Gitchigumi Loc: Wake Forest, NC

Nope, I've not given up... just amazed at the paranoia. Yes, I have a gun, several, in fact. And, yes, I am very proficient in the use of all of them.

Its not the guns that I protest. Its the hype, paranoia and, frankly, some of those carrying that have me concerned. If I am in the local Applebee's having lunch and a cop, uniformed or plainclothes, comes in for lunch, I have no issue with seeing that gun since their badge is usually also visible. I trust the training and "protect and serve" mission of the police.

If I'm in Walmart, though, and some odd-looking yokel comes in with big old pistol strapped onto his hip, that has me concerned to the point that I spend a lot of time watching the yokel since I don't know what his intent is. Seems to me that his intent is typically to show off his right to bear arms. Or, to intimidate me... which I don't like, BTW. I call that pushing the envelop of common decency. "Going armed to the terror of the public", as it used to be known in the court system.

On the other hand, I know lots of folks who conceal-carry their weapons. That is a bit more tolerable to me, since I don't have to wonder about their intent or mental state. Maybe its "out of sight, out of mind", I don't know. I do know, though, that to get a CC permit, knowledge of the law and demonstration of ability to, safely and effectively, handle the weapon is required. That is typically acquired through an authorized class for that purpose.

Some other folks have hand guns, kinda sorta know how to use them, and, have or carry them for "protection". Those folks must carry them openly, since they don't have a CC permit. Fact is, that they would likely be a danger to themselves and all around them if they were in a situation that would call for action. They'd probably end up dead and/or giving up their weapon to the bad guy. Neither is preferable to me.

So, my point is that there needs to be some sanity, some reason to have to take your weapon everywhere, including the local Starbucks. I think its either paranoia or bravado... maybe a bit of "its my right".

Bangee5 Loc: Louisiana

Here is my take on your take... I doubt that there would not be twenty Starbuck customers standing up and popping round after round into a would be robber. Only the police do that. But if a would be robber came into starbuck and noticed that two, maybe three good ole redneck boys open carrying their fire arms, he is going to have second thoughts about robbing the place.

I do agree that we should start talking about the mentally ill getting their hands on guns and wanting to kill instead of just wanting gun control. Gun Control dose not control the mentally ill. There are other weapons to be used to kill someone besides a gun.

No, gun control is not the answer. Background checks is not the answer. Gun registry is not the answer. none of these things will stop people from killing each other or keep people from getting their hands on a gun. That is my take.

Bangee5 Loc: Louisiana

Hey, don't take this the wrong way but you sound a bit paranoia like those people you are talking about. If you see some odd-looking yokel (that is a redneck to me) comes in with big old pistol strapped onto his hip and he struts like John Wayne, he is probably harmless. A proud American visiting his local Wally-World. But don't turn your back on him.

I am at this time applying for conceal carry permit. I have gone through the class and have been on the firing range. I just need to send off the paper work. But here is my feelings. I don't think that I will open carry into a store just because I can. I would feel un-comfortable walking around in public with a gun on my hip. I am okay with it in my car. As for the conceal carry permit, have you ever tried to make sense of that? You can wear a gun on your hip but it can not be covered. You can have it in your car but it must be seen. So, to cover my own butt, I am getting a CCW permit. I am not a John Wayne type and I do not fear for my life but I do have personal protection. I am no cowboy nor am I the ugly American. I am just a guy with a gun, half redneck, the other half coon-ass.

DennisK Loc: Pickle City,Illinois

One problem here Amy. Our society seems to want to coddle the poor misguided youth that it really isn't their fault. We plea bargain down to a lesser charge. So the up and coming miscreants look at this and think even if they do get caught, some bleeding heart judge will just give them a slap on the wrist. Bring back truth in sentencing laws, and I might be able to sort of see some of what you are saying. But as long as criminals have guns, you can bet your sweet behind that I will too.

DennisK Loc: Pickle City,Illinois

Sounds like to me, you're the paranoid one.

Gitchigumi Loc: Wake Forest, NC

Sounds good to me... You and I are on the same page. Good luck with your CC permit.

Ka2azman Loc: Tucson, Az

Ahhh! No shirt, no shoes, no service! That is why these signs are posted, too many naked people.

Gitchigumi Loc: Wake Forest, NC

Yep... I'll admit it... I'm paranoid. Just not delusional... I don't trust some unknown person with unknown training and unknown intentions openly carrying a lethal weapon in public, let alone in crowded stores, restaurants, gas stations, etc..

heyrob Loc: Western Washington

I agree, just biter swill in my opinion. :-)

As for Starbucks, there are thousands of T-Shirts, and bumper stickers around that say "I Love Guns & Coffee" that included the Starbucks logo. This was due to a previous acceptance of guns by Starbucks, and one near me used to host an open carry gathering the first Saturday of every month. I wonder where the open carriers will go now, and if this will make those with stickers and shirts throw them away.

GSQRD1 Loc: SAN ANTONIO, TX

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Ka2azman Loc: Tucson, Az

Ahhh! " but paranoia is nothing more than Perfect Awareness!" Quote from Master Parker a renowned martial arts innovator.

DennisK Loc: Pickle City,Illinois

I'll admit that criminals ain't too smart, but do you not think they are stupid enough to do something illegal while showing everyone their gun? I don't know where you live. Maybe you're surrounded by idiots.

DennisK Loc: Pickle City,Illinois

Oh yeah. Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't really out to get ya. :)

bvm Loc: Glendale, Arizona

Starbucks is like a tourist trap.
"See what I can afford!"

Did you ever notice how many people make believe they buy a ( new ) cup everyday?

And as far as protecting children, how many have you seen in Starbucks, oh yes, the after school ( unemployed ) crowd?

In less than two weeks, you could buy your own coffee maker, buy your Starbucks coffee at Costco and make your own.

These are the same Nouveau riche, mortgaged to the hilt, or live at home with mommy and daddy, with unrealistic values and the conspicuous lack of common sense.

If you were to figure out the price of a gallon of Starbucks, it's probably over $26.00, ( 12oz. plain ) compare that to gasoline!

Rich Maher Loc: Sonoma County, CA

Oh, you poor guys. You can't carry your penis extenders into Starbucks.
How awful for you.