Is there any evidence that explains that the ones who carry guns are actually afraid?

[GalaxyHunter]

I have seen this be said over and over again, but is there any proof?


Has anyone heard a person who carries a gun state the reason they carry it is because they are afraid to leave their house?

Can anyone shed some light on this, is it truth or a myth made up by the anti-gunners to push their cause?

[gopiscrap]

1. Not that I know of.

[Democracyinkind]

2. You mean apart from them carrying a gun? nt

[TheDeputy]

3. Why would they be afraid?

They have guns.

[ileus]

4. Always examine the source....

most who claim that are 2A regressives, they have an agenda to push, and it's not your personal safety.

When you choose to carry a personal safety device in public you've decided there are risks in life. Some risks you have to take, some you should refuse to take.

You carry because you know it's your responsibility to assure your own safety should the need arise. Don't let others take your life for granted.

Just because you carry a firearm doesn't mean you won't become a victim, just that you refuse to be a willing victim. Don't let others force you into being an easy target.

Safety first...

[Starboard Tack]

12. Personal safety device!

[Tuesday Afternoon]

70. Are you just now getting that? He has been using that expression on here for years now.

More commonly known in my neck of the woods as Snake Medicine ...

[Starboard Tack]

80. I know he's been using it for years, but it still makes me laugh

He also claims it's ok for little children to own guns, all part of "family fun", but he hasn't taught his nine year old to touble tap yet. Hard to take him seriously. Personally, I doubt that he's ever touched a gun, but he sure likes to talk it up.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

83. who knows ... yanno what they say about the netz

[pscot]

5. By their own testimony

They say, over and over that they need to arm themselves for self-protection. They worry about home invasions and street thugs. They think black helicopters will drop from the skies, disgorging armed UN troops. Like sheep, they see wolves wherever they look. See post 4.

[GalaxyHunter]

6. so you have heard this come from someones mouth.

you heard it with your own ears that they are afraid of black helicopters in the skies and UN troops?


we all know that anyone can be a victim of home invasion.

[Nuclear Unicorn]

31. Do you wear a seatbelt in your car?

Immunize your children? Teach sex ed? Have health insurance?

[Eleanors38]

54. Read #4. Saw nothing about the 231-ft Thing of Doom over St. Pete.

[pscot]

55. Now you made me google

That would get a rise out of them

[Eleanors38]

56. Occasionally, the argument must be testeased.

[ChicagoRonin]

7. I don't know if this counts as proof . . .

In my own personal experience, I have a number of friends who are avid gun owners who enjoy using firearms at gun ranges. They also are pro-concealed carry.
Here's how the personalities of two in particular break down.

1) Friend #1
Single, late 30s caucasian male who grew up in the far West Chicago suburbs (borderline rural area). Working class family and currently works as a union metal worker. Has never lived anywhere except his hometown. Dreamed of becoming a cop but failed all exams. Relatively short (around 5'6&quot . Obsessed with body building and martial arts, however is both a confirmed steroid user and has been kicked out of various martial arts organizations due to his attitude (ended up founding his own independent martial arts school). Has never been a victim of crime or been in real fights (to the best of my knowledge) but frequently talks about a need to protect himself.

2) Friend #2
Single mid-30s Asian-American male who grew up on Chicago's north side. Parents were professionals. College-educated, very book smart. A bit nerdy, somewhat socially awkward (often says offensive politically-incorrect things in an attempt to be funny). Bad personal habits (definitely a slob), very overweight, unathletic. Politically talks about our need to "kill the bad guys and all their families" regarding places like Syria and Iran. Never been a victim of a crime or been in a fight but talks about a need to protect himself.

[spin]

21. Two examples who support concealed carry from CHICAGO? ...

Hell, it will probably be 2014 before Illinois even issues concealed carry permits.

How gun law works: Likely 2014 before permits issued
Concealed carry permits likely won't be issued until next year
July 10, 2013|By David Heinzmann, Monique Garcia and Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune reporters

Illinois lawmakers overrode Gov. Pat Quinn's veto of concealed carry legislation on Tuesday, but it will likely be 2014 before any firearm owners are permitted to pack handguns in public.

***snip***

Illinois State Police officials have 180 days — roughly six months — to create an application process. Once they begin accepting applications, Bond said it will take them about 90 days to process and screen the first round of applications and begin issuing permits. Until then, the ban on concealed carry will remain officially in effect.

