Deseret News | Packing heat, no apologies

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Packing heat, no apologies

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Andrew | 4:58 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

How sad you are so afraid that you feel you have to carry a gun wherever you go. As the commercial says.....LIVE.

mel | 4:58 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

P.S. Jensen,
I appreciate your comment but a good number in the posts today did not respect someone's right not to carry and they made judgements about a person who would not carry a gun. That said, I suppose I have to admit that people on both sides of the issue have made generalizations about the other camp.

Anonymous | 5:18 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

Why would anyone need a gun?

Check out sara brady's web site, I am perfectly safe without one, and she has statistics to prove it.

I have a cell phone with 911 on speed dial. When confronted by a violent criminal, when I call 911, the criminal runs, knowing the police will be there immediately to protect me.

Comments continue below

Matt | 5:20 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

ï¿½A fear of weapons is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity.ï¿½ Sigmund Freud

Since the police have no duty to protect us, if we don't take responsibility for our own well being, who does?

Protection | 5:28 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

I sure do wish I had a gun when a student shot at me, or when the non student pulled a knife on me or when a student attacked me because I was trying to break up a fight. But I was only the assistant principal at a high school of 4800 students. Yes, life was pretty exciting and very unpredictable.

I didn't know a single one of these students, but I just happened to be an authority figure, and they were ticked off about something at school.

Also, how do you know these gun carriers are not highly trained.

Grew up around guns and used them regularly. The only time one of our family was shot, was because they violated the rule of carrying a loaded weapon in a car. Luckily there are still alive.

Packing | 5:30 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

When I see someone with a gun on their hip I simply assume they are off duty law enforcement. Not sure that is either bad or good to think that way.

Maybe the bad guys also see them as an off duty officer.

Utah Cop | 5:33 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

It takes me about 3-7 minutes to get to an emergency call. And we've got to receive the call first. You've got to be able to protect yourself in a deadly situation until we arrive. Individuals who are willing to not only potect themselves but strangers around them are to be commended. Thats the American spirit community giving at work! I've only encountered open carry a few times. The individuals I've meet have been upstanding peaceful Americans. We only have the truely violent criminals to worry about and they carry concealed and don't use holsters. Open carry seems to be an honest way to carry and shows others that its no big deal. I only see good coming from this if more peacful citizens will carry open and concealed as they with. Let the criminals flee to California. It will make my job safer. I'd rather show up at a call to find a suspect down then the usual battered bleading and tramatized victims. It's your Right - protect it or loose it.

UtahRSO | 5:36 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

Here's a fact: There are approx. 100,000 people in Utah who have Concealed Firearms Permits. What that means is 1 out of every 25 people here might be packing a handgun, either openly or concealed. Think about that the next time you pass 25 people at the store. One of them has a gun whether you can see it or not!

I'm not a LEO (law enforcement officer), but I have a few good friends who are, and quite a few more who are acquaintances. Almost all know I carry, and not ONE of them thinks I shouldn't be carrying. We're like farm animals, horses, cows... and sheep. Somehow it's the timid sheep who bleat with fear because they're afraid of the sheepdogs-the sheepdogs who protect the sheep from the wolves among us.

Bill of Rights? | 5:39 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

Wow--gotta love that constitutional right to carry a weapon--it applies just like the others in the Bill of Rights, individually and personally. No question we ought to make sure everybody can exercise the right--just like with our right to free speech and freedom of association.

We don't restrict the right of children to speak freely. So, I think high schoolers, no middle schoolers, no let's start with grade schoolers should all pack heat at school, or at least be allowed to exercise the right if they choose. Armed school kids will make for a "polite" school, no doubt.

Then, of course, there are the mentally ill. They have a right to say whatever they want and associate with whomever they choose, they should be allowed to carry weapons too--no exceptions, because its a constitutional right to do so.

I don't think the Founding Fathers viewed the right to carry and use a pistol in the same way they viewed the right to speak and associate freely.

jfrazier | 5:46 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

My problem with open carry is that a perp will take the open carrier out first. I conceal carry and I want the perps to think that everyone is armed.

