

[proud2BlibKansan]

11. Same here

I feel more threatened by the people who are so afraid they carry concealed weapons.

[ShortnFiery]

36. I concur. My weapon of choice since my beloved "big dog" passed is my shotgun.

If someone breaks in, I can get to it fast and I WON'T MISS. :evilgrin:

Note: I've had extensive training in the use and care of fire arms and we have no young children in our home.

However, the biggest deterrent to home break-ins is ... A BIG DOG. :-)

[proud2BlibKansan]

48. Do you really worry about someone breaking in to your house?

[ShortnFiery]

53. No, I don't worry but since our economy is on a down-turn the home invasions in our

area are on the rise - I'm prepared for the possibility. To be honest, since most cat burglars scope out one's home beforehand, I've always felt much more secure with a big dog as my buddy. Even the meter readers would ask permission before entering our back yard.

Yeah, I know they can trick or poison a big dog, BUT most criminals would just "pass by" that home and invade another.

[proud2BlibKansan]

70. My dog keeps our home safe from squirrels

:)

[ShortnFiery]

73. Mine's a little long in the tooth (15 y.o.) but cats still watch her CLOSELY as they pass by.

;) :hi:

Here's a recent pick of her:

[mahina]

5. I am a Democrat tried and true, and I think the death penalty is just sometimes.

We're a big tent party.

[Wetzelbill]

17. I have always been against the death penalty

But I just read Ann Rule's book about Ted Bundy and I can't say I think it wasn't the best thing for him. Not out of revenge or anything, but that man was a dangerous person and he had a history of escaping jail too. He was too big of a risk.

[CountAllVotes]

6. gee, why am I not impressed?

and what does being a Democrat tried and true have to do with your perceived need to carry a gun at all times?

:shrug:

[greenbriar]

9. you didn't read right . I don't carry it at all times

and I am saying there is nothing wrong with owning guns


IF

you are responsible, if you have training


Guns don't kill people, people kill people

[tkmorris]

19. They sure do make it easier though, huh?

[walkaway]

22. Adolph Hitler didn't kill anyone...

the Nazis did. That sad old gun saying is getting passed on to your daughter along with your fear of the world.

I lived in NYC for twenty two years without a gun and it was the best time of my life. I walked around New York with my friends at all hours and partied with all kinds of people in peace. My boy friend and I used to climb the rock walls in Central Park at night for fun. My fourteen year old niece takes the subway to school everyday free of the kind of fear that necessitates a gun. It's sad to think you are going to pass on you terror on to your child and not learn to overcome it.

Enjoy your pink death toy.

[elocs]

33. " Guns don't kill people, people kill people".

Oh God! What a trite and cliched statement that is. Straight from the NRA handbook.

[backscatter712]

75. Guns don't kill people, bullets kill people.

All the gun does is send the bullet out the barrel at high speeds! :evilgrin:

[Statistical]

85. Bullets don't kill people, bllod loss kills people

All bullets do is facilitate the blood loss.

[Crunchy Frog]

103. The problem is

that there's so damn many people who are not responsible, and who do not have training, some of whom are downright psycho, and who endanger everybodies lives, and there is no damn way to make sure that only the responsible ones have guns.

Idiots and psychos with guns kill people.

[corruptmewithpower]

12. "but I also" implys a disconnect between the two subjects, I think.

"I am a Democrat tried and true, but I also have my concealed carry"

[safeinOhio]

30. I also carry, sometimes

I try to avoid areas where I think I might be in danger. I don't carry because I am afraid. I carry so I can protect the people around me from harm. The one time in my life that my life was under threat, I didn't carry. My lawyer and the police knew I was under threat. They knew I wasn't armed, so the person involved could not use self defense as a reason to do me harm. 90% of the people who have had to used their gun for protection, never fire it. I hope any of you that disagree with the poster have a legally armed person to save you from harm, just as you would wish to have a policeman near by in a bad situation. Just as I would stop a large man from attacking a small person with my fist, I'd do the same with my gun.

