Quote:
Originally Posted by Fitzpatrick  I voted pro, but I the concern I have for CC is that many of the people who choose to carry may not have the mental toughness to effectively use a firearm when the situation arises. |
I think alot of it is a psychological issue. "Mental toughness" or simply being educated enough to realize the finality of shooting someone which likely leads to hesitation in non-criminals. Probably a big reason I like the idea of a license or permit in order to do so, you have to give alot of prior thought towards what your intent is on carrying a firearm, where in that time you are likely to realize if you will hesitate. Where IMO the person who does not give prior thought in order to obtain a permit is also likely the person who will hesitate and in all likelihood would be better off not possessing a firearm.
I also agree that I like the idea of criminals not knowing who is armed, this in the same sense may give them that same hesitation on the consequences, which they may otherwise not have. I think it also give law enforcement some background on the persons intent, if you do not have a permit then I would question your intent. It is unlikely most criminals would obtain a permit even if the met the criteria of having no record.
Personally I am certain I would have no issue with using a firearm to protect myself or my family, but on the flip side I feel more comfortable
not possessing a firearm outside of my home. However naive it may sound, I like to think that I feel more comfortable believing that the places I go and the life that I lead, and the caution that I use, that I will be able to stay out of a situation that would require that I carry a firearm. Simply put, to me a firearm is in no way meant to be a crutch and so far even though I have visited, traveled through, and even worked in some pretty tough and shady areas in 42 years using my mind has kept me alot safer than any firearm. Then again, should someone break into my home, then they better hope they do not hesitate on running the he!! on out of my home when they see me standing there, because I will not hesitate so their only thought should be praying I do not shoot them in the back out of spite.