I think that most arguments used by the antigun crowd are irrational and simply don't play out in reality.

Andrew, why do you think they are scared? I am not scared any more than I am scared when I drive in my car so I wear a seatbelt. Just an equalizer, that's all. You need to get out of your mind the notion that carriers are some nutcase, crazed, paranoid lunatic. Having gone through the CCP class the vast majority are just normal people like women that want to equal the playing field, old people that want to overcome their frailties, etc. In the class I attended there were about 40 participants and only about 2 would I classify as a bit off-center. I think they are fine, just a little weird. Sure, some could classify me as a whack as well, but I really am just an average person that has a good job, am well-educated, and obey all the laws.

Anonymous | 6:08 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

You people need to rethink open carry, you are only going to cause a disturbance in public. I mean come on you live in Santiqin a small town where everybody knows everybody. I often shop at the Provo Town Mall and have never felt a safety issue, or any where in Utah county. For one thing they higher off duty Provo Police Officers who are on scene if anything was to happen. I am not against owning or carrying a gun, but come on open carry get a life before you lose yours. If you think it is so cool to carry a gun in public go to the police academy and become an officer. It seems to me you are just insecure and a gun makes you feel big. Otherwise you would conceal it, it would serve the same purpose, and not cause a disturbance in public.

Noah Webster | 6:14 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

Paranoia: baseless or irrational fear or distrust of others. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems like the real paranoids here are the contributors who fear that one of these open-carry individuals is going to over-react, whip out their gun in a public place, and start firing willy-nilly and kill them.

Huh?? Have you EVER read a single account of a law-abiding, legal-carrying citizen doing that? Anywhere? Pardon me, but you been watchin' WAY too much TV!!

On the other hand, how many cases have you read about where a criminal/psycho started shooting people indiscriminately in a public place? One? Two? Try dozens! Now I own several handguns, but I'm not about to start carrying one openly in public (unless things get a lot worse), but if the sight of one of these people deters a wacko from plugging people at the mall, or a football game, whether I'm there or not, I say "more power to them!"

anonym | 6:17 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

"This year, more people will be killed by guns than will read a book.

Look to your left and then to your right. One of those people will die from a gun wound.

Are these facts scaring you? They should.

This year, more children will gain pleasure from shooting a toy gun (or play a shooting video game) than will exercise.

This year, more kids will fire a weapon than will eat broccoli.

Think about it."

You have any sources for this trash or did you just make it up??? Unbelievable!

kevin | 6:21 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

[quote]I don't think the Founding Fathers viewed the right to carry and use a pistol in the same way they viewed the right to speak and associate freely. [/quote]

Wrong.

"A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercises, I advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise and independence to the mind. Games played with the ball, and others of that nature, are too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun therefore be your constant companion of your walks."
--- Thomas Jefferson to Peter Carr, 1785. The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, (Memorial Edition) Lipscomb and Bergh, editors.

"No freeman shall ever be debarred the use of arms."
---Thomas Jefferson: Draft Virginia Constitution, 1776.
ï¿½ï¿½The great object is that every man be armed. Everyone who is able may have a gun.ï¿½ï¿½

ï¿½ Patrick Henry

"Parker vs District of Columbia" | 6:21 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

"Bill of Rights?" Did you read a different article then the rest of us? Those are adults carrying peacfully for self defense. Not children. The State cannot protect you and according to the Supreme Court is not liable for failure to protect you. Only you are responsible for that. There is only about 1 officer for every 50,000 - 100,000 people nationally. And not all officers are on duty at one time (two to three shifts daily). They cannot be everywhere instintly like some 911 dependant individuals would like to believe. They've never been in a deadly situation. Defensive carry deters crime and protects lives. Just look at the success of gun bans in Washington DC, New York, Chicago and San Fransisco for example. Utah is safe because ciminals fear armed citizens. They certainly don't fear police and cameras otherwise Brittian and Australia's crime rates wouldn't be soaring.

Virginian | 6:31 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

Its sad to see how some segments of our society have turned against the means to the basic human right to self-defense. After 40 years of gun-control hysteria (I'm counting from the Gun Control Act of 1968) pushed by the media and politicians pandering to fear rather than inspiring courage in the effetes through good leadership, its not surprising.