[ShortnFiery]

43. Very well put. If you have a job that puts you in areas where there's an increased risk of

violence or being mugged, that would make sense.

Never blame the victim - but I do my best to travel with others and constantly be aware of my surroundings. Still, bad things happen to good people. I'm hoping that if I get in a fix, a few debilitating strikes in the right areas and run like hell would be the solution. To each his own.

[walkaway]

54. I'd feel a lot safer it you people didn't carry guns

You are not the police and I don't want your help as you are more likely to screw up and shoot the wrong person and it could be me.

[michreject]

102. I don't carry a gun to protect you

I carry a gun to protect me. My wife carries a gun for her protection.

[corruptmewithpower]

59. I never carry, I don't even own a firearm.

But It is very important to me, that we have the right to keep and bear arms. The murder of unarmed civilians by tyrannical governments is by far the largest cause of premature death of the twentieth century. More than 5% or one in twenty of everyone who lived during the twentieth century was murdured by his or her own government. We must never let those in authority be the only ones with the guns.


"Power kills, absolute Power kills absolutely. This new Power Principle is the message emerging from my previous work on the causes of war1 and this book on genocide and government mass murder--what I call democide--in this century. The more power a government has, the more it can act arbitrarily according to the whims and desires of the elite, the more it will make war on others and murder its foreign and domestic subjects. The more constrained the power of governments, the more it is diffused, checked and balanced, the less it will aggress on others and commit democide."

http://www.hawaii.edu/powerkills/DBG.CHAP1.HTM

[Statistical]

87. Thanks.

It is easy to be pro-something you are.
It is hard to be pro-something you are not.

Most homosexuals are for gay marriage.
Generally speaking most slaves were excited about the end of slavery.
Someone who has had an abortion (or may need one in future) is more likely to be sympathetic to that plight.

It is a progressive idea for someone to stand up for the rights of others when they will not benefit directly.

Like a non-gun owner who will never own a gun yet still understands the Constitution has meaning and understands the reasons why the founders felt it was so important that citizens never be deprived of right to bear arms.

As this historical "gun nut" said:
To disarm the people the best and most effectual way to enslave them" George Mason

[corruptmewithpower]

108. Thank you

I think with sufficient empathy and a long enough view of history it is not so hard to be supportive of the other fellow. We arn't hermits, after all.

[Fumesucker]

98. Iraq was very heavily armed under Saddam Hussein..

Basically awash with "assault weapons" (and I suspect quite a few of them were of the full auto type).

It didn't stop Saddam from being a tyrannical dictator.

Modern military weaponry being what it is there is practically zero chance that citizens with sidearms or sporting rifles are going to even slow down much military units engaged in kinetic combat.

The "protect citizens from evil government with guns" meme may have had some validity at the time of the writing of the Constitution, it really doesn't any more.

[corruptmewithpower]

107. Then Afganistan should be a cakewalk for us.

Like it has been for every other invader throughout history.

[Fumesucker]

127. Not the same thing at all as domestic conflict..

And I think you know that.

Not to mention our supply lines are approximately half way around the world, supply logistics for Afghanistan is ridiculously difficult, far more so than Iraq which at least has seaports reasonably close.

We know little to nothing of the culture and are distrusted and feared outsiders in Afghanistan, intelligence is an almost infinitely more difficult problem for US forces in that country than it would be in America itself.

There are more than enough Americans on either side of any potential domestic conflict here to provide a great deal of intel, language would not be a problem and neither would culture.

You are comparing apples and zucchini.

[corruptmewithpower]

129. You would prefer to protect the citizenry from evil government without

guns?

[corruptmewithpower]

130. You would prefer to protect the citizenry from evil government without

guns?

[DLnyc]

83. Thanks for your concern, but I'd feel a lot safer if you would keep a very large

distance (say, like 13,000 miles) between you and me.

Thanks.

[L0oniX]

112. I think it is to say that the repukes are not the only ones with guns.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

13. "gee, why am I not impressed?"

Ummmmm, hmmmmm, let's see... Maybe cause like, um, ya know, you weren't supposed to be?

