TexasCHLforum.com

Interesting, the Target perspective. The Target store in Waco doesn't have any signage (last I looked, anyway), and since I am both discreet and level-headed beyond the expectations of Harris County Assistant Prosecutors I've never thought twice about skipping right in, arrayed in my natural plumage and claws peacefully retracted.

But I'll admit I'm sometimes reminded, when I bump into our friendly local policemen, of Ron Moody's song and dance number as Fagin in the movie Oliver. His plans for a respectable life lead to the horror of wishing "Good Morrow!" to a magistrate.

Except that would hold no horror.

That was the biggest personal change for me, now one year and two days since Friday the 13th last year and my CHL. Transitioning from a calm faith my civil rights weren't in jeopardy to feeling a little sense of celebration.

Frankly, that's probably the most compelling reason I have to carry. I carry a sidearm as a natural act of a law abiding citizen, and, with warmest regards, good morrow to every magistrate I happen to meet while enjoying the Second Amendment.

There are other reasons, too. A few days ago a cop-looking car stopped a young fellow near the Mexia Airport, not far from both my home and my workplace, identified himself as a policeman, took the citizen's money and beat the snot out of him. It's not a safe world out there.

But mostly I carry for the same reason there's a flag displayed at my office. I'm proud and protective of the rights I'm afforded and the responsibilities I owe.