Pediatricians asking parents about gun ownership

[Abraham]

If "anyone" asks inappropriate questions do you feel the need to answer them?

Of course not!

Being in the medical profession doesn't elevate the questioner beyond reproach.

And standing up for yourself doesn't have to be done in a confrontational manner. It's actually quite easy to calmly inform the questioner you're not 'comfortable' with their questions. And, if they come back with an attempt to 'guilt trip' you with silliness like the doctor will be "dinged" if you don't answer, just shrug your shoulders...

Just because someone asks a question doesn't compel you to answer...

[TexasGal]

I would just look at him wide eyed and say: "Oh heaven's no! Why, if a murderer broke into my home, he would just take it away from me and use it against me! I'm much safer without having one of those in my home."
It is none of his business. If he has to have an answer, let it be one that leaves me off the radar.

[C-dub]

I would just look at him wide eyed and say: "Oh heaven's no! Why, if a murderer broke into my home, he would just take it away from me and use it against me! I'm much safer without having one of those in my home."

That is an excellent answer, but I don't think I could do it with a straight face.

[OldCannon]

Let's see.... Doctor isn't a law enforcement officer acting in the line of duty, so...

"Nope."

Concealed means concealed

[ClarkLZeuss]

I have been asked this before on a form, and because I didn't know what else to do, I wrote in "Yes - secured in a safe."

Now I will just leave it blank, or say "Decline" or "No comment." There is no advantage to disclosing to any civilian the status of your gun ownership. Either way you answer, you wouldn't want that information getting to the wrong people, like criminals or certain Congressmen. But I repeat myself.

[SewTexas]

I've never been asked, but I know it will probably come up soon, I've got to take my teen to a check up eventually, and this new clinic asks alot of questions. Luckily, the the daughter is considered an adult so they didn't ask some of the questions I was concerned about.

another but related topic is those of you who are older or have older parents.....their docs are asking questions such as "do you feel depressed", "do you feel like hurting yourself or others" (this I know for a fact is happening at BAMC) the way I understand it, if the answer is ever YES, the patient is checked in or referred to be checked in, and the home is referred to social services for a search of weapons and anything that can be use to cause harm will be confiscated.

[rtschl]

We went to a new pediatrician earlier this year and it was on one of the forms, as was questions about car seats and other "safety" questions. I didn't fill it out nor turn it in. An employee came in later asking if I had it.I said yes, but I wasn't filling it out. She said that was fine but asked for the blank form and she marked it refused to answer.

Ron

[Abraham]

If more people would state to the questioner that some questions are quite simply none of their business, then perhaps such questions would ultimately stop being asked...and yes, it could be done in a polite manner. Often, the questioner is mandated by their boss as in a nurse being directed to ask. It's not the nurse's fault, so be kind...

Being asked questions that aren't germane to the situation is a pet peeve of mine. When asked for my address or phone number or even zip code by merchants, my standard response is a cheerful: "Make one up" and most of the time the questioner laughs and seem to get why I respond like this. I know the clerk asking isn't being nosy, just following management's directive. And, yes I know, in some cases management is working on demographics, but I guess I'm kinda ornery when it comes to being asked questions that aren't relevant to the situation.

[SewTexas]

why on earth does some random store need to/want to know my phone number....ummm, "NO!!!!" or 555------ or "you don't need it" the little girl behind the counter will just looooook at me, Oh yes I did just say that!