Author Topic: Why I don't carry a gun (Read 3710 times)

dutch508 · « **on:** April 09, 2009, 04:11:08 PM »

Because I'm a big ****ing ***** doesn't seem to be the reason.

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rrneck (977 posts) Thu Apr-09-09 04:57 PM
Original message http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=118x213897
Why I don't carry a gun
I've seen a few threads regarding why folks carry, but I don't recall any about why they don't. Here's mine.

1. Guns are cumbersome and heavy.
My job requires a certain amount of physical activity. It would get in the way, if not get the shit beaten out of it. I suppose I could get something smaller than a 1911, but I'm a cheap bastard. Of course, I guess I could lock it in my vehicle, but if I'm gonna carry a gun, I need to maintain control of it at all times.

2. It makes me nervous.
Carrying a weapon is a big responsibility and I don't know if I want to have to shoot somebody out on the street. I figure I have a fair chance of finding a corner to run around. If anybody wants to shoot me they'll have to shoot me in the ass 'cause that's the last part of me they're gonna see.

3. It would make other people nervous.
Where I live carrying a firearm would be like having leprosy. It would make my friends and more importantly, my clients nervous. It's just not socially acceptable around here.

4. I live near a fairly affluent, low crime community.
I live near it because I can't afford to live in it. I'm not saying crime doesn't happen, but it's just not that bad here. An assault around here is someone sending you "bad energy". It's just not a particularly scary place, and I like it like that.

So, for me, at this point in time, I see no need to be better equipped or more prepared than I am in the event of a life threatening situation. It hasn't always been this way. I've lived in some pretty dicey neighborhoods and dealt with some pretty dicey people in some pretty dicey situations. I've had a CHL, mostly for defense against civil suits if I had to shoot somebody at my front door, although I don't know if it would have helped.

And that's the point. I walk around in my life. I look. I see. I make evaluations regarding my personal safety and act accordingly. All these reports of mass shootings and the erosion of the economy may force me to change my level of preparedness, but I'll have to start hearing about the effects societal erosion locally before I do anything. People don't snap all at once, neither do entire cultures. I should have time to see something coming before I make a significant change in my personal habits.

More importantly, I have no right to decide for anybody else how to evaluate their personal circumstances. If I can't assume responsibility for your safety, then it's up to you to take care of it yourself. The best any of us can hope for is to write laws that allow people to do that without endangering others. But there will never be a perfect solution because complex systems fail creatively, and there is nothing more complex than the human psyche.

Not sure why this DUmpmonkie went to the effort to explain why he/she/it doesn't carry a gun...

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The_Commonist (328 posts) Thu Apr-09-09 05:02 PM
Response to Original message
3. I don't carry a gun either...
...because I think it's a REALLY BAD idea!

Almost a link to the other gun thread where they want gun owners to submit to a mental exam. Not sure the commonist would pass it.

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hlthe2b (1000+ posts) Thu Apr-09-09 05:07 PM
Response to Reply #3
5. I don't want to contemplate living with myself....
if I killed someone with it--whether justified or a horrible mistake. "Gun" people will take that as suggesting I would not defend myself. To that, I can only say, don't count on it!

this DUmpmonkie is from Colorado. he/she/it says it will defend it's self. One wonders how?

MrsSmith · « **Reply #1 on:** April 09, 2009, 04:32:06 PM »

I don't carry a gun because I work in one of those stupid "No Guns Allowed" places. Yes, I am a walking target. Exactly like most school children, college students, educators, and medical personnel. **sigh**

Airwolf · « **Reply #2 on:** April 09, 2009, 04:35:07 PM »

So a DUmpmonkie wants to live its life as a potential victim and not as someone that survived to tell his side of the story. Sounds about abnormal for them.

LC EFA · « **Reply #3 on:** April 09, 2009, 04:44:28 PM »

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1. Guns are cumbersome and heavy.

So leave the lapua mag at home and take something smaller. Celebrate diversity and all that.

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2. It makes me nervous.

That's because you are a GFW.

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3. It would make other people nervous.

Hopefully so nervous that they might think twice before mugging you.

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4. I live near a fairly affluent, low crime community.

Near, is not IN, but that is besides the point.

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And that's the point. I walk around in my life. I look. I see. I make evaluations regarding my personal safety and act accordingly. All these reports of mass shootings and the erosion of the economy may force me to change my level of preparedness, but I'll have to start hearing about the effects societal erosion locally before I do anything. People don't snap all at once, neither do entire cultures. I should have time to see something coming before I make a significant change in my personal habits.

So when you get shot because you were slightly tardy in handing over your wallet - you'll reevaluate your priorities ?

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More importantly, I have no right to decide for anybody else how to evaluate their personal circumstances. If I can't assume responsibility for your safety, then it's up to you to take care of it yourself. The best any of us can hope for is to write laws that allow people to do that without endangering others. But there will never be a perfect solution because complex systems fail creatively, and there is nothing more complex than the human psyche.

Write laws that allow people to "assume responsibility for [their own] safety without endangering others" - I'm sure that the person breaking the law to demand you hand over your wallet will be just peachy with yet another law that prohibits you from ~~ventilating their skull~~ "endangering" them.

