I want opinions. should i join the NRA
now THATS funny!
Seriously, my thought is, we have the right, therefore we do. I personally have never felt the need to carry a concealed weapon. Those that do, more power to them. I have had numerous hunting rifles/shotguns over the years, but when I stopped hunting, I sold the guns and currently do not own a firearm, nor feel the need to own one. BUT, if I decided tomorrow that I want a gun and to be able to carry that gun freely wherever I wanted to (except where prohibited, of course) then I have the right to do so. All that aside, IMO, sometimes the NRA can be too political therefore I would not join as they seem more of a political orginization out to make money to support certain politicians than an advocate of my personal rights. Thats just my opinion, I'm entitled to it.
Seriously, my thought is, we have the right, therefore we do. I personally have never felt the need to carry a concealed weapon. Those that do, more power to them. I have had numerous hunting rifles/shotguns over the years, but when I stopped hunting, I sold the guns and currently do not own a firearm, nor feel the need to own one. BUT, if I decided tomorrow that I want a gun and to be able to carry that gun freely wherever I wanted to (except where prohibited, of course) then I have the right to do so. All that aside, IMO, sometimes the NRA can be too political therefore I would not join as they seem more of a political orginization out to make money to support certain politicians than an advocate of my personal rights. Thats just my opinion, I'm entitled to it.
There's a popular saying: "I carry a gun because a cop is too heavy." It makes light of the situation but also makes a very good point, if you're ever in a situation where you need to protect yourself or loved ones you'll be very glad to have a gun with you.
That said it's a large responsibility. I'm a firm supporter of the 2nd amendment and the bill of rights and I don't think someone should just run out, get a gun, and start carrying. If you're going to carry you have to be prepared to use it if the situation forces it. In order to be prepared you had better be a confident shot and be able to use your head. Where are you? What's behind your attacker? Would you possibly hit a bystander? Do you have the time and distance to draw before he can reach you and slash your throat or disarm you? All of these things need to be taken into consideration and if you're unfamiliar with the gun and in a state of panic you won't be thinking straight.
The 2nd Amendment preserves our right to keep and bear arms, the 10th Amendment states that rights not granted to the government by the Constitution are reserved to the States and the people. Sometimes it's as simple a reason as I wish to exercise my right. Sadly many Americans lately haven't been paying attention as their rights keep slipping away, there was a small stir over the TSA's latest security theater but most have remained silent.
That said it's a large responsibility. I'm a firm supporter of the 2nd amendment and the bill of rights and I don't think someone should just run out, get a gun, and start carrying. If you're going to carry you have to be prepared to use it if the situation forces it. In order to be prepared you had better be a confident shot and be able to use your head. Where are you? What's behind your attacker? Would you possibly hit a bystander? Do you have the time and distance to draw before he can reach you and slash your throat or disarm you? All of these things need to be taken into consideration and if you're unfamiliar with the gun and in a state of panic you won't be thinking straight.
The 2nd Amendment preserves our right to keep and bear arms, the 10th Amendment states that rights not granted to the government by the Constitution are reserved to the States and the people. Sometimes it's as simple a reason as I wish to exercise my right. Sadly many Americans lately haven't been paying attention as their rights keep slipping away, there was a small stir over the TSA's latest security theater but most have remained silent.
Professional
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
From: Canada
In response to Q-TIP: I know you're looking for responses from Americans, but for what it's worth I have to add that as a, currently non-hunting Canadian, I own firearms in large part to exercise my right to do so. I like guns and shooting, just like some like cars, trucks, or whatever else, but I also believe that owning firearms is a right that I feel too many take far too lightly.
Cops do a great job and we most certainly need them, but if someone ever comes kicking down my door, it will be my Remington that will keep me and my family safe before the cops ever have the chance to. By saying that I'm not pretending that it would be that easy, as Altair very sensibly stated some necessary considerations when using a firearm in his post above, but it is very good piece of mind knowing that the option is there. The world isn't getting any prettier after all. Home invasions are in fact on the rise just as one example.
Regardless, in the end, I just feel it is a very fundamental and important right that needs to be protected and I always urge people I know who show any interest, to go and get their firearms license, even if they don't end up getting a gun.
