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Does carrying a gun make you safer? No.
Does carrying a gun when you are trained and fully knowledgeable and skilled in how to use it properly and responsibly, and have the intention of using said gun if you are placed in a situation that warrants it? Yes.
Do I feel the need to carry when I am firmly entrenched in low crime suburbia? Yes. I am licensed to carry and do. My weapons vary and are loaded. I was raised in a home where guns were not only stored, but out, loaded, and handy. My instruction in firearm usage began before I could LIFT any of the guns in my parents home.
Lack of widespread instruction and knowledgeable usage and storage is the cause of many problems here in the states. One of the reasons I carry is because the general public doesn't. I have been asked if I am former military. (I am not). I have been asked if I am a member of Law enforcement. (I am not). I have been asked if I am a member of some branch of the government. (I am not).
I am Jane Average. I wear a shoulder holster. On the street, in broad daylight, smack dab in the middle of suburbia. Have I discharged my sidearm in a public venue out of need? No. Will I hesitate if faced with a situation where it is warranted? Absolutely not. I am not a police officer. I was not trained to maim. I am fully prepared for what I aim at to die. Yes death is final. Does that bother me? No.
Why do I carry? Because too many of you can't/don't/won't. Does it make me safer? You bet your ass it does.
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