That's what our great country is all about!!

And, Vinny's statement says it all in a nutshell:

"In the end, the sheep dogs will be around to protect the sheep. We all have to decide which of these we want to be."

I'm certainly not a helpless lamb putting myself in harms way without thought to the consequences, or the consequences of those who are then called upon to protect me. I'm not quite the sheep dog yet, either. But I sure do love those who put themselves in harms way to protect us all.

:beer3: I don't think having guns in plain sight is a good idea as bad people may attempt to take it away from you. I prefer to keep the perps guessing as to who might be carrying.;)

Check the law regarding alcohol and you will find the distinction between a bar and a restaurant that serves alcohol. In a restaurant you can carry as long as you stay away from any defined "bar" area.
If I am wrong please refer me to the appropriate regulation that is current. Thanks.

I agree but the only benefit I see is eliminating the worrying about accidentally exposing your concealed weapon.

Vinny,

Your new avatar (profile photo) seems to be especially appropriate for this thread!! :boom:

Hopefully you will never find your reason.

I was in the mobile artillery in Nam. No way to carry those concealed.

Nothing to settle. If you have a permit, carry if you want to.

Believe that was directed at me.
 

Previous discussion, and frankly, confusing as to the change in TH opinion.

Perhaps a brief look for those who don't always stay in TV bubble, but hope to enjoy a little more of Florida that just a cart path.

Orlando area.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/...92675.htmlpage

Tampa area.
http://spotcrime.com/fl/tampa

Leesburg.
http://leesburgfl.areaconnect.com/crime1.htm

Better prepared than sorry you weren't.

I do have a gun within easy reach at home at all times. I have s plan to protect my family in case of a home invasion. What is your plan to protect yours?

Please don't confuse my two posts as being opposed to each other. Today, I said, "Those that do (carry) are within their rights and have a slight upper hand when faced with a life threatening situation."

That has absolutely nothing at all to do with my previously posted position that many people don't think about the ramifications of using a firearm against somebody.

Two completely different things.

I still contend that most people, who have never pointed a loaded gun at somebody, or had a loaded gun pointed at them, have no idea what it is like. It's easy to say "I will shoot anybody who enters my house." Ya, well see what you say when you look down the barrel of your pistol and see the face of a teenage boy about the age of your grandson. You better be right when you pull the trigger, because if you misread the situation, you could loose everything you have, including your mind.

I said today, (read it) that if you have a gun, you have a slight upper hand. That's all.

BTW, I have a Florida concealed weapons permit. It is valid in 21 states, not including New York. I also have a New York pistol permit. I own numerous handguns and would use them for protection.

For some of us, there are very valid reasons to carry and not just for general protection. I was anti-gun most of my adult life. Unfortunately, I have had a stalker for almost 20 years now and, even after a prison sentence for stalking and attempted murder, he has not given up. He is the reason I moved to TV. If he ever finds me here, he will be dead (or I will). Florida has a truly lovely law that if you feel you are in mortal danger, you can shoot. I spent 2 years afraid to leave my house after he attacked. I refuse to live that way again and if it means I carry at all times,, so be it. I have no doubt in my mind that I will use it if I see this thing on two legs. No place is 100% safe. I learned that the hard way.

Just like some folks have those little signs on their property
 

some where posting there is an alarm system....on my doors is a little sign that says....this property is protected by Smith & Wesson...if a person enters my home at night they are at extreme risk, whether they be teen ager, old fart or rabid maniac...they are all guilty of the same thing...and exposed to the same risks/results...trained shooters do not shoot what they cannot see!!!!

Persons who carry concealed do it properly and accidental "exposure" is unlikely.

I find the subject most interesting as usual. And am always impressed with the varying opinions/feelings about guns. Gun ownership is first hand understanding.

btk

redwitch, be strong. I hate that kind of evil.

