I found that once I was able to legally carry I began to consciously avoid situations where it may be necessary. Not really changing lifestyle or anything, just being aware of the responsibility and not wanting to put myself needlessly in a situation where I cause an incident. I think I'm a much more laid back driver now too. Maybe it's having the means to protect myself and family I don't need to get agressive if someone cuts me off or passes on the right when the road narrows. I just back off, give them room and smile knowing that somewhere down the road they will meet up with someone who isn't as accomodating. The gun is to protect our lives and not to gain the upper hand in a needless argument.
This is not directed at anyone on this forum.
I was going to say what you said above, but didn't have the guts as I am a relatively new member here. Many years ago, I carried a firearm 'federally;'
legally didn't necessarily need to register it, didn't need a 'permit'; as long as it was a 'firearm' it was legit and superseded all state and US-possession laws. That was a long time ago.
Now that I have just attended my first CCW class, I am reminded of the totally sobering experience that comes to some people (hopefully more than I am led to believe) when they are enfranchised to carry something hidden that can take a life in less than an instant.
Again, I don't direct this to anyone here at all - but there are many who regard a CCW as a hedge against being "f'ed" with. It is sometimes evident even in LEO who have (and even often maintain) a 'Wyatt Earp' syndrome.
If a CCW is to protect my right or choice to live peacefully and be able to protect myself and those I love from harm, then that is all it is. I thot for a long time about even applying for one; not only because I didn't want to believe the current conditions in our country actually proclaim that it is "better to have it than not have it" but that the truly current minority in America are the people who love their families and the police cannot always protect everyone's family against all negative possibilities. At the same time, along with that permit, I believe we must also adopt an even deeper sense of tolerance, humility and,
perhaps most especially, foresight than we had before ever being 'permitted' and I also hope and wish that I personally never have to use mine when I do get it.
It is is probably impossible to explain to most people what goes thru one's mind in that nanosecond prior to pulling the trigger on another human being. IMO, those who think they would relish such thoughts are either imbeciles or fools whose attitudes fall into the laps of all anti-gunners not to mention representing a warped sense of empowerment..
A gun is a tool. Of course. So is a car. Drivers licenses are often as easy to get as are CCWs nowadays. But how many people you have seen driving cars would you trust to drive your loved ones around?
And if this view offends anyone, I really could care less.