But how that will play out across the state could vary, say some backers of the law.
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-07-10/news/ct-met-illinois-concealed-carry-whats-next-0709-2-20130710_1_gun-law-gun-owners-concealed-carry-law

Now I come from Florida where over 1,000,000 residents have concealed weapons permits. I have been shooting at target ranges for over 40 years and I have met a lot of people who legally carry. Of the ones that I personally know, I can't pick out any one characteristic that is common.

I do know some who are short and fat and some who are tall and thin. I know some college graduates who have carry permits and some that never made it beyond high school. I know some who run their own businesses and are very successful and some who are suffering as low paid wage slaves. I know a couple of doctors who carry and a number of nurses and medical technicians. I know a number of retired police officers who carry and many people who carry have served in the military (but not all by any means).

Some are extremely religious but I also know a number of agnostics and atheists who have carry permits. Most tend to vote Republican when the Democratic Party is pushing for gun control but I know several who voted for Obama in both presidential elections.

Basically the people who legally carry in Florida represent a broad cross section of American society. Firearms are extremely common in Florida and not frowned upon as in some less firearm friendly states. Before I retired most of my co-workers and neighbors in the Tampa Bay Area owned firearms and a good number had carry permits.

[SoutherDem]

8. Why need evidence when the only goal is to insult.

But, I have to wonder who is actually afraid? Those who carry the gun or the ones who freak when they see a gun or even think someone my have a concealed gun.

[Starboard Tack]

10. You think dialing 911 is freaking, and carrying a gun is not? You're funny

You confuse public safety with personal paranoia.

[SoutherDem]

14. I didn't say anything about 911

i was mainly referring to the constant stream of insults aimed at those who choose to legally carry weapons.

But, since you brought up 911. Calling 911 on someone who is following the law seem like a waste of tax payers money, yes you got to get a pro-gun person harassed for a few minutes, but not much more. I trust you also call 911 each time you see someone text and drive or is using their cell phone while driving or speeding for that matter, since you are so concerned with public safety.

Also, now that I think about it calling 911 just because someone has a gun (were it is legal) seems to be showing a bit of fear (and paranoia) too, other wise say good morning and continue your day just like you did with those whose guns were concealed.

[Starboard Tack]

16. What insults?

Do you mean critical remarks? Are you really that sensitive? Do you expect people to say "How nice of you to bring your lovely gun to the supermarket and the coffee shop. It really makes us all feel so much more secure."

I am not afraid of guns or gun carriers anymore than I am of anyone else. That doesn't make their behavior any less bizarre. I am much more likely to dial 911 if I see someone driving erratically while texting. No taxpayers money is wasted btw. The cops are working a shift and getting paid regardless of what they are doing. They might as well be checking some freak with a gun that eating more donuts.

[SoutherDem]

18. Critical Remarks?

Afraid (same as cowardly), paranoid, freak, delusional, and self absorbed are words you have used today in this thread most 3rd graders understand those to be insults, not critical remarks.

You are correct that the police work a shift, so your 911 call doesn't cost any additional money, but let a child make a prank call to 911 and it would be called a waste of taxpayers money plus what if while they are harassing the person legally carrying the gun someone is robbed, raped or murdered?

Also, I see you have great respect for the police (They might as well be ....than eating more donuts), was that a critical remark or an insult? Maybe I am just being sensitive.

[Nuclear Unicorn]

32. You left out "gun humper." Because we all know what women who own guns are *really* doing.

[Starboard Tack]

60. yeah, maybe you are being sensitive.

I mean no insult to any individual here. A little sarcasm, now and then, but no insult. This is a controversial group, so we learn to roll with the punches.

[SoutherDem]

61. I will take you at your word that you meant no insult

and yes this group is very controversial to say the least and that can bring the worst out in all of us on both sides of the debate.

[Starboard Tack]

62. I know. I get it from both sides.

The extremists on both sides think I'm on the opposing side. The only side I'm on is the one that seeks common ground and finding solutions through thoughtful discussion.
My rhetoric gets stronger when I see people who are rigid and just enjoy creating a shit storm. We all need to grow and learn, and that means listening to those we disagree with.

[GalaxyHunter]

22. eating more donuts?

no, they might as well be stopping the domestic that is taking place. Not wasting their time on someone who has NOT BROKEN THE LAW!


what is the point to call 911 on someone who is acting within in the law.