As a reporter, I covered a murder trial where a 22 year old man was stabbed 121 times. I heard chilling testimony and saw graphic evidence. The defendent was found guilty of First Degree Murder and sentenced to life. This man is evil too.

For whatever reason he became obsessed wanting me to write another news article to tell his side of the story. His lawyer refused to allow this because of appeals. But it didn't stop him.

He would get his aunt to do a three way call and try to talk to me at work. My publisher went with me to court to the Circuit Court judge and had a restraining order put against him to not contact or attempt to contact me. I had to get an unlisted telephone number and have someone double screen my calls at work.

I am still on a Victim/Witness Protection list to be notified if he escapes or gets released.

I worked nights and drove everywhere alone. My husband worked out of town. I looked over my shoulder and in my car before I got inside. I still do to this day.

About six years ago, this monster's girlfriend contacted me for him. She did it in a very contrived way so I didn't know who she was until I agreed to meet here in a public place for lunch to talk about a story idea. Then she explained who she was and who she represented. I got in touch with the courts immediately.

There are some wicked, evil people in this world.

God bless you two ladies. I admire you for your bravery and spunk.:eclipsee_gold_cup:

TH, Thanks for responding. I didn't think the two statements necessarily conflicted, but just wanted clarification. I understand the distinction you are making.

I am inclined to think that whether having a gun gives one an upper hand against an intruder depends on one's access to the gun at the time, as well as his/her ability (physically and mentally) to use it effectively. For some people, and in some situations, I think having one could do more harm than good. I thought perhaps that was one of your points in the earlier post.

I hope that I did not offend you in seeking your further clarification.

Does beside my TV chair count?

Yoda

Red and bk, I know exactly what you are talking about. I too have been stalked and lived in fear for far too long. Today I'm no longer fearful but extremely vigilent. Once you brush up against evil you never forget it and to deny that it exists, even in paradise, is troubling to me. Today if I needed to I would use a weapon to protect myself and my family.

Not one anti gun person I know will allow me to post a sign on their lawn stating that they do not own a gun. Seems they do not want anyone to know.

The proof = no home invasions!
 

The wife and I worked as a team -- she loaded and I'd shoot. Our M20A1 was mounted on a pod aimed at the front door just in case some thugs tried to break in. Word must have spread 'cause we never had a home invasion all the time it was in place.

The only problem was a few years ago somebody broke in a back window while we were gone and took it. I tried to get an update from my Swiss contact. I was thinking maybe a FIM-92A (just in case terrorists tried something over the skies of TV), but he wanted too much for it; plus, the ammo was a little pricey.

I had dreams of mounting it on the cart -- anyone who cut me off, look out!

Hi Soon2be
I'm confused. When someone broke in the back window and took your weapon, wasn't that a home invasion? :confused:

At any rate, not having a home invasion wouldn't prove the weapon prevented it. I've never had a home invation either.

Some people see the real world and prepare for the evil out there while others have to learn the hard way. I expect the best but prepare for the worst.

PT, when I think of a "home invasion" it means that someone breaks in while you are at home. Otherwise, it is a burglary.

At least, that's my interpretation.

RW, BK, and duffysmom:
I too know what it is like to live in fear. Although, my situation was not as "bad" as what the 3 of you have experienced. None the less, I was afraid and at that time I took a gun safety course and got a gun. Could I shoot someone.... I hope I never have to find out but if it means my life or theirs I don't think I would hesitate.
Sometimes just the presence of a gun is enough. Just recently my oldest son was in the drive thru of a fast food restaurant in Warner robins, Ga and a man came to his window and wanted a "jump". My son asked him where his car was and he pointed off in a distance. Quick thinking on my son's part he said.. "yeah, let me get my food first" before he knew it the man had gone to the other side of the car and began trying to get in the car. My son then just reached between his seat and lifted the butt of the gun. That was all that it took... I asked my son what happened what did the man do. He said he was gone too fast..
Also, on my last trip to GA, I encountered a truck that would ride beside me, then get in front of me and slow down, I would pass and he would repeat the action. Finally, enough of this. I took my gun out between my seat and set it on the console. The next time I passed him he got a look and I didn't see him again.

