The way I look at it, my state's legislature decided that the public good would be served by allowing certain of the state's adult citizens -- subject to background checks and other requirements to insure that only the responsible and law-abiding would qualify -- to carry concealed handguns.
In response to this, I decided personally that I have the ability and temperament to be trusted, under the law, to carry this type of weapon and that not only should I choose to do so, I personally feel I have a duty to do so. In other words, I realize and acknowledge that I am exactly the type of individual who should accept the responsibility of carrying concealed.
I have no desire to injure or kill another person, nor do I hope the situation ever presents itself when I would need to make that choice, but I accept that this could occur and that I am fully prepared to draw my weapon and defend myself or others from criminal violence.
By the way, I too am an Eagle Scout, as was my father, and as is my son. I first learned firearms handling from my dad and through the Scouting program at summer camp, as well as in the military, and I have tried to pass along to my son what I have learned. I also am, politically, a Democrat who generally supports liberal causes, and, religiously, a United Methodist. I say these simply to indicate my other beliefs, and that my decision to carry concealed does not conflict (in my way of thinking) with those.
Thanks for asking, rolomac.