Did the poster write the OP in a 'show off' tone or with the intent to impress? No.

You simply need to work on your reading comprehension skills. The error is yours, not the OP's.

[whistler162]

7. That's disgusting.....

the pistols color not you having a carry permit and the training.

What next pink PC's/Laptops!

[greenbriar]

10. oh I would own a pink laptop

I love the color pink!!!

[whistler162]

16. Is your name Tuscadaro?

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

15. What's Disgusting About It? Pink Is Color That A Majority Of Women Like.

What's disgusting about having certain items colored that way in order to cater to that liking?

And what would be wrong with a pink laptop?

What a strange response on your part.

[whistler162]

18. No your response is the STRANGE one!

how is your knee after that sudden reaction?

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

21. What Are You Even Talking About?

No sudden reaction on my part whatsoever, nor anything in my post that could be regarded as 'knee jerking'. Everything I typed was in direct context to your strange response.

The only error would be if you were joking, but there is no way to discern that from your post and with all the petty complaints seen here daily it is completely within the realm of possibility that someone would post what you did in a serious way. So were you joking or serious? Personally, I couldn't give a rat's fat ass either way. But there was still no knee jerking on my part. If anything, there was merely a flawed ability on your part to relay your message accurately. :hi:

[ShortnFiery]

38. Come on OMC, you like Pink too, don't cha?

TWEAK! :rofl:

[bvar22]

82. Mark it on your calendar, OMC.

Today, I absolutely agree with you....and that never happens.
:toast:

[Wetzelbill]

14. I see nothing wrong with it at all

I don't own a gun, mainly because I feel I don't need one. I sometimes carry a knife with me because I live in a rough neighborhood and I sometimes walk to the store at night. Protection is protection, some people carry a gun, some pocket knives, or some have pepper spray, it never hurts to feel a little safer from time to time.

[Mojorabbit]

20. I keep one by the bed

I am disabled and hubby is gone a lot of weekends. My parents kept one by their bed too. I learned to shoot at a young age. I am a good shot. It was something I grew up with and it still amazes me how many people are afraid of guns. I never thought twice about it growing up.

[TheKentuckian]

23. Good show. We all know that gun control is authoritarian concept

that happens to be endorsed by too many Democrats.

[katandmoon]

29. Bullfuckingshit

[FLAprogressive]

51. All authoritarian nations had strict gun control laws: See Soviet Union under Stalin, Nazi Germany

[Fumesucker]

100. What about Iraq under Saddam?

Or was that not authoritarian enough for you?

[Crunchy Frog]

104. Wanting to be alive is an authoritarian concept.

[NeedleCast]

24. I love the ridiculous "what are you so afraid of responses"

About as logical as asking someone why they wear a seatbelt.

[Statistical]

50. That my standard response.

Someone: "Why are you SO AFRAID you need to carry a gun?"
Me: "I am not afraid at all. Most likely I will never need it. Did you where a seatbelt today?
Someone: "Yes. But thats different"
Me: "Why? If you weren't in a car crash today it was kinda stupid to wear it? It didn't do anything except sit there. Is it fear of dying in a car that makes you wear a seat belt EVERY TIME".

What about smoke detectors, home alarm, locking your door, purchasing insurance (property & life). Are these things used by people afraid of fire, theft, break in, or catastrophe?

[hfojvt]

115. I've logged a lot of miles without seatbelts on

Seatbelt wearers probably are afraid, or at least have had it drummed into their head about the 'necessity' of wearing a seatbelt. Another huge difference too, is that nobody has recently used a seatbelt to kill more than ten people.

[walkaway]

57. Seat belts don't kill people ...GUNS DO!

[Mojorabbit]

65. So do cars. nt

[ChromeFoundry]

79. Um, kinda the point.. isn't it?

last time i checked...throwing chewing gum at a threat didn't work.

[hfojvt]

116. apparently

you didn't see that episode of McGyver

[The Straight Story]

117. I find it funny that people asking what you are afraid of are afraid of guns

What do we have, something like a hundred million or more guns out there? Few are used to harm others - and even then is usually someone with mental issues using them.

