One Sentence, Sound bite if you will, and no Smart A$$ Comments!

[texcaliber]

least provoke a debate in my experience, and in my profession that's mostly dealing with liberals. At least you know you tried.

This is the exact reason not to debate ignorant people! Either you have a lot of patience for the inept or have masochistic tendices.  That is the same thinking/mindset my best friend has every time his favorite football team plays he has to convince the room that they are superior to team X and they should be YOUR favorite team also. Not the way to approach it. Now over a dinner and drinks you have a better likely hood of cracking the preconceived notions of your most likely liberal friend/colleagues.
Just my opinion. ( * * )  stone-face-smiley

 

[tombogan03884]

 I already posted my surface reasoning for going armed , like the rest of you it is for protection from the dangers that life presents.
But the question has still been kicking around in the back of my mind. I have carried for nearly 30 years and only had to draw once, where as I have used spare tires, and fire extinguishers several times in the same period and the knife I carry and use just about every day could have protected me just as well in the previously mentioned incident.
It seems to me that there is a sub conscious cultural influence involved.
Before any one starts freaking out let me be clear that I'm not using that term like the ignorant and liberals who would eliminate our right.  I am referring not to "Americas culture of guns" but instead to thousands of years of influence on the human mind.
 For thousands of years there has been a fundamental difference between those who could use arms and those who could not.
Look at relations between men and women, the man, larger and stronger, was better equipped to club things that threatened the cave, or could be eaten, became the dominant member of the pair forming a pecking order that survived until the 20th century. Tradition shows that those who bear arms are some how "better" than those who do not. It seems trite to say but the bearing of arms separates the freeman, Master of his own destiny, from the subject and slave who must serve a master and rely on the Masters protection. Even in "peaceful" situations the carrying of weapons is an emblem of both rank and responsibility, Military Officers and NCO's, even Ambassadors from many countries, (America included ) still wear swords at formal occasions, on one hand it symbolizes the power vested in them to practice violence on behalf of their nation, on the other hand it is a symbol that they are trusted to use that power with restraint and for the good of their society.
Beyond the banal answer of "self defense" it seems we carry guns as an emblem that we are FREE people and each in his or her own way is willing to put themselves between the forces of civilization and the Barbarians who would tear it down.

[fightingquaker13]

Oddly enough, gender politics aside, I agree with Tom. Honestly, I really don't NEED to carry to make it from my home to the store and back. But the fact that I can makes me feel a whole lot more free than Philw who can't. There are times I don't carry because of where I'm going, or if I plan to hit a bar and have a few. The kowledge that its my choice makes the difference between being a citizen and a subject. The antis won't get it,but they should. Dispersing the soveriegn power of the sword to the people themselves, rather than hoarding it to the state, as is the case in the UK and Oz, is a true measure of a free republic vs a faux democracy. Symbolism yes, but its symbolism that reveals the true relation between the citizen and the state.
FQ13

[twyacht]

"Firearms stand next in importance to the Constitution itself. They are the American people's liberty teeth and keystone under independence. From the hour the Pilgrims landed, to the present day, events occurences and tendencies prove that to ensure peace, security and happiness, the rifle and pistol are equally indispensable. The very atmosphere of firearms everywhere restrains evil interference - they deserve a place of honor with all that's good."
George Washington

[Magnum]

If I like them/do not want to offend: "Why do you carry?" my retort is:  "Well sometime over a few drinks and good meal I can explain it to you."


If I do not like them or do not mind offending: "God did not place me on this earth to inform the Ignorant and/or Judgmental who chose to be Inept in life, so please forgive my lack of patience toward you." Then just stare at them for effect with your best ClintEastwood  stone face resisting all temptation to answer, any and all, follow up questions from person.

If you can do this the person will never bother you again and you will get a very good laugh LATER. *
If you slip and are goaded into follow up questions, you will be pestered, flustered and most likely trapped in a ridiculous debate/argument with an assclown-know-it-all.   

PS it also works with "why you carry 2 guns, 2 knifes, flashlight, spare ammo/magazine, stock pile ammo, need another one, like the Bill of Rights and freedoms they grant  or any other plain Dumbass question?
*Remember the question is ignorant the first time asked, the person is the second time. If you do not get into an argument with the person and just stare, they will show you if it is them or question every time. 

Texcaliber,
I LIKE your answer, and may even kindly "borrow" it..........

[Sponsor]

[Dakotaranger]

Because the game and fish just killed a mountain lion IN TOWN, where I normally am either walking or biking, and we know they attack bikers.

[Bic]

" Too young to die........to old to take an ass whuppin' "   

[texcaliber]

Texcaliber,
I LIKE your answer, and may even kindly "borrow" it.......... Wink

By all means "borrow" away Magnum

[PegLeg45]

" Too young to die........to old to take an ass whuppin' "   

I really like that one, Bic.

[alfsauve]

I've used the line "because when seconds count, the Police are minutes away"

+1    My answer, too.