I'm glad to see some Americans still preserve, as Thomas Jefferson put it, the spirit of resistance.

arrogant utah | 6:34 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

I'll hit you with my taser when you least expect it so that i can feel safe at the wrestling meet.

Sririt of '76 | 6:42 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

"Right to Life (and the means to protect it), Libety (free from government tyrany)and the Pursuit of Happiness (being safe and secure in our daily lives allows us to enjoy our blessings)..."

Richard S. ( P.O. ret) | 6:43 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

I agree with J Frazier; The wise way to go is concealed carry, element of surprise to counter a deadly threat goes in the carriers favor. Even experienced "street cops ", ( 25 years of my history ) have all they can do to retain their weapon carried openly in a surprise grab attempt.
This is 95 % of the reason for carrying a legitimate back up piece conceled in another body location.
Now LEOSA qualified as required on an annual basis,
won't leave home without it.

Terry | 6:49 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

Response to Greta, Chuck Farley and Canuk:

Greta: Those statistics with children killed or injured from firearms defines "child" as someone under the age of 21 (if my memory serves me). So the numbers included "children" whome are members of or have family members associated with gangs. More kids are kid by pools than with guns. Wanna help? Ban pools.

Chuck: How in the world do you know the training level of the subjects in the story?? Do you know them personally? I carry a firearm most of the time. Do you know what my background is? No, you don't.

Canuk: You guy may not have a revolving door policy on crime up there either. Yeah, well let some murderers out in 10 years, child rapists out in a few months. Yet the fact remains. Washington, DC has the toughest gun laws in the nation. If any of it worked, DC should be a very peaceful city. Yet it has a very high crime rate. I think Philly will probably top the nation this year, though.

The right to keep and bear arms is for protection against the government as well as bad people, if need be.

Sheeple.... | 6:50 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

Anonymous | 6:08 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007
"You people need to rethink open carry. For one thing they higher off duty Provo Police Officers who are on scene if anything was to happen."

Wow, if you aren't one of the sheeple. Did you notice that the off duty Provo Police officers were not carrying guns, it is a mall policy that they cannot carry, so what good does that do. They would still have to run to their cars at the least to access thier gun.....Sounds comforting to me.

"but come on open carry get a life before you lose yours. If you think it is so cool to carry a gun in public go to the police academy and become an officer"

Those type of comments make me glad that I choose to carry a gun, and the neat thing is...I don't have to go to the academy to carry it!!! Pretty sad that you feel you have to trust someone else with your safety...but don't worry, we will gladly step up and protect you and yours.

Thomas Jefferson... | 7:16 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

I must agree with anti-federalist in ONE aspect... Thomas Jefferson IS turning over in his grave... because of people like him, who are so ANTI-RIGHTS. Our rights are OURS, and if this country EVER tries to take away our rights, we are to Overthrow the government. These are FACTS. Do NOT ever try to take my rights away.

Who Do You Trust | 7:24 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

If I see a stranger packing a gun in a retail establishment, I will leave the store and call the police. I have no way of knowing that these people packing all over Utah will use good judgment in the use and handling of a loaded weapon. This is just silly - in the 1800's, this might have made sense. If a career criminal is watching a neighborhood for a home invasion, and a somebody's 5'2" wife rolls up with a glock on her hip, 6 kids, an arm full of groceries, and the two dogs about to knock her over, guess who's driveway I'll go running into to pick up a loaded gun? Bingo...

TJ | 7:34 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

The ignorance displayed here is astounding. To think that in this day and age citizens think they should be allowed to choose how to protect themselves (or to protect themselves at all!) is simply absurd. Despite the fact that the police have no obligation to protect me personally, I still would rather rely on them than myself even though they cannot get to me in time to do anything. A false sense of security is much better than practical defensive tools.