Cops do a great job and we most certainly need them, but if someone ever comes kicking down my door, it will be my Remington that will keep me and my family safe before the cops ever have the chance to. By saying that I'm not pretending that it would be that easy, as Altair very sensibly stated some necessary considerations when using a firearm in his post above, but it is very good piece of mind knowing that the option is there. The world isn't getting any prettier after all. Home invasions are in fact on the rise just as one example.
Regardless, in the end, I just feel it is a very fundamental and important right that needs to be protected and I always urge people I know who show any interest, to go and get their firearms license, even if they don't end up getting a gun.
Last edited by Robk1971; Jan 20, 2011 at 03:34 PM.
There's a popular saying: "I carry a gun because a cop is too heavy." It makes light of the situation but also makes a very good point, if you're ever in a situation where you need to protect yourself or loved ones you'll be very glad to have a gun with you.
That said it's a large responsibility. I'm a firm supporter of the 2nd amendment and the bill of rights and I don't think someone should just run out, get a gun, and start carrying. If you're going to carry you have to be prepared to use it if the situation forces it. In order to be prepared you had better be a confident shot and be able to use your head. Where are you? What's behind your attacker? Would you possibly hit a bystander? Do you have the time and distance to draw before he can reach you and slash your throat or disarm you? All of these things need to be taken into consideration and if you're unfamiliar with the gun and in a state of panic you won't be thinking straight.
The 2nd Amendment preserves our right to keep and bear arms, the 10th Amendment states that rights not granted to the government by the Constitution are reserved to the States and the people. Sometimes it's as simple a reason as I wish to exercise my right. Sadly many Americans lately haven't been paying attention as their rights keep slipping away, there was a small stir over the TSA's latest security theater but most have remained silent.
That said it's a large responsibility. I'm a firm supporter of the 2nd amendment and the bill of rights and I don't think someone should just run out, get a gun, and start carrying. If you're going to carry you have to be prepared to use it if the situation forces it. In order to be prepared you had better be a confident shot and be able to use your head. Where are you? What's behind your attacker? Would you possibly hit a bystander? Do you have the time and distance to draw before he can reach you and slash your throat or disarm you? All of these things need to be taken into consideration and if you're unfamiliar with the gun and in a state of panic you won't be thinking straight.
The 2nd Amendment preserves our right to keep and bear arms, the 10th Amendment states that rights not granted to the government by the Constitution are reserved to the States and the people. Sometimes it's as simple a reason as I wish to exercise my right. Sadly many Americans lately haven't been paying attention as their rights keep slipping away, there was a small stir over the TSA's latest security theater but most have remained silent.
In response to Q-TIP: I know you're looking for responses from Americans, but for what it's worth I have to add that as a, currently non-hunting Canadian, I own firearms in large part to exercise my right to do so. I like guns and shooting, just like some like cars, trucks, or whatever else, but I also believe that owning firearms is a right that I feel too many take far too lightly.
Cops do a great job and we most certainly need them, but if someone ever comes kicking down my door, it will be my Remington that will keep me and my family safe before the cops ever have the chance to. By saying that I'm not pretending that it would be that easy, as Altair very sensibly stated some necessary considerations when using a firearm in his post above, but it is very good piece of mind knowing that the option is there. The world isn't getting any prettier after all. Home invasions are in fact on the rise just as one example.
Regardless, in the end, I just feel it is a very fundamental and important right that needs to be protected and I always urge people I know who show any interest, to go and get their firearms license, even if they don't end up getting a gun.
Cops do a great job and we most certainly need them, but if someone ever comes kicking down my door, it will be my Remington that will keep me and my family safe before the cops ever have the chance to. By saying that I'm not pretending that it would be that easy, as Altair very sensibly stated some necessary considerations when using a firearm in his post above, but it is very good piece of mind knowing that the option is there. The world isn't getting any prettier after all. Home invasions are in fact on the rise just as one example.
Regardless, in the end, I just feel it is a very fundamental and important right that needs to be protected and I always urge people I know who show any interest, to go and get their firearms license, even if they don't end up getting a gun.