It is within their rights to bring their gun into a supermarket. don't like it then don't shop there.

[Oneka]

57. What insults? What insults indeed...

"Some freak with a gun"

Thats rich, you couldn't even get finished with your own ,insult apologist, reply without insulting gun carriers.
Do you even know , or care, how bigoted that makes you appear?

[Starboard Tack]

64. Where is the insult? There are lots of freaks with guns.

I am, by no means, saying that most who own guns, or most who carry are freaks, but many are. That's just a fact.
This world is full of freaks. Some have guns, some don't.
This link might help you to understand what I am referring to
http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/look-40-pictures-of-how-gun-freaks-celebrated-gun-appreciation-day/news/2013/01/20/58792

[Tuesday Afternoon]

71. critical remarks is to insults as personal saftey device is to guns ...

kinda like that, right?

[rl6214]

74. What insults?

[YllwFvr]

75. i avoid dunkin like the plague

Some jokes get to be extremely annoying over time. First time i went in they shouted lock up the doughnuts! Hes here to clean us out! That one can be avoided .

[AtheistCrusader]

27. Hmm. If only there was an analogy to police/firearm...

hmm... Like ... maybe fire extinguisher/fireman.

If the police are there, and can get to you in time, (and you can successfully summon their aid), then you're ok.
If the firefighters are there, and can get to you in time, (and you can successfully summon their aid), then you're ok.

Otherwise, a tool of some sort might aid you... hmm. What kind of tool...

[Starboard Tack]

44. I think you missed the point

Had nothing to do with response time of LE, but was about people dialing 911 when they see someone carrying a gun in public.

[AtheistCrusader]

47. I think you missed my point.

I'm referring to the purpose some people choose to carry a firearm for.

[Starboard Tack]

49. They carry because the cops are too slow? Right, and you buy that?

Maybe out in the boonies, where carrying a firearm might actually make sense, but to the grocery store. I don't think so.

[YllwFvr]

76. doesnt matter if its your house or the hardware store

Reaponse time will likely be poor. State police here are 3,500 men short. Our local dept covers three towns with one man, and its not 24 hr coverage. Could be a half hour for police to arrive.

[Starboard Tack]

78. I don't know where you live

but if that is the case and crime is prevalent in your area, then it might make sense to be armed. I understand the concerns of those who live in rural areas, but everywhere I've lived in this country, LE and other emergency response time has been extremely fast, usually under 3 minutes.

[YllwFvr]

79. folks living across from the fire dept

Can see ten minute respond time. Definately rural. Lights and sirens its ten minutes for me to get from one of my coverage zones to another.
Three minutes is incredible. How many officers are on to that kind of patrol saturation?

[Starboard Tack]

81. Most urban areas can respond in that time.

We have a friend visiting from Houston who tells me the response time is under 3 minutes. Having lived in NYC and LA, I can assure you that all emergency services have a fast response time.

[rrneck]

86. At my house...

about a half an hour. In town? Three minutes. Unless you're on the bike lane, then it will take a lot longer. That would be the bike lane that saw a young man almost decapitated a few years ago. They never found out who did it.

[Starboard Tack]

87. Sounds normal

and I assume that's why you leave your gun at home, which makes a lot of sense.

[gejohnston]

52. if carrying a gun in public is not a crime

then it is an abuse of the 911 system. The system is there for saving lives, not placating irrational fears.
Even if it is a crime, it isn't an emergency, still an abuse but not as much. Only the NEM should be called.

[Starboard Tack]

59. Depends on the situation

If Martin had seen Zimmerman's gun when he was being followed, a 911 call may well have saved his life. Calling 911 because some guy is walking normally down the street wearing a holstered gun would be an abuse of the system. Seeing a group of guys walking into a bank carrying long guns may be a cause for concern.

[gejohnston]

63. you obviously have no clue about the facts of the case

that was my point here
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1172&pid=132335
IOW, what you think you know is a false narrative based on the lies of an POS ambulance chaser and made national by naive bloggers. Then there is a certain TV preacher. Your understanding is about as honest and accurate as the picture of the 12 year old kid in the Hollister sweatshirt.
Martin ran when Zimmerman was still in the car. Zimmerman lost visual contact with him, according to all available evidence. Martin, being 6'3" and very athletic, could have easily made the 90 yards to Dad's girlfriend's house. The attack happened four minutes later about 70 yards from Dad's girlfriend's house. He told Rachel Jentell that he reached the back door, at least that is what she said in court. Walking through the door and staying would have saved his life. Instead, he made the decision to double back and attack Zimmerman, a decision that guaranteed his death or imprisonment that night. At no point, based trial evidence, did Zimmerman walk behind him.

