My response to Robert's latest podcast.
Robert, You can't remember one single incident of a concealed carry causing collateral damage. I suppose, in order to maintain some integrity with that remarkable statement, you have to narrow down the parameters.
You have to exclude guys like this who drop their guns causing negligent discharges. And you'd have to overlook all the ones like
this guy who stupidly leave their guns laying around or the ones who shoot themselves by "accident." I guess they don't count.
And what about all those who shoot at animals and hit people instead, like this
skunk shooter.
And let's not forget the ones who become out and out murderers.
No, you're absolutely right. I can't recall a single incident like the Empire State shooting in which civilians acted as bad a cops often do. One possible explanation could be that in spite of the ridiculous numbers you guys put on DGU shootings, they are fairly rare, whereas the cops are out there doing their job every day. That could have something to do with it.
Contrary to the commonly held attitude by many on my side, I don't actually think that cops screw up all that often, either. My claim, born out by the facts, is that both the police and legally armed private citizens have a good record.
ReplyDeleteTo make a royal mess of things, it takes NYPD officers in Bloomingbutt's personal fiefdom.
I have a question for you, Mike. I know how you feel about the risks of concealed carry vs. the likelihood of needing to defend yourself or your family- but let’s just examine in the moment. In the moment of a violent crime against a person happening (one of which we can all agree is worth defending oneself with deadly force)- do you feel the victim being armed provides positive value in the moment? We hear a lot from you guys about all the horrible things that could go wrong while defending yourself (like shooting the wrong person), but here you say you don’t even know of a single anecdote where that happened. Earlier this week you quoted this guy calling it a “tremendous possibility”.
ReplyDeletehttp://mikeb302000.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-problem-with-concealed-carry.html#comment-form
TS, you keep confusing me with someone else. I've stated a number of times that if my situation called for it I'd own a gun and even carry one concealed. A friend of mine for example owns a couple hundred ATM machines. I find it surprising that he doesn't service them armed. I would.
DeleteSo, yes in certain situations a gun would make a positive difference.
Are you happy now?
I'm not. Being shilly-shally on the question doesn't satisfy me. You see no reason that I should be allowed to carry a gun. You see no right to own and carry. Saying that you'd make exceptions in special cases isn't nearly good enough.
DeleteMikeB. I have a quick question, you say if your situation called for it you'd own and carry a firearm concealed. All well and good but what situation would you have to be in to feel the need? Is it in specific isolated circumstances? If so would you anticipate those circumstances and carry? The larger concern with most who carry is to be prepared for circumstances that the hope and pray never occur. Another question I have is, what is your definition of a DGU and what makes them, to your mind legitimate or not? I imagine you have posted about this in the past and I would appreciate a link if possible. I want to understand as much as I can about where you are coming from. I firmly believe in trying to understanding a viewpoint as much as possible, regardless of whether I agree. MikeZ
ReplyDeleteMike, are you jerking me around? It almost sounds like it. I'll try and give you the benefit of the doubt and take your questions on face value for now.
DeleteAbout what situations I consider right for concealed carry, I always think of a friend of mine in The States who owns about a hundred ATM machines. He services them himself and I found it surprising he doesn't carry a gun. I would in his place.
About what I consider a good DGU, I've posted several like this. You could search for them yourself.
http://mikeb302000.blogspot.it/2012/09/a-good-legitimate-dgu.html
MikeB I'm not jerking you around and I apologize if it comes across that way. As far as your legit DGU criteria it seems to be very subjective. And it appears to require that the weapon actually be fired? Correct me if I'm wrong. Wow hike I understand there can be no hard and fast be all end all list that makes for a legit DGU given the speed and fluid nature of the situations some more finite explanation would be good. I can also appreciate your view on your friend servicing ATMs unarmed. But it raises the question should one only be armed in the context of actually being on the clock and doing the job or should they be armed overall due to having the job? Does his profession put him at risk even off the clock? MikeZ
ReplyDeleteI believe there are some legitimate DGUs of the brandishing kind. But, they're hard to document and prove. As a big believer in proof, you should be able to see that. Plus, my suggestion that some people exaggerate and lie afterwards is even more likely to occur in those types.
DeleteAbout on the job carrying vs. everyday carrying, I repeat, I do not oppose gun ownership or concealed carry for those who are qualified.