kaishaven

While I do understand where Bear is coming from, and agree that less guns being so readily available is a wonderful idea, the sad truth is that firearms are all too easy to come by to the wrong people, legally or otherwise, regardless. Being a medical tech, it's my business to save lives, not take them, but at the same time I feel no hesitation to hose some psycho coming at me with obvious intent.

Let me clarify: I don't go looking for trouble, I don't like feeling like I need to own firearms to keep myself safe. But none the less, I wouldn't walk down west central at night without my burner, and I think every sensible, reasonable, law abiding citizen should do the same. I would gladly give up all of my guns if I KNEW WITHOUT A DOUBT that I was FULLY watched and protected 24/7, but as we see time and time again, you can't even seem to mind your own P's and Q's without running the risk of some lunatic drawing on you.

Now, do I think that guns & ammunition sales need to require more stringent background checks? Absolutely. Do I believe that ANYONE needs to personally own assault style firearms with huge clips? OH HELL NO! Do I buy into the whole "save the second amendment" crapola that too many gun addicts tote? Please, can we say paranoid?

HOWEVER, do I think that you should be able to legally own and concealed carry without permit if you've never been arrested for anything beyond a MINOR traffic violation? Yup. Do I think legally stockpiling ammo is acceptable? Expensive, but okay. Do I believe every reasonable, tax paying, law abiding citizen should own a firearm for self defense? You betcha.

Again, I don't think guns are wonderful self defense equalizers. To the contrary they're expensive, and all too often misused. But I will say this, I sleep a lot better and certainly feel a hell of a lot safer with my Mossberg by my nightstand and my Taurus in my glove compartment. And I'd sooner take the old guy with the concealed .44 burning down the freako with the barrel against my temple than the bullet from said freako's 9mm.