Professional
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
From: Canada
If you follow the teachings of the course required to pass the test, which I find to be common sense, there really is no excuse for an accident. I go to the range as often as I can and often bring a non-firearm owning friend with me. It keeps me familiar with my guns and gives the people I bring with me a different and real view on guns; something I think is important in this society where guns are so often used in political posturing. The range is also a fun place to bring a date
.
I strongly believe in my "right to bear arms". . . .
I just got this on an email!!! Little long but you'll get the point!!
This just about says it all.
Now I won't have to explain my guns and the use of them...
PEOPLE ASK WHY?
Why I Carry a Gun
My old grandpa said to me 'Son, there comes a time in every man's life when he stops bustin' knuckles and starts bustin' caps and
usually it's when he becomes too old to take an *** whoopin.'
I don't carry a gun to kill people.
I carry a gun to keep from being killed.
I don't carry a gun to scare people.
I carry a gun because sometimes this world can be a scary place.
I don't carry a gun because I'm paranoid.
I carry a gun because there are real threats in the world.
I don't carry a gun because I'm evil.
I carry a gun because I have lived long enough to see the evil in the world.
I don't carry a gun because I hate the government.
I carry a gun because I understand the limitations of government.
I don't carry a gun because I'm angry.
I carry a gun so that I don't have to spend the rest of my life hating myself for failing to be prepared.
I don't carry a gun because I want to shoot someone.
I carry a gun because I want to die at a ripe old age in my bed, and not on a sidewalk somewhere tomorrow afternoon.
I don't carry a gun because I'm a cowboy.
I carry a gun because, when I die and go to heaven, I want to be a cowboy.
I don't carry a gun to make me feel like a man.
I carry a gun because men know how to take care of themselves and the ones they love.
I don't carry a gun because I feel inadequate.
I carry a gun because unarmed and facing three armed thugs, I am inadequate.
I don't carry a gun because I love it.
I carry a gun because I love life and the people who make it meaningful to me.
Police Protection is an oxymoron.
Free citizens must protect themselves.
Police do not protect you from crime, they usually just investigate the crime after it happens and then call someone in to clean up the mess.
Personally, I carry a gun because I'm too young to die and too old to take an *** whoopin'......
author unknown (but obviously brilliant)
**********************************************
A LITTLE GUN HISTORY
In 1929, the Soviet Union established gun control. From 1929 to 1953, about 20 million dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.
------------------------------
In 1911, Turkey established gun control. From 1915 to 1917, 1.5 million Armenians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.
------------------------------
Germany established gun control in 1938 and from 1939 to 1945, a total of 13 million **** and others who were unable to defend themselves were rounded up and exterminated.
------------------------------
China established gun control in 1935. From 1948 to 1952, 20 million political dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated
------------------------------
Guatemala established gun control in 1964. From 1964 to 1981, 100,000 Mayan Indians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.
---- ------------- -------------
Uganda established gun control in 1970. From 1971 to 1979, 300,000 Christians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.
------------------------------
Cambodia established gun control in 1956. From 1975 to 1977, one million educated people, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.
-----------------------------
Defenseless people rounded up and exterminated in the 20th Century because of gun control: 56 million.
------------------------------
You won't see this data on the US evening news, or hear politicians disseminating this information.
Guns in the hands of honest citizens save lives and property and, yes, gun-control laws adversely affect only the law-abiding citizens.
Take note my fellow Americans, before it's too late!
The next time someone talks in favor of gun control, please remind them of this history lesson.
With guns, we are 'citizens'. Without them, we are 'subjects'.
During WWII the Japanese decided not to invade America because they knew most Americans were ARMED!
If you value your freedom, please spread this anti-gun control message to all of your friends.
The purpose of fighting is to win.
There is no possible victory in defense.
The sword is more important than the shield, and skill is more important than either.
The final weapon is the brain.
All else is supplemental.
SWITZERLAND ISSUES EVERY HOUSEHOLD A GUN!
SWITZERLAND'S GOVERNMENT TRAINS EVERY ADULT THEY ISSUE A RIFLE.
SWITZERLAND HAS THE LOWEST GUN RELATED CRIME RATE OF ANY CIVILIZED COUNTRY IN THE WORLD!!!