Seeing a group of guys walking into a bank carrying long guns may be a cause for concern.

Yes, that would be cause for concern as would upholstering a pistol or pulling the hood up instead of leaving it down.

Talk Left puts it best
http://www.talkleft.com/story/2013/7/14/145748/759/Colo_News/The-Legacy-of-the-George-Zimmerman-Trial
http://www.talkleft.com/story/2013/7/19/161153/926

[Starboard Tack]

65. And if you are correct that he went back to attack Zimmerman

do you think he would have done so knowing that Zimmerman was armed? The facts are, Zimmerman had a concealed gun and had provoked Martin by following him. Provoking a 17 year old is not smart, especially when he is bigger and stronger. Or do you think Martin just attacked Zimmerman for the hell of it, without any provocation?
Result is one kid is dead and one asshole, who should never have had a gun, let alone a CCW permit, walked.

[gejohnston]

66. read the links

do you think he would have done so knowing that Zimmerman was armed? The facts are, Zimmerman had a concealed gun and had provoked Martin by following him.

He did not provoke Martin. All Zimmerman did is call NEN when he saw Martin casing a house. How did Zimmerman provoke him? What trial evidence do you have to indicate that? Oh wait, there isn't any.

Provoking a 17 year old is not smart, especially when he is bigger and stronger. Or do you think Martin just attacked Zimmerman for the hell of it, without any provocation?

Yes, based on the data dump on Martin's phone, he liked to beat the shit out of people and get in fights. In fact, he told one friend he wanted to pound on some kid because he didn't make him bleed enough. He was also trying to illegally sell a pistol according to his phone dump. On the slim chance of a conviction, that phone would have been reversible against the judge and because it was one of several Brady violations (the IT guy that blew the whistle is filing a wrongful termination suit against Duvall County) Brady violations also mean instant overturn in Florida.

Result is one kid is dead and one asshole, who should never have had a gun, let alone a CCW permit, walked.

Based on what? The false "white racist" claim? Google "Sherman Ware" and get back to me who the asshole is. You didn't read the links. If Zimmerman didn't have a gun, Trayvon would have landed up in prison or dead that night because he would have been still beating Zimmerman's head in the sidewalk when the cops got there (at least two eye witnesses called 911)

The trial transcript and evidence is public record in Florida. The complete trial, including hearings that the jury didn't hear, was televised and complete archive is on You Tube. That is why there were no mass protests or riots in Florida. Ignore the charlatans and the ideologues, see for yourself.

[Starboard Tack]

67. All of that may be so, but doesn't alter the basic facts.

Zimmerman killed an unarmed kid. If he had not been armed, none of it would've happened. He was emboldened enough to become a killer. Period.
Guns have no business being carried by anyone who is not highly trained and seriously vetted and licensed by a single, federal licensing authority. The Zimmerman case is only one example of the abuse of SYG laws. There are many more and the statistics don't lie.

[gejohnston]

68. let's make this perfectly clear

Until you can have an intelligent discussion based on the trial evidence, not bullshit from bloggers, don't waste my time.

Zimmerman killed an unarmed kid. If he had not been armed, none of it would've happened. He was emboldened enough to become a killer. Period.

UK has 750 murders a year. The US has more than that murdered by "unarmed" people each year. Had he not been armed, he would be dead. You don't grasp the concept of disproportionate force do you? When you stun someone by sucker punching someone then straddle them where not only they can't escape or punch back in any meaningful way, you have more leverage. Add that to the fact that Zimmerman's head was against the sidewalk getting his head beat in. He became a killer because he had no other choice. Those are the facts, and the truth, from trial and no whining is going to change that.

Guns have no business being carried by anyone who is not highly trained and seriously vetted and licensed by a single, federal licensing authority. The Zimmerman case is only one example of the abuse of SYG laws.

He was trained by an air marshal. The case had nothing to do with SYG. SYG was irrelevant because he had no ability to to retreat. He also screamed for help for 40 seconds. Even Trayvon's dad said it "wasn't my son on the tape" even though the family lawyer said otherwise. And no, there should not be any federal authority over CCW anymore than drivers licenses. Yes, that include national reciprocity.

