The Sorry State of Today's Journalism

[Sodo]

Richard I'm glad at least one person sees some value in what I write. I think guns are part of Americana, to see them used for political leverage pains me.

As well as being used to create a kind of self-inflicted "invisible fence". I have relatives who won't come to the city because they can't bring their guns. Can you imagine? Little old ladies survive for entire lifetimes in the city, and all a thief has to do is tip them over. And these young strong fellas think a gun is the strength they need. They are deluded, and they are not dumb people, and they are not weak. I don't like to see guns do that to people.

But if the sheep go around in "condition white" all the time, they will never even see danger coming at all. It has a lot to do with that "denial of Wolf" thing. A lot of people just go through life thinking good thoughts all the time..

There are only "two kinds of people in this world" ,,,,those who think James described "the good life" and those who do not.

 

[k0ua]

Richard I'm glad at least one person sees some value in what I write. I think guns are part of Americana, to see them used for political leverage pains me.

As well as being used to create a kind of self-inflicted "invisible fence". I have relatives who won't come to the city because they can't bring their guns. Can you imagine? Little old ladies survive for entire lifetimes in the city, and all a thief has to do is tip them over. And these young strong fellas think a gun is the strength they need. They are deluded, and they are not dumb people, and they are not weak. I don't like to see guns do that to people.



There are only "two kinds of people in this world" ,,,,those who think James described "the good life" and those who do not.

It IS a great life going thru life in condition white. Most people operate there at all times. Right up until the time when the wolf tries to hurt you or yours. Then is when you wish you had been more aware, and had a preplanned course of action, and the means to prevail. Yes Sodo, it is actually a burden to go through life knowing that most folks view of their safety is an illusion. All it takes is one wolf to destroy them. They never see it coming, and have no plan. And have no means to carry out one anyway.

As an example, many movies and TV dramas depict a helpless person confronted by evildoers, and the drama will depict perhaps an hour of sheer terror as the evildoer threatens and/or injurs the good person.

I have screamed at the TV screen: "where is your firearm you idiot!". More times than I can count.
You see the depiction does not make sense to me. I would have ended the threat hours ago. You may call that false bravado, I call that common sense.

People are free to view the world any way they like. But when that view can be destroyed by the harsh reality of evil, yes I said evil. Then perhaps that was a false one to begin with.

 

[Sodo]

Yes Sodo, it is actually a burden to go through life knowing that most folks view of their safety is an illusion. All it takes is one wolf to destroy them. They never see it coming, and have no plan.

James I know what you are saying. I know people who are making the best of life and I admire their ability for living fully. They are not scared of wolves, mostly due to statistics, faith in law enforcement, and the general good. I like to pay attention to who enjoys life, and what they are doing, and who is unhappy also. I tellya I don't see those who are pessimistic as making the best of the their time above ground.

As a kid we had BBguns at ALL TIMES. I could hit ants 10 feet away shooting from the hip. And not "eventually" but one shot, everytime. Whatever ant appears, is gone. I'm still a good shot. I don't doubt my ability to handle a firearm but I'm not that good anymore.

I'm somewhat pessimistic by nature and me buying into the need to constantly protect myself and others, would not be good for my outlook, or blood pressure, or enjoyment of life. It works well for some, in fact a few hundred dollars for a gun is one of their cheaper insurances. But it wouldn't work out like that for me. I'd be worried someone would steal it and shoot a cop or a drunken friend. Other times I'd be worrying about "hmmmm,,,,should I bring the gun?" And I'd have to be always inventing situations that justified carrying it. And my wife would start carry a frying pan around (thats any wise husband's worst fear). I'd rather just blast stuff once in awhile & dream of the old west.

I don't like seeing guns politicized. Do you think for a moment that the next generation will view guns the same as our generation? Western movies, or western history? No, they will be a big negative, erased from Americana and just a political pawn - and that's what bothers me the most. But don't mind me I think all guns should be six-shooter or lever-action,,,,,

 

[bumperm]

I've carried a gun for some 45 years, on duty and off. Even at home it's almost always with me or within a few feet. I don't carry it just for myself, it's about helping others too, though I don't consider myself the hero type. In all the time I was a cop, I never had to rush into a burning building to save a child or save some damsel in destress. Still, if I went without a gun and the statistically rare circumstance occurred that I *could* have prevented harm to another, I would feel very badly, maybe even guilty - especially having lived with the gun for so long and then not having it when needed. So, a gun is as much a part of getting dressed as putting on socks.

I spent my last 3 years on the department as an evidence tech. Being a burglary victim twice myself, while still in the Navy, I had empathy for the victims I dealt with. I'd often process 4 or 5 crime scenes a day, and always took the time to show the homeowner ways to make themselves safer. I combined my Navy electronics experience and criminal knowledge and founded a security company that quickly became more successful than I. Through that company I felt able to help thousands more people - kids run the company today.

Remember the "Ice Man", he died some 5,000 years ago and awhile back was exposed from a receding glacier in the Italian Alps. They later found a stone arrow point near his spine IIRC. Aggressiveness and evil has been with us since the beginning. Man has risen to the top of the food chain not because of sharp fangs, deadly claws or brawn, but because of his intellect, the ability to make and use tools, and importantly, weapons. Walking through the forest armed with pointed weapons meant a far greater chance of survival. It has since always been so. The principals are the same and will be for the next generation and beyond - that is, if we are to remain free. And I suspect the big city today is less safe than the average prehistoric forest. I'll take that pointed stick, please.

 

[Bird]

I've carried a gun for some 45 years, on duty and off.

When I started, the Code of Conduct "REQUIRED" us to go armed at all times away from home; .32 caliber or larger off duty, .38 or larger on duty. That was interpreted to mean anywhere in the State of Texas. But when we got a complete new State Penal Code in 1974, the wording left doubt as to whether it would be legal for an off duty officer to carry outside his own jurisdiction. So the Code of Conduct was amended to only require being armed off duty in the city.

 

[k0ua]

When I started, the Code of Conduct "REQUIRED" us to go armed at all times away from home; .32 caliber or larger off duty, .38 or larger on duty. That was interpreted to mean anywhere in the State of Texas. But when we got a complete new State Penal Code in 1974, the wording left doubt as to whether it would be legal for an off duty officer to carry outside his own jurisdiction. So the Code of Conduct was amended to only require being armed off duty in the city.

We were always told to carry anywhere in the state, that was Missouri of course.

 

[ovrszd]

I'd be worried someone would steal it and shoot a cop or a drunken friend. Other times I'd be worrying about "hmmmm,,,,should I bring the gun?" And I'd have to be always inventing situations that justified carrying it. And my wife would start carry a frying pan around (thats any wise husband's worst fear). I'd rather just blast stuff once in awhile & dream of the old west.

I don't pack. For some of the reasons you listed above. I've had to pack. I've survived beyond those times. I look at it like the Sergeant Major in the movie "We Were Soldiers" when asked why he didn't pack an M-16. He said "If I need one there will be plenty of them lying around".

I live in an extremely safe area, when compared to the rest of the Nation. Were I normally in a less comfortable environment I'd probably think differently about it.

 

[ovrszd]

I might add,,,,, with NO intention of flaming,,,,, the average "city" person thinks us country hicks all are packing and probably have a couple under the seat. So they are a bit apprehensive about us. I like that. And it's more true than fantasy. So I live under the protection that my country hick brothers provide. I thank them.

 

[murphy1244]

And us city slickers thought you boys have stills in the back 40.

 

[ovrszd]

And us city slickers thought you boys have stills in the back 40.

We might.......