Alcohol and mental illness are the root causes, but it is easier to see fear of guns and try to ban them than to address the real issues.

[beevul]

131. 250-300-ish million guns.

In the last year I have seen estimates ranging from 250-300 million guns in America.

Well said also, btw. :thumbsup:

[Uben]

26. Good for you!

I have been a hard core democrat all my adult life. I also own 19 guns. Now, there are some who would ask what is the need to have that many weapons. I don't need to own them, I want to own them. I have bought one gun in my life. A .22 pistol I used to carry when hiking in Texas when I was in my twenties. The rest I inherited from my father, who in turn had inherited some of them from his dad, who also passed down some that had belonged to his dad, my great grandfather! I have not shot a gun in over 15 years, other than a shotgun that I use to control the cormorant population here at the lake where I live. I am a certified agent for the Texas Parks and Wildllife Dept.

Every gun I own is kept locked up, unloaded...rifles in the guncase I inherited from dad, and the handguns in my safe.

I intend to pass them down to my grandson when I die (I had two daughters, and neither has expressed any interest in them). If he wants to sell them, that's okay with me. They mean something to me. As a boy who grew up in rural Texas, I have been around guns all my life.

You have just as much a right to own that gun as the person who condemns you for it has the right to complain about you having it!

[pecwae]

27. Nothing at all wrong with that.

I have one by my bed.

[katandmoon]

28. How sad that you buy into that gun-worshipping crap

[NeedleCast]

34. Owning one gun is "gun worship?"

[truedelphi]

32. Green briar - you might have enjoyed the bumper sticker I spotted

Yesterday on a car obviously driven by a liberal (Many of the other bumper stickers were quite lib)

"Quit honking - I'm only slowing down to reload!"

[SoCalDem]

35. To each his/her own

I am happy to not have the fear necessary to want a gun for protection.. (I have even been robbed at gunpoint.. and stalked too)

the one fear I DO have though, is the one where a child finds the gun and kills himself/herself..or another child..

having raised 3 grown kids, I can tell you that they DO "find" almost everything in a house..

Each person's concept of "safety" is different, so yours means you need a gun to feel safe..mine does not.. i just hope that "your" gun does not end up accidentally killing an innocent..

[number6]

37. I have no problem with it.

but remember a gun, like war is a very last resort ....

[ShortnFiery]

40. I'd have to carry it on my person because I'm always misplacing my purse.

:blush:

It's an awesome responsibility.

And just in case don't cut people off in traffic if you think they are "packing."

I'm as gentle as a kitten when driving because I never know who is ARMED. :scared:

[number6]

60. good advice

these days with all gang members packing.

I just smile and wave.

[michreject]

41. congrats

If you had to use it, you would, without hesitation and not even realize that you had pulled the trigger.

I've had my carry permit for 10 years and a gun goes with me every place I go. I'm so accustomed to it, I don't even notice it.

[ThomWV]

44. I have one, my wife has one, my son has one, and his lady is in the process of getting hers.

It is your right.

Hail to the Chief

[ShortnFiery]

45. Remind me and mine NEVER to cut of you and yours OFF in traffic?

:evilgrin:

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

95. Because that's what the millions of CCW permit holders do everyday right?

[ThomWV]

106. You should not need a reminded from me or mine to drive safely

And while I can not speak for my wife I can assure you that I would not take a shot at you if you cut me off in traffic.

[steven johnson]

46. Statistics indicate firearm accidents are very rare

Firearm deaths rank behind bicycle and tricycle deaths in the statistics.

http://www.defensivecarry.com/vbulletin/second-amendment-gun-legislation-discussion/72072-new-09-accidental-firearm-deaths-stats.html

In 1987, my home state of Florida enacted a “shall issue” law that has become the model for other states. Anti-gun groups, politicians and the news media predicted the new law would lead to vigilante justice and “Wild West” shootouts on every corner.