IT'S A NO BRAINER!
DON'T LET OUR GOVERNMENT WASTE MILLIONS OF OUR TAX DOLLARS IN AN EFFORT TO MAKE ALL LAW ABIDING CITIZENS AN EASY TARGET.
I'm a firm believer in the 2nd Amendment!
I just got this on an email!!! Little long but you'll get the point!!
This just about says it all.
Now I won't have to explain my guns and the use of them...
PEOPLE ASK WHY?
Why I Carry a Gun
My old grandpa said to me 'Son, there comes a time in every man's life when he stops bustin' knuckles and starts bustin' caps and
usually it's when he becomes too old to take an *** whoopin.'
I don't carry a gun to kill people.
I carry a gun to keep from being killed.
I don't carry a gun to scare people.
I carry a gun because sometimes this world can be a scary place.
I don't carry a gun because I'm paranoid.
I carry a gun because there are real threats in the world.
I don't carry a gun because I'm evil.
I carry a gun because I have lived long enough to see the evil in the world.
I don't carry a gun because I hate the government.
I carry a gun because I understand the limitations of government.
I don't carry a gun because I'm angry.
I carry a gun so that I don't have to spend the rest of my life hating myself for failing to be prepared.
I don't carry a gun because I want to shoot someone.
I carry a gun because I want to die at a ripe old age in my bed, and not on a sidewalk somewhere tomorrow afternoon.
I don't carry a gun because I'm a cowboy.
I carry a gun because, when I die and go to heaven, I want to be a cowboy.
I don't carry a gun to make me feel like a man.
I carry a gun because men know how to take care of themselves and the ones they love.
I don't carry a gun because I feel inadequate.
I carry a gun because unarmed and facing three armed thugs, I am inadequate.
I don't carry a gun because I love it.
I carry a gun because I love life and the people who make it meaningful to me.
Police Protection is an oxymoron.
Free citizens must protect themselves.
Police do not protect you from crime, they usually just investigate the crime after it happens and then call someone in to clean up the mess.
Personally, I carry a gun because I'm too young to die and too old to take an *** whoopin'......
author unknown (but obviously brilliant)
**********************************************
A LITTLE GUN HISTORY
In 1929, the Soviet Union established gun control. From 1929 to 1953, about 20 million dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.
------------------------------
In 1911, Turkey established gun control. From 1915 to 1917, 1.5 million Armenians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.
------------------------------
Germany established gun control in 1938 and from 1939 to 1945, a total of 13 million **** and others who were unable to defend themselves were rounded up and exterminated.
------------------------------
China established gun control in 1935. From 1948 to 1952, 20 million political dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated
------------------------------
Guatemala established gun control in 1964. From 1964 to 1981, 100,000 Mayan Indians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.
---- ------------- -------------
Uganda established gun control in 1970. From 1971 to 1979, 300,000 Christians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.
------------------------------
Cambodia established gun control in 1956. From 1975 to 1977, one million educated people, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.
-----------------------------
Defenseless people rounded up and exterminated in the 20th Century because of gun control: 56 million.
------------------------------
You won't see this data on the US evening news, or hear politicians disseminating this information.
Guns in the hands of honest citizens save lives and property and, yes, gun-control laws adversely affect only the law-abiding citizens.
Take note my fellow Americans, before it's too late!
The next time someone talks in favor of gun control, please remind them of this history lesson.
With guns, we are 'citizens'. Without them, we are 'subjects'.
During WWII the Japanese decided not to invade America because they knew most Americans were ARMED!
If you value your freedom, please spread this anti-gun control message to all of your friends.
The purpose of fighting is to win.
There is no possible victory in defense.
The sword is more important than the shield, and skill is more important than either.
The final weapon is the brain.
All else is supplemental.
SWITZERLAND ISSUES EVERY HOUSEHOLD A GUN!
SWITZERLAND'S GOVERNMENT TRAINS EVERY ADULT THEY ISSUE A RIFLE.
SWITZERLAND HAS THE LOWEST GUN RELATED CRIME RATE OF ANY CIVILIZED COUNTRY IN THE WORLD!!!
IT'S A NO BRAINER!