But seriously, how is a gun in trained hands a "false sense of security"? I carry 90% of the time, and the only people who have expressed a problem with this were police officers. If you feel safe unarmed, more power to you. But to be called a nut, or insane, by someone to cowardly to attempt to protect themselves, is sickening. But to take that a step further and tell me that because you feel no need to defend yourself I should not be allowed to defend myself, that is arrogance on a level I cannot even begin comprehend.

OU_Gryphon | 7:40 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

Who Do You Trust:
I've got a real good way of telling the difference between criminals and regular citizens. The criminals generally carry the gun concealed in a pocket or in their wasteband, then wave the gun around shortly after entering the business they are going to rob. Law abiding citizens keep their guns in a holster until they get home or until they need it to prevent a criminal from harming someone. I know that's a lot of nuance for some people, but hopefully that helps distinguish the two groups.

SGT Jensen | 7:55 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

"If I see a stranger packing a gun in a retail establishment, I will leave the store and call the police."

You would call the police to inform them that somebody is doing something that is perfectly legal??? Would it be reasonable for me to call the cops on you because I saw you get into and drive a car? I have no way of knowing if you are using good judgment in the use and handling of your automobile. (Which by the way is more likely to kill you than my gun is. Ted Kennedy's car is a good example.)

I trust me | 7:58 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

Who Do You Trust - show us how it is done, and phone 911 after she shoots you.

Rich | 8:12 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

Trained people with registered weapons are no problem with me. It's the mass of untrained idiots, worshipping Chuck Norris and other subtypes who tell them their right is enshrined in the Constitution that they've never read, that worry me. These types are more likely to kill themselves or their families than they ever are to live out their "I'm a hero" fantasies. These folks need to have their "toys" pried from their warm, living hands. I'd rather party with Ted Kennedy myself.

Tomahawk | 8:38 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

Nothing wrong with carrying open or concealed. Most people who choose to do so take it seriously enough to get proper training, and most criminals prefer unarmed victims.

Is there some risk? Perhaps, but that is the price of freedom, and the loss of freedom is a greater risk by far.

Gag | 8:44 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

Any of you gun-toters carry a rope handy in your truck in case you need a noose? The NRA's got you so scared of slippery slopes, but I'm a little concerned about the slippery slope of vigilante justice. Some of your comments absolutely seethe with survivalist rantings.

Reality | 8:51 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

I don't get it. Can somebody post a statistic about the number of times in one's life there is actually a situation where a gun is needed for self-defense versus the number of times kids and others are accidentally shot because of weapon that happened to be loaded but not properly stored. It's crazy that we live in a society where people think they need to be armed in order to walk out the door. This is not a video game. It's not even Iraq. If people are this paranoid about going outside without a gun, they should also stop driving in cars, stop riding airplanes, even stop eating food (choking), because the chances from dying from any one of those is higher than being murdered by somebody else because you didn't have a gun. It's absolutely crazy. But I guess now I have to get one so I can protect myself against those trigger happy citizens that aren't happy they got cut off on the freeway...

Rich | 8:51 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

Ah, yes, the price of freedom! Freedom to carry a weapon out in the open just like the Terminator, and all the resulting freedoms it buys you! Freedom from fear (as you anxiously scan the restaurant for possible criminals as you walk in gun at your side). Freedom from tyranny (as you re-elect the gun lobby-supported millionaire, who just sent your kid to Iraq to fight for yet more freedoms, for the 7th time).

CCW in Illinois | 9:13 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

As a recovering cancer patient, I refuse to be a victim just because someone mistakenly thinks I am an easy mark.

Johnny | 9:15 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

It's been said over and over again, and proven time and time again. Neither Government or State have the responsibility to protect the safety or life of any individual. It's only their responsibility to arrive at the received call of a 911 call.
So if the State has Zero responsibility for your life and its condition, who's responsibility does it belong to?
I rest my case.

Dave Stone | 9:17 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

Liberal gun laws and low crime? I'll bet a liberal intellectual couldn't understand this. They're too nuanced.

Our ruling elite fear law abiding citizens who refuse to be controlled. That's why they immediately call for the disarming of middle class suburbanites when some inner city gang banger with a long history of convictions commits a crime. It's an idea only a stupid liberal intellectual can understand.

