should gays arm them selves (US)

[Buffylo]

I don't think the best solution to hate, is to respond with more hate, or violence here.

But from the UK , so I don't think i'd be very comfortable knowing someone owns a gun lol

What is to be uncomfortable about? Would you be afraid if they owned a sledge hammer? an axe? a nail gun?

[Blue]

IF it were impossible for nit cases, criminals and the like to get guns illegally, then sure gun bans are a great idea but, that isn't reality here. ANYONE, and I mean ANYONE that is not incarcerated can get a gun, including a semi automatic which can easily be converted to an automatic.

As good as martial arts and other forms of hand to hand combat training is, none of it will do one bit of good against a gun 100 yards away. You would be dead before you got close enough to even try to disarm the shooter.

The reality is that the odds of me ever having to use my sidearm in self defense are small, but it only takes once to kill me and, I choose to give myself a better chance at surviving that one time.

As for being trigger happy NO!
Every gun is ALWAYS loaded - even if I just unloaded it personally.
NEVER point a gun at anything or anyone you do not want to destroy or kill.
KNOW your target and what is behind it BEFORE you pull the trigger.

And yes I do hunt as well, it's a money saver and, I enjoy venison, rabbit and wild boar.

[Genersis]

IF it were impossible for nit cases, criminals and the like to get guns illegally, then sure gun bans are a great idea but, that isn't reality here. ANYONE, and I mean ANYONE that is not incarcerated can get a gun, including a semi automatic which can easily be converted to an automatic.

As good as martial arts and other forms of hand to hand combat training is, none of it will do one bit of good against a gun 100 yards away. You would be dead before you got close enough to even try to disarm the shooter.

The reality is that the odds of me ever having to use my sidearm in self defense are small, but it only takes once to kill me and, I choose to give myself a better chance at surviving that one time.

As for being trigger happy NO!
Every gun is ALWAYS loaded - even if I just unloaded it personally.
NEVER point a gun at anything or anyone you do not want to destroy or kill.
KNOW your target and what is behind it BEFORE you pull the trigger.

And yes I do hunt as well, it's a money saver and, I enjoy venison, rabbit and wild boar.

I wonder if trying to pull a gun out would be an equally suicidal idea.

[Blue]

I wonder if trying to pull a gun out would be an equally suicidal idea.

Not if you know 100% you will use it, are comfortable with it and, have practiced enough to KNOW you will hit what you aim at, and can aim quickly.

Concealed carry is not for someone that isn't willing to do the training and, condition themselves to react properly and quickly in such situations. And it isn't for someone who doubts if they could face the emotional and legal ramifications of killing someone else in self defense.

I don't carry for any "macho" reason, purely for my own peace of mind and, because I know I could handle using my sidearm IF I ever have to. Were you to meet me in town, you'd never know I even had my gun on me unless I had to use it. I never have in 20 years of carrying. The only time I am required to inform anyone I have it is if I am stopped by a law enforcement officer for some reason. Otherwise no one knows I have it unless they were at my home when I got dressed and put the holster in place.

My sidearm is there should I ever need it, but I'm certainly not looking for an excuse to use it in public - if I want to fire it, that's what the range is for.

[ceez]

I always think of the Chris Rock song No Sex in the Champagne Room when the gun debate comes up. its a part were he says "don't go to parties with metal detectors, sure you feel safe inside but what about all those guys with guns waiting outside, they know you aint got one". I know at least in my area gun laws would not stop crimes committed with a fire arm. I know a handful of convicted felons that went out and bought firearms right after they got out of jail and one year an officer was killed by someone with an AK which are already illegal in this state. the gun might have been bought from a soldier returning home, most break down illegal firearms and mail it home piece by piece.

I feel the same as the other supporters on here, I know when I do get my first gun that the chances of me using it are small but it can only take one encounter with some trigger happy mugger to kill me. plus the past few robberies I've heard about the robber shot the victim even though the victim cooperated, and apparently some sick freak that likes to break into old ladies houses and rape them is still on the loose. his last victim was able to fight him off but no one would have to worry about him if she had a gun. banning all firearms might work for some countries but the U.S. just seems obsessed with violence.

[Bowyn Aerrow]

Not to long ago in Aurora Colorado a young man went to the picture show then decided to stand up and start shooting.

If only one person was concealed carrying (besides himself) that night - that situation could have turned out a lot differently.

No I do not condone violence. Like the majority here I am against the whole idea of packing heat in the modern world. Ideally we would all stop living in fear and all walk around unarmed. Ideally.

Practically we have nut jobs who go to the picture show, or school, or Mc Donald's or wherever and pull out a loaded gun and start shooting for shits and giggles. Practically we have poor resource division leading to the have nots seeking ways to become a have through criminal means.

The problem is not the gun. The problem is we failed to provide enough basic health care to see the man on the edge of insanity before he fires off a few rounds. The problem is that we have a very skewed idea of what economy means.

Gays having to carry to protect themselves - the problem is not the gun, the problem is intolerance, hatred that leads to a gang of thugs being so terrified of a homosexual that they feel that the only way to stop the threat is to beat up the homosexual and leave him on a fence to die.

Guns are a symptom, gun violence is a symptom, a symptoms of a society that is sick. Banning guns will not cure the underlying problems that lead to gun violence and some sense of security that concealed carry brings with it.

[East]

I respect those who like to soap up in the second amendment bath

I can respect it but too many years on political boards have shown me that the same people who worship the second amendment and lecture other people about the sanctity and beauty of the constitution also are frequently (not always...but often) the ones who want to enshrine discrimination into the constitution while fretting about the government trying to control their lives..... I guess it is only a beautiful thing when it (the Constitution) reflects your own interests and it is OK if the government is controlling who you love or what we do with our bodies.

The official Republican Platform encourages writing discrimination against gay people permanently into the Constitution. IMO...so much for respecting the Constitution and if it happens...defending it.

[Genersis]

I can respect it but too many years on political boards have shown me that the same people who worship the second amendment and lecture other people about the sanctity and beauty of the constitution also are frequently (not always...but often) the ones who want to enshrine discrimination into the constitution while fretting about the government trying to control their lives..... I guess it is only a beautiful thing when it (the Constitution) reflects your own interests and it is OK if the government is controlling who you love or what we do with our bodies.

The official Republican Platform encourages writing discrimination against gay people permanently into the Constitution. IMO...so much for respecting the Constitution and if it happens...defending it.

I've had the same experiences on the other forum site i post on.:frown:

Which political boards?
If you don't like me asking?:redfaceYou can answer in a PM if you'd prefer)

[zeon]

With me guns are never the answer to any of lifes situations and i respect a man more if he doesnt have a gun

[MrMcfat3]

What about pepper spray?