JohnnyReb · « **Reply #4 on:** April 09, 2009, 04:47:41 PM »

I don't carry a gun either.....all the time .....just occassionally...... the crooks will have to figure out ... "Is he packing? ....or is he not packing".

Servonaut · « **Reply #5 on:** April 09, 2009, 04:52:12 PM »

I'm sure rrneck does not live inside the Houston 610 Loop.

If he does he should change his DUmp name to Prey.

AllosaursRus · « **Reply #6 on:** April 09, 2009, 05:43:48 PM »

Quote from: JohnnyReb on April 09, 2009, 04:47:41 PM

I don't carry a gun either.....all the time .....just occassionally...... the crooks will have to figure out ... "Is he packing? ....or is he not packing".

None of these pukes need worry about if I am or if I aint! I'll put a cap in yo ass!

DumbAss Tanker · « **Reply #7 on:** April 09, 2009, 05:53:17 PM »

I work in a fed building, so I'm in the same boat as MrsSmith. It's also on a gated and regulated fed installation so leaving it in the car won't fly either. I do have the permit for other occasions, and there is no problem reaching one anywhere at home if I need to.

diesel driver · « **Reply #8 on:** April 09, 2009, 06:38:48 PM »

rrneck (977 posts) Thu Apr-09-09 04:57 PM

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Original message http://www.democraticunde...ll&address=118x213897
Why I don't carry a gun
I've seen a few threads regarding why folks carry, but I don't recall any about why they don't. Here's mine...

2. It makes me nervous.
Carrying a weapon is a big responsibility and I don't know if I want to have to shoot somebody out on the street. I figure I have a fair chance of finding a corner to run around. If anybody wants to shoot me they'll have to shoot me in the ass 'cause that's the last part of me they're gonna see.

He'll be easy to spot after he takes one in the shorts.
He'll be the one with brain damage....
(Make that, more than the usual amount of brain damage. But then again, hitting one of them in the brain would be a targeting challenge....)

rich_t · « **Reply #9 on:** April 09, 2009, 06:43:22 PM »

Quote from: MrsSmith on April 09, 2009, 04:32:06 PM

I don't carry a gun because I work in one of those stupid "No Guns Allowed" places. Yes, I am a walking target. Exactly like most school children, college students, educators, and medical personnel. **sigh**

Ok... you work in a victim disarmament zone.

Let me ask you this... Would you rather lose your job or your life?

BTW... It only becomes an issue if you actually end up using the gun in defence in such a zone.

Carl · « **Reply #10 on:** April 09, 2009, 07:42:04 PM »

I don`t carry a gun because right now I live in a rural area that isn`t infested (yet) with DUmmies and the spawn that follows.

Rebel · « **Reply #11 on:** April 09, 2009, 09:07:49 PM »

This reminds me. I bought a cheap little toy a few weeks back, a Mosin Nagant, and ordered a Weaver rail system for a scope. (Picatinny style). I put it on today. Anyone that has one and wants to do this, and needs info on it, PM me.

Odin's Hand · « **Reply #12 on:** April 09, 2009, 09:26:04 PM »

rrneck=easy mark

MrsSmith · « **Reply #13 on:** April 09, 2009, 09:36:15 PM »

Quote from: rich_t on April 09, 2009, 06:43:22 PM

Ok... you work in a victim disarmament zone.

Let me ask you this... Would you rather lose your job or your life?

BTW... It only becomes an issue if you actually end up using the gun in defence in such a zone.

Now there's a question...Jobs in my field are somewhat scarce, which is why Mr Smith and I each work 40 miles from our home (opposite directions, of course.) Since I know where I'm going when I die...that could be a toss-up.

Seriously, if healthcare mass shootings become popular, I'll probably opt for getting fired if the need arises.

happy1ga · « **Reply #14 on:** April 09, 2009, 09:44:06 PM »

Ya'll know about my Jerry Springer/Cops/Lifetime Movie Network past, so the answer is-24/7, 365 on carrying. I am a paranoid freak. I really don't need to be as freaky as I am, I don't suppose, I live in a gated, guarded commnity, and own my own businesses. Most of the time I don't have to leave my house to go check on them, but maybe once a month. I am most terrified when I have to go to China. I spend the whole time feeling like someone has a big target on my back. I hate to travel.

AllosaursRus · « **Reply #15 on:** April 09, 2009, 11:27:28 PM »

Quote from: rich_t on April 09, 2009, 06:43:22 PM

Ok... you work in a victim disarmament zone.

Let me ask you this... Would you rather lose your job or your life?

BTW... It only becomes an issue if you actually end up using the gun in defence in such a zone.

I have to admit, I don't recognize no gun zones. If shit happens, I'm pretty sure they won't be asking to many questions after you take the perp down. Well maybe they will, but I'd rather be a live lawbreaker than a DEAD DUCK!