HankT | 9:17 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

I think this is a great story about responsible people who carry a firearm for self-defense. Although not common, there isn't anything intrinsically wrong with that.

There are some interesting comments being made here. For those who take a contrary position to open carry of firearms for responsible self-defense or those who just want to learn more about it (to like it more or to disagree with it more...) let me invite you to the OpenCarry forum mentioned in the story. Come on over, register and make your comments and arguments--both pro and con. Let's have a conversation about it.

Gary | 9:21 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

Where dose this trigger happy BS come from. Who ever said someone legally packing is trigger happy. This is about the stupidest thing I have read so far. Because someone want to protect themselves and their family makes them responsible and caring NOT trigger happy.

Two Thoughts: | 9:23 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

Please try and remember that the first person at the scene of a violent crime is THE VICTIM and when seconds count, the police are only minutes away.

Terry | 9:47 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

Look, to all of those who "hate" guns and never even wanted to pick one up. Just for kicks, go get an NRA gun safety course and actually go target shooting.

Oh, I'm sure there are those who tried already and still say, "Those things are disgusting! I hate them!" But for those who haven't, just give shooting a try. Don't like it, fine. Your choice. At least you tried. I've already tried not being armed and I don't like it.

More often than not, you will at the very least, know the difference between the types of firearms and their uses and perhaps get a feeling of, "Hey. That wasn't so bad." Who knows, you may even (heaven forbid) enjoy it.

Target shooting is very relaxing because you have to get in touch with proper breathing techniques and sight picture. These as well as many other factors (shooting up/down hill, distance, lead, hold over, wind direction/speed) make shooting almost zen like.

Give it whirl.

Thomas Jefferson | 9:47 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

Some of you people give me a headache.
What are the chances of a seatbelt saving your life?What are the odds your house will catch fire while you sleep?But you have smoke detectors. Are you paranoid of fire? Carrying a firearm is just being prepared to protect oneself just as one does with smoke detectors and seatbelt's.Our society, via the media, has been condition to see firearms in a negative light. Embrace your freedoms, take responsibility for your own life, don't wait for the government to save you. BTW, a child is 10 times more likely to drown in the family pool than killed by a gun.

J | 10:27 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

"If people are this paranoid about going outside without a gun, they should also stop driving in cars, stop riding airplanes, even stop eating food"

Cars killed 45,026 people in the US last year. Airplanes killed 779. Over 3,000 people choke to death each year. By comparison, there were around 700 accidental gun deaths last year - 63 involving children. Yes, this number is still way too high.

Do logical people fear cars, planes, and food because of the risk of death? Not normal ones. Then why would they fear a gun that is MUCH less likely to kill them (remember, we're talking LEGAL guns, not the ones the bad guys will always have).

I do not carry a gun because I'm afraid of getting killed, I carry a gun because I'm afraid of getting killed and not having the OPTION of doing anything to prevent it.

To Rich | 10:29 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

We do not "register" weapons in Utah. Not sure where you get your info on that but i'd fire them.

If I am a Chuck Norris wannabe what are you?, perhaps an Oprah Winfrey wannabe?

OU_Gryphon | 10:43 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

To all the gun haters and gun controllers:
Your fear of guns and distrust of gun owners is YOUR problem, not mine. If you don't like guns, then don't own one, but don't disarm me because of your irrational fears.

Are there legal but irresponsible gun owners out there? Yes and you occasionally hear about them on the news, but there are millions of responsible gun owners who have chosen to take their safety into their own hands and do so without being trigger happy or otherwise unsafe.

Jeff | 10:53 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

Ever notice how the anti's always seem to think that gun owners are trigger happy and have inferiority complexes? It would seem that they are projecting their own insecurities and fantasies onto the gun owners! Just because they might feel like pulling a gun on the manager at the restaurant when arguing over the check, doesn't mean everyone else feels that way. Just because they don't have the self control to argue with someone without resorting to violence they assume that no one else can either. If you really want to know how effective gun control is, compare crime statistics compiled by the FBI on the Bureau of Justice Statistics web site. Look at Washington D.C. and Baltimore MD. They have strict gun control there. Then look at Jacksonville FL. and San Antonio TX. Comparable sized cities in states that routinely issue concealed weapons permits.
I worked in law enforcement for fifteen years. Do I carry a weapon? Darn right I do. I have heard too many peoples last words not to. Look at the clock right now. Watch that clock for six full minutes. Imagine what some criminal could be doing to you in that time. Yeah, call 9-1-1.

