DucatiSS said:
My point is that what happened in Aurora was a tragedy. Just like the senseless deaths revolving around drunk drivers, and other acts of violence.
These things will happen, if it isn't guns, it will be alcohol, or bombs, or machetes, etc. We must not legislate the item, but the act.
23 people in 1 truck today in a auto accident and 14 were killed. Will they call for regulations for how many people can fit into the bed of a truck? No, and they shouldn't. It wasn't Fords fault, nor the people that sold the truck.
Criminals do not abide by the laws, so please do not write any more to "protect" us.
I couldn't have said it better Ducati.
As far as those who want a CPL or are thinking of getting one, there is SOO much more to it than just getting your license/permit. Not only legally, but mentally and emotionally. Most individual's that are sane and have a heart do not carry a gun with intentions to shoot or kill someone, they carry the gun in case a situation arises where no other forms of defense or escape are available. You can't blow a dudes head off in the middle of a road for beating your ass...well you could, but the legalities of things would probably not go well in your favor, if you can remove yourself from the situation, you should do so before drawing your weapon. I know that I personally do not want to kill someone EVER, however...if my life or my families life is in harm, and there is no escape, or any other method of defense, I will shoot, and I will do so to kill. It's a "His word against your's" If he is dead...what other words do they have to go off of? But be prepared for the dead parties family to act like he/she was a victim.
Look at the neighborhood watch guy in the Trayvon Martin case. You shoot and kill someone, you better have ALL your "T's crossed and i"s dotted". You need to know all the legal information about carrying before you actually apply for you license. I am in the process of getting mine, but I have not applied yet, because I am still doing my studying and research before I get my license. I want to make sure I follow EVERY legislation and law passed, because I don't want to harm my family by shooting for the wrong reasons.
Situational awareness is HUGE. I can walk into a room, and tell you what everyone was wearing, and where they were standing. Well as long as it isn't a room filled with hundreds of people. For example. I took my neighbor to a creepy town to pick her daughter up from the bus station. I carried 2 box cutters and a knife. I could tell you still to this day what the 3 guys were wearing, and identifying features, as they stood at the door, making absurb sexual comments and gestures to me and my neighbor. I was on high alert, I am always no matter if it is out in my front yard alert. I'm not in a panic state, call it paranoia, or whatever you want, but I am aware of all my surroundings at all times, and I am aware at who is around me in my surroundings as well.
I grew up with this, as my dad trains new comers in MI for the police academy and those who are training for a CPL, and he also teaches self defense classes, which I would highly recommend doing even if you carry a gun. You gun is not a cure all or an answer to every problem, it is a last minute defense mechanism if you feel your life or your families lives are in immediate danger. You can't be the type of person who flies off the handle in anger for every little thing, you have to train yourself to be calm, no matter what the situation is, and it's easier said than done. I don't want to kill anyone, but my family comes first....and I would not hesitate to take someone out if they put me or my family's lives in danger.
And don't think for a second that someone can walk away perfectly normal emotionally after they use deadly force on someone. Most CPL users who have shot and took a life, can tell you....it will haunt you, no matter if he shot out of defense. Also, be aware that in most cases, if a friend or a child gets a hold of your gun, and takes a life, you will also be held responsible for what they did with YOUR firearm, at least that is what I have been told by a CPL trainer here in Iowa. So safety first!