LC EFA · « **Reply #16 on:** April 09, 2009, 11:52:40 PM »

Quote from: AllosaursRus on April 09, 2009, 11:27:28 PM

I have to admit, I don't recognize no gun zones. If shit happens, I'm pretty sure they won't be asking to many questions after you take the perp down. Well maybe they will, but I'd rather be a live lawbreaker than a DEAD DUCK!

Better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6 I think the expression is.

BlueStateSaint · « **Reply #17 on:** April 10, 2009, 05:10:30 AM »

I also work in a "gun-free" zone. All NYS-leased buildings are.

DumbAss Tanker · « **Reply #18 on:** April 10, 2009, 06:57:55 AM »

Quote from: rich_t on April 09, 2009, 06:43:22 PM

Ok... you work in a victim disarmament zone.

Let me ask you this... Would you rather lose your job or your life?

BTW... It only becomes an issue if you actually end up using the gun in defence in such a zone.

Hardly. Unless you are a night shift convenience store clerk in a major metro area, it is about a thousand times more likely that you will be accidentally found out, fired, and very possibly lose the gun and be prosecuted instead of ever actually needing it. It's all a question of your individual situation and risk analysis. To most of us it isn't worth leaving a job with a very low risk of a shooting ever happening over it. Now, if you had some particular reason to believe there was an imminent or identifiable risk, that would change the analysis dramatically.

dutch508 · « **Reply #19 on:** April 10, 2009, 11:18:47 AM »

Quote from: DumbAss Tanker on April 09, 2009, 05:53:17 PM

I work in a fed building, so I'm in the same boat as MrsSmith. It's also on a gated and regulated fed installation so leaving it in the car won't fly either. I do have the permit for other occasions, and there is no problem reaching one anywhere at home if I need to.

Tell me about it. I have private contract security guards, Airfarse Police, and one would assume, a battalion on ready stand-by. BUT- Gawd forbid I carry a weapon on me, just in case some wack-job gets into the building with two pistols and a bag of ammo.

Knives over three inches and not folding are also not allowed in this stronghold of freedom...

delilahmused · « **Reply #20 on:** April 10, 2009, 12:03:28 PM »

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rrneck (977 posts) Thu Apr-09-09 04:57 PM
Original message http://www.democraticunde...ll&address=118x213897
Why I don't carry a gun

Well rrneck that's good to know...where exactly will you be between, say, 3 and 5 this afternoon?

Cindie

Gratiot · « **Reply #21 on:** April 10, 2009, 12:10:58 PM »

Quote from: AllosaursRus on April 09, 2009, 11:27:28 PM

I have to admit, I don't recognize no gun zones. If shit happens, I'm pretty sure they won't be asking to many questions after you take the perp down. Well maybe they will, but I'd rather be a live lawbreaker than a DEAD DUCK!

Criminal!!!!

All kidding aside, and I very much understand your reasoning. One really must be careful, as it's likely not the worst-case scenario which unveils you have a firearm in a restricted zone.

I personally know of a few people whom were caught carrying in no gun zones, do to unfortunate and unavoidable circumstances. While not necessarily criminal, the consequences can be quite unpleasant.

Gratiot · « **Reply #22 on:** April 10, 2009, 12:20:36 PM »

Quote from: OP

1. Guns are cumbersome and heavy.
My job requires a certain amount of physical activity. It would get in the way, if not get the shit beaten out of it. I suppose I could get something smaller than a 1911, but I'm a cheap bastard. Of course, I guess I could lock it in my vehicle, but if I'm gonna carry a gun, I need to maintain control of it at all times.

Heavy-cumbersome guns are heavy and cumbersome. Not all, many are weighed in ounces and with the right pistol/proper holster, certainly not cumbersome.

Being a cheap bastard, well to each their own, but I wouldn't consider most 1911's in the cheap category.

Locking it in your vehicle is most certainly maintaining control of your firearm. The police use that method after-all.

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2. It makes me nervous.
Carrying a weapon is a big responsibility and I don't know if I want to have to shoot somebody out on the street. I figure I have a fair chance of finding a corner to run around. If anybody wants to shoot me they'll have to shoot me in the ass 'cause that's the last part of me they're gonna see.

An incredibly valid point. If firearms or carrying makes the individual nervous, by all means should they avoid carrying! However it's specific to this individual.

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3. It would make other people nervous.
Where I live carrying a firearm would be like having leprosy. It would make my friends and more importantly, my clients nervous. It's just not socially acceptable around here.

Under most state laws, the essential word in legal carrying is CONCEALED. Your friends and clients shouldn't be made aware that you're carrying. I personally prefer that the least amount of people know that I carry.

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4. I live near a fairly affluent, low crime community.

What may come as a surprise to the OP, high social-economic bearings of a community do not rule the potential for dangerous situations.

thundley4 · « **Reply #23 on:** April 10, 2009, 12:41:19 PM »

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4. I live near a fairly affluent, low crime community.

(Gratiot):What may come as a surprise to the OP, high social-economic bearings of a community do not rule the potential for dangerous situations.

The Dummie fails to realize that criminals know where the big $ loot is.

News:

Author Topic: Why I don't carry a gun (Read 3710 times)