Get ready to think outside the box that you may have been placed into by society. The tv programs that pass as “news” continuously talk about their stories in terms of liberal (left) and conservative (right) viewpoints.
In election season, this is especially prevalent. Most of their news stories are about this or that candidate. This constant coverage of the establishment candidates compels viewers to build their encampment and fortify their position on either the left or right front. This divides the people and pits them against each other. This is one reason why there are so many political protester stories. Continue reading “Are You a Liberal or Conservative?”
What is concealed carry? When a person possesses a firearm that is not visible, they are concealed carrying. What about when a person has a firearm visible on their hip? That is called open carrying. Those are the two ways to carry a firearm, open or concealed. Each method of carrying has their strengths and weaknesses. The chosen method of carry will depend on the individual, the situation, and laws. Much like when you operate a motor vehicle you need to have a license, the same applies when you conceal carry a handgun. There are different names for the licenses that some states issue to their citizens that permit them to legally carry concealed:
Concealed Pistol License (CPL)
Concealed Handgun License (CHL)
Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP)
Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW)
When to conceal carry? Concealed carry applies to handguns which are meant to be carried when trouble is not expected and just in case. You would not carry because you were going to a bad situation or unsafe place. If you are expecting trouble somewhere, you would not go there in the first place! You carry when you are going about your daily life, running errands, shopping, normal circumstances. You are prepared for the worst and hoping for the best, so always carry!
Anyone and Everyone!
Who would carry concealed? Anyone who wants to have a handgun as a tool at their disposal. Anyone who is prepared to defend their life and that of their family. Mostly law-abiding citizens carry concealed, there are tens of millions in American.
Where would someone conceal carry? Some people carry everywhere legally allowed and do not go to places where it is banned. Others carry in prohibited places because criminals attack these places, and no one will know that they are carrying, so what’s the harm? Others only carry when they go to “bad neighborhoods” or in certain circumstances when they think it is a good idea. People who don’t carry, often don’t understand why people choose to carry to any place and don’t see why. Here are some places where people conceal carry:
home
work
pharmacies
restaurants
shopping malls
grocery stores
gas stations
Why would someone conceal carry? Everyone has their reasons and it is a personal choice. People want to protect themselves and their families from crime or terrorism. No one wants to be a victim and a handgun is a good tool to have available to stop the worst from happening.
Some people have been, or know people that have been victims, they recognize the harsh realities of life and want to take ownership of their safety. The government and police cannot and will not provide safety and security to it’s citizens. They will come after the fact and draw the chalk outlines around the bodies. They are a reactive force and cannot be everywhere. They have no duty to protect you and that has been upheld in the courts. When seconds count and your life is on the line, police are minutes away. Intelligent people know this and choose to arm themselves and take responsibility for their own safety and security.
I conceal carry because I enjoy it and feel confident going about my life. I use situational awareness, training, and common sense to avoid unnecessary, potentially aggressive encounters. Criminals prey on people who are not paying attention and appear to be weak. I do not think criminals will target me or my family, but it is possible. It gives me personal satisfaction to exercise my freedom to own a pistol and carry it. I carry for self defense and am prepared for any life-threatening situation that might arise. I feel more responsible and alert when carrying. That is the affect concealed carry has on me. I believe an armed society is a polite society.
There is another party on the national stage! The Libertarian Presidential Debate will air April 1st at 9pm E.T. on Fox Business Network’s Stossel Show. I believe there will be three candidates: Gary Johnson, John McAfee, and Austin Petersen. I’m predicting the debate will be completely unlike the Republican or Democratic debates. I believe they will talk about their issues passionately and unscripted. I doubt we will see name calling, arguments, and people talking over one another. I’m tired of the Republican and Democratic parties dividing the country into polar-opposites. The parties only pretend to oppose each other, but both seek to grow the size and power of the government. This is a divide and conquer strategy that will end freedom in this country.
From the Libertarian Party website:
We welcome former Republicans and Democrats who value “liberty and justice for all” to find a new home in the Libertarian Party.
Libertarianism is the idea that you should be free to make your own decisions in all aspects of your life as long as you don’t infringe upon the rights of others.
Chair Nicholas Sarwark says, “If you are one of the millions of Americans who no longer feel you have a voice in the Republican or Democratic Parties, we welcome you to join us in our fight for the rights of ordinary Americans to be free to raise their families, run their businesses, and pursue happiness in any way that’s peaceful.”
The Libertarian Party message is attractive and seems to be inline with our country’s values. I think it will be refreshing to hear these candidates talk about letting people make their own decisions. They should resonate with mainstream America that is frustrated with being told what to do by the establishment.
I did a quick spot check of the candidates websites. John McAfee is the only one that mentions gun rights. McAfee simply quotes the 2nd Amendment and states, “What more needs to be said?” I’m by no means a single-issue voter, if I do vote, but that’s an issue for another time. Certainly I am concerned with a tyrannical government banning the American people from purchasing, owning, and using firearms. Other countries have banned firearms, and it could happen here. We must be vigilant citizens and not allow this to happen.
I will be interested in watching this debate and taking notes so I can share my thoughts with you. Please subscribe to easily stay updated with the latest post!
Not so fast. The 2nd Amendment gives all law abiding citizens the right to keep and bear arms. However, many people simply do not have the right mindset for gun ownership. Some people do not think they need to dedicate time to learning safety, practicing, and training. This is all particularly important for people who want to conceal carry. Before you start shopping for a gun, learn about safety. Check out books from your public library and view enough online sources until you are confident you would be able to competently handle a firearm.
There are many different versions of the gun range safety rules. One easy one to remember is treat, never, keep, keep.
Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
Never orient the firearm toward anything you do not intend to shoot.
Keep you finger straight and off the trigger until you intend to fire.
Keep the weapon on safe and pointed downrange until you intend to fire.
There are NO Accidents!
If something bad happens, it’s because one of the rules was broken. If something bad happens you will lose your firearm and probably go to jail.
Always wear eye and ear protection! There’s no reason to lose your sight or hearing. Don’t be afraid to double-up on ear protection, use both in-ear and over-ear to attenuate sound. One of my shooting instructors has trouble hearing due to a permanent loss of hearing. He said it has a negative impact on his relationship with his wife, when she is talking and thinks she is being ignored, but he simply could not hear her speak. I double up on my ears and encourage you to do the same.
Of course there is a lot more to know, but you can be safe following these basic rules while acting in a responsible manner. Use common sense and if unsure, consult a range safety officer, or experienced shooter. Everyone remembers when they were a newbie and they will be glad to help you learn.