There are many more and the statistics don't lie.

Yes they do.
Those are the facts from trial, please learn them before dragging out proven lies created by the Martin family lawyer (who said that Zimmerman had a duty to let Trayvon beat the shit out of him until the cops got there. That sounds like your opinion too.), racist charlatans and the intellectual lazy talk show hosts and bloggers. Nothing you said matches the facts brought out in court. I can't comprehend anyone clinging to narrative even when proven facts show otherwise. I have little patience with ideologues left or right for that reason.
Also, there will be federal nor civil suit against Zimmerman because they have no valid case. OTOH, Zimmerman has an excellent case against NBC for defamation, but also against Crump. He also has a slam malicious prosecution case against Duvall County DA Angela Corey.

[Starboard Tack]

69. I'm not interested in the trial or bloggers

Neither has anything to do with the point I am making. One kid dead at the hands of a guy carrying a gun. The whole episode would not have gone down without the gun in the mix. Those who carry have a lesson to learn from it, hopefully.

[gejohnston]

72. but in order to make a valid point,

it has to be based on proven facts, not what has been disproven based on the lies of a POS ambulance chaser/slum lord/proven liar like Ben Crump. Yes a 17 year old is dead at the hands of a guy carrying a gun, a guy he was trying to kill. Like I said before, I blame the biological mother that neglected him in life and trade marked his name after death and I blame the father for cheating on and dumping the woman who was the most positive influence in Trayvon's life. I honestly think that is what sent him in self destruct mode (oh and the uncle who discouraged his dreams because "black people don't fly airplanes&quot .
There is no evidence to suggest that he wouldn't have gotten out of the car to answer the dispatchers question, "which way is he going", if he didn't have a gun. In fact, the sources you got your information from didn't even get that much right. That is a meme that was created by those falsely accused him of being a racist or are against CC to begin with. That is like claiming CC is a threat to public safety but providing no evidence.

You are making a false assumption. If having a gun emboldened him, why did he scream for help for almost a minute instead of just shooting? Naively believing in the system and believing that those who he helped will be there for him certainly, but thinking he was "king bad ass wantabe cop" because he had a gun, don't think so.
If Zimmerman didn't have a gun there are only four possibilities:
Trayvon got tired of pounding the shit out of George before the cops got there (90 seconds after the shot was fired)
Beyond that:
If George was still alive when the cops got there, Trayvon would be doing 5-7 for felony assault
If George didn't survive a total of 130 seconds of getting his head beat in, Trayvon would be doing 25-life as an adult
If Trayvon did not comply with the cops' demand to stop beating Zimmerman, he would have been shot by them.

Those who carry have a lesson to learn from it, hopefully.

What lesson is that?
That being a mixed race Democrat won't stop sleazy ambulance chasers (who is also a slum lord) and intellectually lazy ideologues (redundant. All ideologues are intellectually lazy, just like all race baiters are racist) from falsely accusing you of being a white racist or a teabagger?
Using your logic, the school bus driver Trayvon decked was carrying a gun. The kids he bullied and fought with at school must have been carrying including the one he wanted to beat up some more because "he didn't bleed enough" must have been packing too in violation of school policy and federal law.

[LonePirate]

26. I'm more likely to be shot by someone carrying a gun than someone who is not carrying one.

It is perfectly justifiable for someone to be afraid if they see someone besides a cop carrying a weapon if that person is not at a gun range or on a hunting trip, for instance.

[GalaxyHunter]

29. while that is true, so is the fact that you wont be stabbed by someone who is not carrying a knife.

[Nuclear Unicorn]

34. "I'm more likely to be shot by someone carrying a gun than someone who is not carrying one."

Then you are either a victim and the police failed to protect you or you did something malicious but chose the wrong target.

The only person who has any control over the latter circumstance would be you but in the case of the former it would be a poor piece of advice for all people to forever pretend they will never be the victim of a violent crime.

[Bazinga]

58. You are also more likely to be shot...

by the cop carrying a gun than the licensed citizen carrying a gun. Would it then be justifiable to call the cops... on the cops?

[Starboard Tack]

9. Can you think of any reason to voluntarily carry a gun besides fear, or the intent to shoot someone?

Or both? Most who habitually carry are delusional, or extremely self absorbed.

[Jenoch]

11. I know of many people with CCWs who went through the process just because they could.

They also do not often exercise that right, but when they do, it's usually just because they can.

