Have You Ever Lost Someone To Gun Violence?

I can only explain it from my perspective, but I would like to refer you to an article Olddude mentioned in another post. I think he was referencing Gun Ownership Mandatory In Kennesaw, Georgia. If not I apologize, but I think it is along the same lines and something the news media does not care to cover. If you have interest just Google it.



Most laws state that if a firearm is not clearly visible from all directions, it is considered concealed. Therefore if it is under the seat, glove box, under a newspaper it is considered concealed. When I am away from home, I do not want a gun visible in my vehicle because it would invite theft. The same as a cell phone, computer, etc. would create. Since I never know what vehicle I might need, guns are kept in each out of eye sight. If I was pulled over for a traffic violation, a ticket could be issued for not having a permit (although I doubt that would happen in this part of the country.)

States have different requirements for issuing a permit, but most have some sort of training before they will issue the permit. This increases the safety of those holding the permits. Here you have to be approved by the sheriff. That might require a back ground check, interview, or in my case a cup of coffee.

Anyone can carry a weapon in open carry cities, counties, or even states. Most locals restrict rights around schools, government buildings, and specific structures. That means someone without knowledge of a firearm can carry a weapon in the open. This is great for hunters but I think it promotes problems within communities. From this perspective, people that advertise by carrying a weapon in plain sight are asking for trouble. The open carry activists from the other post that were removed from the restaurant is an example. I thought it was a stupid act on their part and because of their actions the business was robbed the next night. I do not believe showing off your guns reduces trouble, it begs for it. If the business had been robbed the night before, the open carry activists would have been the first to be shot, just like a guard in the old banks.

On the other hand the two businesses that welcome concealed weapons have never been robbed. Why? A robber would not know who is armed and who is not. Now imagine your mother is in this business and it is robbed. Do you think a criminal would give a second thought that she could be a threat. My mom would be and would not hesitate to step in.

Long story short, I do not believe open carry like the old west would benefit our society. The permits create an unknown that decreases crime. The one thing I do not like about permits is there is a record of who has them. I hope others chime in from both sides. As pointed out before, these discussions makes me reconsider my position, or learn to defend it better.

After reading the updates, I have to correct a previous statement. I have known individuals that have taken their life with a gun, but I also know others that used other methods.