But since adopting a concealed carry law Florida’s total violent crime rate has dropped 32% and its homicide rate has dropped 58%. Floridians, except for criminals, are safer due to this law. And Florida is not alone. Texas’ violent crime rate has dropped 20% and homicide rate has dropped 31%, since enactment of its 1996 carry law.

Another study makes the moral case for expanding and enhancing right-to-carry laws. A report by John Lott, Jr. and David Mustard of the University of Chicago released in 1996 found "that allowing citizens to carry concealed weapons deters violent crimes and it appears to produce no increase in accidental deaths." Further, the Lott-Mustard study noted, "If those states which did not have right-to-carry concealed gun provisions had adopted them in 1992, approximately 1,570 murders; 4,177 rapes; and over 60,000 aggravate assaults would have been avoided yearly."

Think about it. Nearly 8,000 of our fellow citizens have died between 1992 and 1996 because of the irrational fear that law-abiding Americans would abuse their right to self defense. In fact concealed carry permit holders are more law-abiding than the rest of the public. For example, Florida, which has issued more carry permits than any state has issued 1.36 million permits, but revoked only 165 (0.01%) due to gun crimes by permit-holders.

http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=30405

[depakid]

49. At least you're having a go with stats

Next up- the concept of spuriousness.

It's all good though- part of critical thinking.

And damn- we sure do need more of it.

[Statistical]

52. Statistics also show CCW tend to be very law abiding....

then again some people in this thread said they are more afraid of lawful gun owners than criminals.

WTF?

Statistics only work on those willing to aproach a topic w/ open mind.

For too many people the entire logic process is:
1) Guns are always bad
2) See #1

[ShortnFiery]

58. As more and more persons apply and go "a-packing" those statistics will change.

IMO People should have some VALID reason as to why they need to conceal their weapon.

I love it in Tuscan Arizona where many average citizens have their hand-guns out in the open strapped to their side - that's cool. You know where you stand. :shrug:

[Statistical]

61. I agree....

most states however do not allow open carry.

Most communities tend to frown upon it also.
There have been numerous "arrests" for open carry (which is perfectly legal in VA).

So CCW is an acceptable compromise in by book.

Funny thing the few times I have open carried most of the time nobody even notices. Most people have very little situational awareness and tend to keep their eyes level not glancing at the belt region.

[ShortnFiery]

68. Yes, "open carry" would solve many problems.

I left an abusive relationship many years back and my ex-boyfriend stalked and threatened to kill me. NOW, the foregoing situation and any "domestic abuse" victim should, if she desires, be fully trained and granted a concealed carry permit. And of course people who carry large amounts of cash or diamonds, law enforcement, etc.

However, I become concerned about "just anyone" carrying around a concealed weapon. I PERSONALLY wouldn't apply unless I had a job that was dangerous because it's SUCH an intense responsibility, i.e., burden.

If you do carry, just please be careful and don't put it in your purse because it's too easy to set aside - wear it on your person is my best advice. :shrug:

[nadinbrzezinski]

55. Sorry for nitpick here

Could I really shoot someone? If it came to my life or the life of my daughter, I think I could.

____________

If you think you could, you are not sure... please don't carry

Or that gun will be used against you

Lord help you if you ever draw and there is even a second hesitation

If you pull it out... safety's off and you pull the trigger

Hell, this is a medic talking

And yes if I ever was in that situation I KNOW I will pull the trigger after aiming at center of mass... PERIOD!

[backscatter712]

56. I keep firearms for self defense too. My sister just got herself a .357 Magnum revolver.

I got my training, so did my sister, and we damned well are going to defend ourselves as necessary.

[ShortnFiery]

63. I wasted all that time and money on self-defense & karate courses when all I needed was "a gun."

:sarcasm:

[backscatter712]

76. OK, put a gun in one person's hands, and train the other person to be a black belt in karate.

Who's more likely to walk away?