[rrneck]

13. You still don't have any proof for that assertion.

Why don't you try your poll here?

[Starboard Tack]

46. Why don't you? I kinda messed it up

I'm sure you could come up with a better one.

[rrneck]

48. You did fine. They just treated you like a gunnie.

Such are the dangers of partisanship.

I'm on a phone right now but if I have time tonight I'll have a lash at it.

[Starboard Tack]

51. Yeah, some of them did, I guess.

It's not easy being in the middle of the madness. I actually thought there might be some thoughtful discussion there, but many of them are as rigid as some of the craziest gun-nuts. I'm kinda done with trying to talk sense into these people. If they don't get it by now, they never will.

Anyway, if you want to have a shot at it here, go for it. Just be careful with the wording, but then, that is your forte. I'll be happy to participate, and if you want to run it by me first, feel free.

[GalaxyHunter]

23. is being able to protect yourself fear?

I don't have fear when I walk out my house but I would like to be able to protect myself after I walk out of my house.

[YllwFvr]

77. ANY reason?

I am required to carry at all times outside of my home.
There ya go!

[Starboard Tack]

82. Btw, I did say voluntarily, not required.

I met a state trooper from Washington in a bar in Nevada a few months ago. We got to talking about carrying after the bartender mentioned that the only people he objected to were those who carried into the bar. The trooper, who has a ccw permit agreed. Said the only time he carried was when he had to.

[YllwFvr]

84. i apologize

Youre right.
odd the trooper needed a ccw, what state?

[hack89]

85. Was Marissa Alexander delusional or extremely self absorbed? She had a CCW. nt

[Starboard Tack]

88. Probably both

Apparently, she thought she could solve her domestic problems with a gun. I guess that's not working out to well for her. Otoh, the sentence was way too harsh.

[hack89]

89. I agree on her sentence. She should have taken the plea offer. nt

[krispos42]

15. If you take any action at all in preparation to defend yourself...

...you're not afraid. Unless it's a gun. Then you're afraid.



The same people that don't want guns carried are typically the same people that are quick to offer up alternatives to guns to carry for self-defense.

So they implicitly admit that the need to be prepared in case of attack is legitimate. But the idea of carrying a gun instead of pepper spray or a taser drives them to make claims about irrational fear and penis substitutes and Rambo.

If it's an irrational fear, then carrying a taser or pepper spray or a knife is equally unnecessary.

[SoutherDem]

19. Or wearing a seat belt, locking your doors,

having an alarm, a fire extinguisher, purchasing insurance or anything else we do to protect ourselves.

[GalaxyHunter]

24. Exactly!!!

[Starboard Tack]

45. I think you should be prepared if you've experienced an attack

At the very least, you should examine carefully the circumstances that led to the attack. During my seven decades on this planet, I could count on one hand the number of times I felt in the least bit nervous about a potentially violent situation and those were all when I was a cop. None became more violent than a little fisticuffs. Most violence is committed in the home, not the streets.
Awareness training is the best form of protection. A gun is the worst and should be an absolute last resort. Not part of your attire.

[GreenStormCloud]

53. AFTER the attack it is too late to prepare.

I am too old, and have a disability, to be able to have a fist fight with a young male mugger.

Awareness is indeed the best form of protection. The best way to survive a gunfight is to be somewhere else. But sometimes, despite our best efforts, trouble finds us. Indeed a gun should be the last resort. But if you don't have a gun available, then it can't be a last resort, it is a no-resort. It can only be a last resort if I have one available, so it is normally part of my attire.

[jmg257]

17. I carried a gun because I was afraid...

of being a victim, or of my family being victims. There's proof as far as I'm concerned.
I wasn't "afraid of leaving the house" - but I certainly felt better carrying then not. Ya know - just in case.

And I also felt better carrying what I could determine was the best package then one that was even more of a compromise...I tried to get whatever edge I could. Otherwise why bother with capacity and caliber and ammo type and weight and size and functionality and etc.?

Although not a big deal once you get it all down, let's face it - there is still some aggravation (and dangers) with the whole process. So carrying (and owning guns in general) HAS/D to seem worthwhile.

Now I just don't worry about it (being a victim)...which makes me...stop worrying about it.


BTW, nothing wrong with a bit of fear. Keeps us from doing all kinds of dumb-ass stuff, and causes us to quite often do smart stuff.

