Friday Thoughts: On Firearms

I carry concealed anytime I step out my door. Those who would rather that people leave those "nasty guns" elsewhere are, IMHO, living in denial. With Pacific Islanders shooting each other; Mexican drug cartels using Anchorage (among other cities) as a distribution point; with bears, moose, and wolves, it's just prudence on my part. My safety, and that of my family, are my primary motivations for carrying a firearm.

There is no on-site security for the property I manage, and I assume responsibility for that, as well. I fervently pray that I never have to draw my weapon for any reason other than target practice ... but I will not assume that it won't happen. Sors ventus qui es paratus.

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On the topic of firearms...

A lady I work with has known me for several years now, and we have a great relationship. A couple of weeks ago, she saw my holster sticking out from under the tail of my jacket, when I was retrieving papers from the floor.

She got a little pale, and said, "I hope you don't have a gun in that thing." Guns make her nervous, she explained.

I tried to keep a straight face while answering that it wouldn't make much sense to wear an empty holster.

I asked her if I make her nervous, and she said no.  As gently as I could, I pointed out that the firearm is an inanimate tool, and that it obeys my commands. While she thought that over, I said, "If I'm trustworthy, then you needn't fear any tool I might use. A hammer, a screwdriver, a cordless drill ... all could be dangerous, in the wrong hands."

She allowed as how that's true, and then said, "And you were in the military, so I guess it's okay."

Baby steps ... sigh ...

But at least those steps are in the right direction: I'll take that conversation as one minor victory.

Simple: Why They Want Your Guns

You'll remember that old saw about "armed people are citizens; disarmed people are subjects." Now read Hitler's statement again.

I'm not in the mood for a "conqueror" ... how about you?

People of the Gun

The good folks at Ammo.net have picked up the standard for "People of the Gun", along with offering ammo at what look like pretty good prices.

From their site:

"A tribe of firearm owners and bloggers; just ordinary Americans, many of them your friends and neighbors. We believe in and practice the constitutional and natural right to protect our families, ourselves, and our homes." 

I joined. It's free and easy ... so why haven't you? There's a link on the sidebar; click to take a look.





FTC disclaimer: The good folks at Ammo.net never heard of me before yesterday, nor have they offered me anything other than a welcome to their page. So there. Go do something useful with our tax money, 'kay?

Friday Morning Report & Firearm Fears

Good morning. I have the radio on, as I type this, and it occurs to me that there are probably not many other cities where the morning traffic reports include moose warnings.

Well, it's officially the first day of spring, and we have 11 degrees this morning. Regarding the equinox, the time between sunrise & sunset here has been greater than 12 hours since Monday. I guess the equinox applies to folks a little farther south (i.e., Vancouver, Seattle, etc).

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I read Brigid's post this morning, and as usual, it made me think about the times in which we live. Like her, I carry concealed anytime I step out my door. Those who would rather that people leave those "nasty guns" elsewhere are, IMHO, living in denial. With Mexican drug cartels using Anchorage (among other cities) as a distribution point; with bears, moose, and wolves in town, it's just prudence on my part. My safety, and that of my family, are my primary motivation for carrying a firearm.

There is no on-site security for the property I manage, and I assume responsibility for that, as well. I fervently pray that I never have to draw my weapon for any reason other than target practice ... but I will not assume that it won't happen. Sors ventus qui es paratus.

* * * * * * *

On the topic of firearms...

A lady I work with has known me for several months now, and we have a great relationship. A couple of weeks ago, she saw my holster sticking out from under the tail of my jacket, when I was retrieving papers from the floor.

She got a little pale, and said, "I hope you don't have a gun in that thing." She went on to say that guns make her nervous.

I tried to keep a straight face while answering that it wouldn't make much sense to wear an empty holster.

I asked her if I make her nervous, and she said no. I gently pointed out that the firearm is an inanimate tool, and that it obeys my commands. While she thought that over, I said, "If I'm trustworthy, then you needn't fear any tool I might use. A hammer or screwdriver, a cordless drill - all could be dangerous, in the wrong hands."

She allowed as how that's true, and then said, "And you were in the military, so I guess it's okay."

Baby steps {sigh}. But at least those steps are in the right direction: I'll take that conversation as one minor victory.