[ShortnFiery]

78. Why am I receiving lame flash-backs to Indiana Jones?

:eyes: Hey if it makes some think that their dick's bigger or that they are "all powerful" carrying a gun around, I can't stop them. However, the odds are that NO GOOD will come of carrying a concealed weapon for the WRONG REASONS. :shrug:

[backscatter712]

80. This the scene you're talking about?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMLIOtBLqoU

:evilgrin:

Why does everyone assume that possession of a firearm means I'm compensating for a short penis?

You don't think that I could possibly use firearms for actual self defense against dangerous people? Oh, the shock!

[ShortnFiery]

89. Let's just say that Movies don't reflect reality and if you are not quick, any criminal can

disarm you and kill you with your own blessed gun.

Unless you have to travel through gang territory daily, people with this "guns protect me best" attitude frighten the shit out of me.

Here's one for you and please hug you sweet GUN close tonight. Keeping my shotgun at home is all I need.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7VCHj2OSdw

[Fumesucker]

99. Depends entirely on the situation...

You would have to be a *lot* more specific about the precise nature of the situation before any rational answer could be forthcoming.

Black belt training is available at an instant's notice to the person with the training, a gun has to be on the person in the first place and then has to be drawn, the safety taken off (you *do* use the safety, don't you) and aimed.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

94. What martial arts did you study?

[anonymous171]

62. Wow. Overcompensating much?

-




















:sarcasm:

[InvisibleTouch]

64. I keep meaning to get my concealed carry license.

Perhaps this year. I no longer live in an area where I feel unsafe, but I do feel that being proficient with a handgun is one of those skills that's useful to have. Must admit that the pretty color on the "Pink Lady" appeals to me, but I don't have $400 to spend for a pretty color at the moment. :)

[wartrace]

66. I carry a firearm. (although it isn't pink)

I really don't care if others are afraid of the thought. Nobody ever sees the gun, nobody is aware that I have it. I won't make excuses or apologies, I carry for personal defense.

[Missy Vixen]

71. Firearm as fashion accessory

I think I need to lie down.

[OhioChick]

72. I have several guns...

Took classes long ago, go to the shooting range and know how to use one quite well.....as did/does everyone else in my household. Like you, I have them for personal safety and should anyone break into my home and try to hurt my loved ones or myself, I wouldn't think twice about using it.

On edit to add: I also intend on getting a CC.

[druidity33]

77. I'd love to carry

my longbow, hip quiver and a nice long knife around with me.

As for guns though, i don't like loud noises.

:)

[GoneOffShore]

86. Congratulations - NOT

Been living in the "Big City" for close onto 30 years. Never had the need or desire to have a concealed carry permit.

Maybe you live in "Blade Runner" city.

[aikoaiko]

88. Thank you for disclosing this -- a lot of people respect you and will rethink who is a gun owner.

:applause:

[BlooInBloo]

90. Do you want a prize or something?

[greenbriar]

91. yea, a big ole brownie button ;) grrr...just wanted to point out that not all gun owners are crazy

and that it is okay

[RamboLiberal]

92. Greenbriar - same here - loyal Democrat and a CCW holder

But I do carry most of the time. Since I'm female, travel alone, often work late at night and live alone except for my dog, I want the ability to defend myself if needed. But I don't have a pink gun, just a few black ones and an OD one.

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

96. You sound remarkably rational, how is that possible you own guns?

[mr blur]

97. Congratulations. How bizarre. Why do you feel the need to mention this and

offer some justification? Guilt and embarrassment are such a nuisance, aren't they?

[FlyingSquirrel]

101. Guy at my work has a daughter who went out into the woods

with a couple guys target shooting. She's 18 so I guess she can do what she wants. Anyway one of the others accidentally shot her foot off with a shotgun. Now she's trying to decide how much of it she wants to keep and whether she should let 'em cut it off mid-calf and put in a complete prosthesis.

Guns. :wtf:

[Crunchy Frog]

105. She should be grateful that she got to sacrifice her foot for liberty.

What would she rather have, her intact limbs or her second amendment freedoms? :shrug:

[MadHound]

109. Question for you

Do you carry your pistol in businesses, residences and other places that either don't allow or don't want guns on their premises?