DON'T LET OUR GOVERNMENT WASTE MILLIONS OF OUR TAX DOLLARS IN AN EFFORT TO MAKE ALL LAW ABIDING CITIZENS AN EASY TARGET.
I'm a firm believer in the 2nd Amendment!
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Philly
I have a few questions about firearms in the United States and would like to hear from you guys. I would first like to state that I am simply curious and am not in any way passing judgement.
As a Canadian it is a completely foreign concept to me as to the reasoning behind carrying a firearm in public when not engaged in hunting activities. I have traveled all around the world and due to having parents that moved around when I was a kid I have Australian and Canadian citizenship and am a British Subject with right of abode. In my travels I have not encountered any western country other than the United States where the citizenry feels the need to carry firearms in any capacity other than hunting or wilderness protection unless they are engaged in criminal activities. Until very recently British police have not even carried firearms (and many still do not).
What are your reasons for carrying concealed firearms in the US? I am also unclear on the purpose of the NRA and what its specific mandate is. I realize it is defending the second amendment but I can find no language in that document that has anything to do with carrying weapons in a public place as it specifically states that ownership of firearms for the purposes of defending against outside incursion or government oppression by a well-regulated militia is protected. In my mind this does not indicate that the right to carry a weapon in public is protected unless the democratic process has failed and a state-employed military is working against the will of the general populace.
Please post your thoughts and comments.
As a Canadian it is a completely foreign concept to me as to the reasoning behind carrying a firearm in public when not engaged in hunting activities. I have traveled all around the world and due to having parents that moved around when I was a kid I have Australian and Canadian citizenship and am a British Subject with right of abode. In my travels I have not encountered any western country other than the United States where the citizenry feels the need to carry firearms in any capacity other than hunting or wilderness protection unless they are engaged in criminal activities. Until very recently British police have not even carried firearms (and many still do not).
What are your reasons for carrying concealed firearms in the US? I am also unclear on the purpose of the NRA and what its specific mandate is. I realize it is defending the second amendment but I can find no language in that document that has anything to do with carrying weapons in a public place as it specifically states that ownership of firearms for the purposes of defending against outside incursion or government oppression by a well-regulated militia is protected. In my mind this does not indicate that the right to carry a weapon in public is protected unless the democratic process has failed and a state-employed military is working against the will of the general populace.
Please post your thoughts and comments.
Now as far as the NRA. I have been a member for a few years now. And i do agree that they are very political. And that is one of their main goals. BUT if we didn't have the NRA, anyone in America who owns a gun, wouldn't have them right now!!! EVERY SINGLE YEAR there are TONS of bills that try to get passed that takes away gun rights in America.... The latest attempt was by your very own OBAMA... the NRA shut his @$$ down! So I applaud the NRA!
Professional
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
From: Canada
The Canadian gun registry is a prime example of that. It was originally supposed to cost 2 million, has actually cost over 2 billion, and has cost over 60 million to run in 2010 alone. What has it done? Made the already honest man honest.....er?? Funny thing is, the criminals are not abiding. Who would have thought. Imagine what all that money spent would have done if it was spent on proper policing and military instead?
Professional
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 179
Likes: 1
From: Calgary AB, Canada
I don't agree with anything that prevent a person from owning a firearm. However I just struggle to find a reason why I have never been threatened with a gun, known anyone who has been, or even known anyone who has been mugged or robbed in any country that I have lived in yet everyone I know in the U.S. is absolutely petrified of criminals with guns. Hell, walking through London proper you never hear of anyone being robbed at gunpoint, much less any Canadian city (there are bad areas, but home invasions involving firearms are very rare even in places like East Hastings Vancouver).
I am not saying anyone is wrong in the U.S. but maybe there is some underlying gun culture that not only allows honest people to possess firearms but also makes criminals far more likely to use them. I am sure in a lot of cases criminals carry weapons to defend against the weapons their victims are also likely carrying.
I am not saying anyone is wrong in the U.S. but maybe there is some underlying gun culture that not only allows honest people to possess firearms but also makes criminals far more likely to use them. I am sure in a lot of cases criminals carry weapons to defend against the weapons their victims are also likely carrying.