I wear a seat belt cause I am afraid of getting in a car accident - used car seats for the kids for the same reason. People put fences around pools because we are afraid of little kids drowning, we hire lifeguards for the same reason. I don't run down the center of a highway cause I am afraid of getting hit by a car, etc. etc. You get the point...

[NYC_SKP]

20. Fear drives many things, including gun control zealots. They're more fearful than gun owners. nt

[spin]

25. Much depends on how you define "fear." ...

Some gun control advocates use the word "fear" as an insult to describe what they feel is an irrational emotion displayed by those who chose to legally carry in public. This helps them feel superior to who carry and often cover up their own irrational fear of people who have carry permits.

Other gun control advocates simply like to insult gun owners just as some gun rights advocates love to insult those who would impose strong gun control. People on both sides of the issue have enjoyed insulting each other for decades so most insults are not original and are so worn out that they are ineffective.

What I find sad about all this insulting is that I feel that it hinders any progress we could make on the issue of passing truly effective gun control legislation.

[upaloopa]

28. Why carry a gun if not because you feel there

is a real chance you will have to use it to protect your life?
The chances of that happening is so low that the majority of people do not feel they have to carry a gun to protect their lives.
I would say that gun carriers' motives border on paranoia which is an irrational fear of something. If it weren't paranoia or irrational everyone would feel the need to be armed.

[GalaxyHunter]

30. There is always a chance that you might have to protect yourself whether you have a gun or not.

the gun just gives me a better chance.

[upaloopa]

33. I understand that. What I am saying is most people

don't carry a gun becsuse most people don't feel they need to defend their lives. It is the exception to carry a gun. What is the motive for being part of the exception? Is it not an expectation that you will have to defend yourself at some time? Then why can't it be said that you fear you will have to defend yourself at some time so you carry a gun?

[Jenoch]

36. I posted this upthread.

I know of people who went through the CCW class and got their permit simply because they could. That is also the reason they occasionally carry, because they can.

[GalaxyHunter]

40. I can't carry a gun just because? I have to carry a gun because I am in fear?

are those who carry pocket knives also in fear because they are carrying a knife if public?

[SoutherDem]

35. I know three people who didn't feel they needed to carry a gun for protection

None were in high risk areas or situations.
All three have now been robbed at gun point.
#1 The robber didn't care if he were ID'ed, #1 is alive and now carries a gun.
#2 The robber didn't want to be ID'ed, #2 was shot and now walks with a limp and now carries a gun.
#3 The robber didn't want to be ID'ed, #3 was shot and killed.

I guess you would call #1 and #2 paranoid and irrational for now carrying a gun. What would you call #3 or his family?

[upaloopa]

38. It isn't a good idea to be in a discussion

like you propose

[GalaxyHunter]

41. exactly.

[ileus]

37. Go by the old saying...we ridicule

We ridicule what we don't understand.



Or in this case won't understand.

[Lizzie Poppet]

39. I know of no such research, and thus can only speak for myself.

I don't carry so much out of fear as out of a preference for preparedness. I like having what I need to face unexpected situations (I have tire chains and a first aid kit in my car, too...). My chance of being assaulted is not all that high (I live in a relatively safe city and pay attention to my surroundings), but is is definitely greater than zero.

Because I'm also a shooting enthusiast, it's no great amount of additional trouble for me to take the necessary steps to carry a weapon in a responsible manner (that is, learn the laws, qualify for a legal permit, and above all, practice regularly with my carry pistols).

I don't feel particularly fearful on the occasions when I'm not carrying...just less prepared.

[NYC_SKP]

42. GalaxyHunter has left the building.

poof.

[Dark n Stormy Knight]

43. Gee, what a surprise.

[beemer27]

50. No evidence that I know of.

I have seen no evidence either way on this matter. The only answer that I can give is that when I carry a firearm, it is because I want to carry it. Fear has nothing to do with carrying or not carrying. If I felt fear about going some where, I wouldn't go. This is not rocket science, I am surprised that anyone would believe such a statement.

[rl6214]

73. You will find they are the same ones that say 2nd amend proponents want to arm everyone

They are the same ones that resort to name calling and will say in one breath that they just want common sense gun laws while in the next will say that no civilians need firearms. They will say that no one should open carry, they should keep guns out of sight but then will say gun owners that conceal carry are dishonest and should not hide their guns so that people can avoid them.

Their honesty is somewhat lacking.