Jim in VA | 11:06 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

I am struck by the rabid, almost hateful tone of the respondents who "detest" guns and are irrationally fearful of anything to do with them. You are the same people who hysterically imagined all manner of horrible outcomes when concealed carry was debated in the 80's and 90's. All the histrionic garbage about "shootouts like the OK Corral", "fender-benders turning into gunfights", "blood running in the streets" turned out to be nothing more than the over-active imaginations of liberals who project their fears of poor impulse control on to the rest of us. Concealed carry has worked well in every state that's enacted it, and NO state has rescinded its CC laws once passed. You timid, fearful sheep need to grow up and take responsibility for yourselves rather than sitting around dreaming up phony statistics or horror stories that have no basis in reality. Open carry and concealed carry each have benefits and disadvantages, but thankfully we have the right to determine what is best for us.

TrueBrit | 11:37 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

As an expat Brit proponent of open carry,I have only this to say to those who oppose the practice:COME TO KENTUCKY!You will be AMAZED at the number of folks who open carry here, especially in Eastern KY.We are, indeed, a very polite society here!
My hat is off to the Utah group!

Jim Milner | 11:40 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

In my 27 year career as a LEO, as City, County and Federal, On;ly one officer has expressed a desire that only cops should have guns. I recvall the night that he was getting the stuffings kicked out of him until a "citizen" stuck a hand gun in the attackers ear and stopped the affair. Guess who changed their mind abpout guns and citizens.
I would rather meet an open carry citizen any day or night of the week, than have to guess if the furitive looks of a person who appears to be unarmed, is self concious, worried, or afraid of being arrested.
I carry anytime I am away from the interior of my house, sometimes open sometimes concealed.
Who do I have to defend my family and self from? The same people the working cops do to protect YOU.

OU_Gryphon | 11:52 p.m. Oct. 22, 2007

In response to Reality's post:

I don't feel unsafe going outside without a gun. I carry because of the very small chance that I might need it very badly, very quickly. I'm not paranoid about every person I pass possibly wanting to harm me. Statistically speaking, I will never need to use it, but I prefer to be prepared just in case. In my experience, most gun owners feel the same.

Now compare my attitude with the irrational fear that armed, law-abiding citizens will go off and start spraying bullets are random at the slightest provocation. These people really seem to be convinced that anyone who is armed is one step away from becoming a bloodthirsty maniac. Now you tell me - who is the paranoid one?

Paso | 1:50 a.m. Oct. 23, 2007

Reply to Gag: No, gun toters don't drive around with noose/rope in our cars. That's an illogical thought. If, and that's a big if, we wanted to do some vigalante thing, wouldn't we just use a gun? Your point makes no sense--unless you kind of want to imply some racial undertone of some kind.

And don't think you can disparage the NRA to make us feel bad. Most gunowners hate the NRA because all it does is make deals with politicians to reduce our gun rights. The 2nd Amendment does not call for *any* regulation of guns. If someone wants to walk down Main St. carrying a handgun or a rifle (or both) it should be 100% legal. Everywhere. And it is not. Why? Because the NRA is weak.
But as more people learn the benefits of being armed--more of you will come to realize that guns aren't the problem. Crime is the problem. All gun laws should be revoked.

COLT 45 | 1:53 a.m. Oct. 23, 2007

This is great to see. The right to carry arms and defend oneself (and others) is one of the good differences between the United States and other nations. And, YES, that is the way I want it. We all need to know and not forget that numerous courts, including the US Supreme, have ruled that the police have no obligation to protect citizens; only the obligation to investigate after a crime is committed. So, who is responsible for defending you? You got it -- yourself. You and you alone.
God Bless America. Trust in God, but keep your powder dry. I would rather be tried by 12 than carried by 6.

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