[L0oniX]

110. You should have bought the hammerless S&W 642.

External triggers get caught on stuff.

[FudaFuda]

118. +1. Or the 340PD, but it's $$$

Just for clarification, pretty sure you meant external hammers.. (not external triggers)


I also prefer the hammerless j-frame revolvers for CCW, although I do not currently carry concealed. I used to be exempt from needing the permit due to employment in law enforcement, but I'm out of that line of work now. These days I'm just a desk bureaucrat. I need to get off my butt and head down to the sheriff's dept. soon.

[bottomtheweaver]

119. Don't you see the danger of giving in to this kind of marketing pressure?

Do you really imagine you'll ever be in a position to protect yourself with these cleverly branded weapons? What kind of message are you sending your children when you've militarized your own home? I know you probably don't see it this way, but what's the point of protesting against the military industrial complex when you're willing to make yourself part of it?

[Brooklyns_Finest]

120. Concealed Weapons

I live in California, so I do not have the right to carry concealed. I own a 45 caliber hand gun and have it locked at home. If I could, I don't think I would even want to carry concealed weapon. I work for the federal government, so I couldn't take my weapon in to my work place so I would have to leave it in my car. As a former Marine, I have been drilled to believe that a weapon should either be on your person or in the armory. I just think carrying a concealed weapon is a major responsibility and too much of a burden (for me).

Furthermore, I was raised in NYC. I was raised in one of the hardest hoods you can imagine (bedstuy). In my youth, I was mugged/jumped a few times. I was once stuck up at gun point. It was a set up, and I never saw it coming. One little kid (10 year old)approached me to ask a question, then another bigger kid swooped up behind with a pistol to the back of my head. Situational awareness and having a gun would not have helped me out at all. In fact, if I had a weapon on me, the criminals would have had 2 weapons instead of 1. That is the problem with carrying concealed in a major city. THe criminals are just smarter or craftier than the average citizen. They also have more "violence of action" than the average citizen.

Now in the case of the Vietnamese guy who shot up the immigration center or the Korean guy who shot up VT, I think an armed citizen could have ended the assault with less death.

I think open carry is a better way to go. I know it would make people uncomfortable, but it would be a direct deterrent to would be rapist/robbers/killers. The problem is that cops hate having to deal with these people.

I do carry a kabor (knife)on my belt. We cannot carry a fire arm at work, but I have not inquired on whether I can carry my knife (don't ask don't tell). I feel confident in my knife fighting and street fighting abilities, so for now, I'll use my natural abilities to defend myself.

[TwilightGardener]

121. Well, how do you decide when to bring it with you? I mean, do some days feel

more menacing than others? Maybe you should just strap it to your leg and practice whipping it out of the holster, like old Tombstone or Dodge City or something. You're really going to kick yourself the day you leave it at home (or set it down while you take a shower) and the BIG EVENT finally happens, so best to never let it leave your side.

[Statistical]

123. How do you decide...

which days to wear a seatbelt?
which days to pay life insurance premium?
which days to replace that dead battery in smoke detector?

[TwilightGardener]

125. I wear a seatbelt every time I get into a car--because almost everyone

who drives long enough gets into a car accident (whether minor or serious) at some point or another. So I guess I would have to have my gun by my side every time I...took a dump... fed the cats... went to the store... mulched my roses... walked my dog... because you never know when the killers are going to cross your path. Yikes, what a way to live.

[greenbriar]

126. I usually keep it in my underwear harness...hehe...NO I usually just keep it in the vehicle when

traveling


all other times it is locked in a safe in my bedroom.

I take it to go target shooting



I just wanted people to realize that not all gun owners are crazy psychos

[derby378]

124. Nothing wrong with that at all

I don't have a CHL, myself, but I do what I can to make sure you keep your rights. :hi:

[Occam Bandage]

128. That's a cute gun.

[Solon]

133. Uhm, question, if you keep it in your car, I'm assuming loaded, as you stated in this thread.

Then do you ever leave your car? I'm assuming you keep it in the glove box and not in plain view.