Excellent post. I took a ton of grief in another thread for posting that I did not carry on the golf course. I think we should all respect the way that each of us decides to carry, even if we don't agree on how others do it.flintknapper wrote:matchstick wrote:To the person that voted, "Only to places I feel are dangerous"... I hope you always guess right.
I've never been in a single situation where I needed a gun and I really hope I never will be. But if that day ever does happen my gun will be with me. That's for certain.
Since I was the first person to vote this way....let me tell you why.
I'll start by saying I don't "guess" about anything. I take calculated/informed risks everyday in the form of driving to work, interacting with other people, leisure-time activities, trusting my doctor, flying on planes, etc, etc........
Its possible I could be involved in an auto accident sometime, but I'm not willing to walk to work because of that.
I still interact with most people, even though I might offend someone and have them come looking for me.
I enjoy several leisure-time hobbies that are potentially dangerous, but I am careful as is possible/reasonable....and am still alive.
I may occasionally get a "second opinion" from a doctor, but not 15 other opinions.
I still fly from time to time....even though surviving a plane crash is not a likely outcome.
All of these things involve statistical probabilities. When combined with a good sense of situational awareness, past experience, a friendly demeanor, and a watchful eye.....I find I simply do not need to carry "24/7" to make me feel safe.
I have no argument with those who choose to do so (carry everywhere, all the time). Each persons idea of what constitutes a potentially dangerous situation will differ. Also, ones ability to defend themselves (or remove themselves) from a serious altercation varies widely....owing to different factors.
Yes, I know that "trouble can just find you".....and that Criminals/BG's do not come in numerical order. Just the same, the places I go....and the things that I do... generally provide me a pretty safe pathway.
I've managed to stay alive now for 53 years, I've been shot once (by my own dear brother, hunting accident, shotgun), been cut once by someone other than me (taking a knife from a drunk), and I've held one person at gunpoint (caught breaking into my truck). None of those things involved any "guessing". I am content to continue to evaluate my risks and to carry accordingly.
Again, no problem with those who think they are prepared by having their weapon nearby 24/7. I doubt it is really necessary for most of us, but each person must decide for themselves.
I would not argue that my position is the "correct one" for anyone else, but simply ask that others not require theirs of me either.
Not carrying right now.
Flint.
You did a great job explaining why you don't carry 24/7 and I am sure there are more like you on this forum.