Red and bk, I know exactly what you are talking about. I too have been stalked and lived in fear for far too long. Today I'm no longer fearful but extremely vigilent. Once you brush up against evil you never forget it and to deny that it exists, even in paradise, is troubling to me. Today if I needed to I would use a weapon to protect myself and my family.

Hi K9,
I thought if someone broke into your home when you were not there, it was a burglary. If they broke into your home when you were there, it was a robbery. Either would be a "home" invasion. I surely could be wrong.

He is being sarcastic. Unfortunately sarcasm will not stop evil intent. Prepare for the worst but expect the best and you have the best of both worlds.

The way I misplace things around the house, I'd never be able to find the gun when needed, or remember to keep it handy.

Everything I have read points to the mere presence of a gun being a major deterrent without ever firing a shot. Criminals are very good at knowing who makes a good victim or not.

As soon as I saw 6 pages in one day, I just knew...
 

The same people with the same arguments.

I have carried a concealed firearm for 50 years, here is my advice to all.

If you don't want people to carry concealed guns close your eyes and imagine a world with no guns. That will make you feel better but don't interfere with the rights of other people. It's settled.

If you feel the need to carry then do so. Stick the damn thing in your pocket and go about your business. Yes you may violate the law from time to time by carrying in the wrong place. Unless you are a fool you will never get caught. If you try to keep track of all of the places that you shouldn't carry, you will soon go crazy and they will take your permit away for being crazy.

I once drew my gun while intoxicated. I didn't say because I was intoxicated but while I was intoxicated. When the police arrived they looked at the situation, checked my permit and hauled the guy away. Yes, they could have arrested me. I was technically illegal but cops tend to be people too.

To those who think one has to watch TV with a gun in hand to thwart home invasion.... OK. We who worry about things like that take appropriate steps.

People who have been given a permit to carry tend to be responsible. There are exceptions.

Concealed carry Vs Open carry? Open carry in urban areas is an invitation to trouble. Keep the gun hidden. Never threaten. If the situation arises, evaluate, then if warranted, pull the gun and shoot the *******.

That sounds terrible. How do you just killing some dude in cold blood like that? A good point. I wouldn't be able to live with it. I have had occasion 2 times in 50 years to fire at another civilian. (I separate military action for obvious reasons) Neither case resulted in death. Either could have. When I shot, in both cases, I aimed for the largest mass. The trunk of the body. How could I live with myself if I killed them? Motivation. It was never my intent to kill anyone. It was my intent to stop them at once from doing what they were doing. That happened to be, doing great bodily harm to me. If they were to die, that's up to God, not me. It was not my intent.

Carry in The Villages. I have not as yet done so though I have a permit. If I decide that I need to carry outside TV I must carry in TV to get out.

I could go on and on but the point is, people who carry legally are very serious people. There is no reason to fear them. They have studied the situation quite a bit. The incident at Wal-Mart is rare but things like that happen. Let me say though that things like that make the news much more often than the cases of armed citizens defending themselves.

To those of you who are anti-gun, get over it.

To those of you who worry about legal gun owners, your car is more dangerous.

To those who carry concealed, keep it hidden. It's nobody's business but yours.

OK I rambled. You get the point, I hope.

Yoda

Clap. Clap. Clap. Well you said Yoda.

Reading all of this has given me second thoughts about this place. We are planning to sell our house up north and to live here full time.

I wonder about living where people carry guns about and live in such fear that they feel they have to carry guns.

We have had a home in Hadley for two years. Nothing has happened here. No one has had anything stolen on our street or the next few that I know about. No one has had any attempted break ins. It is just like in Ohio, as far as I can see. Why in the world would anyone be afraid? I don't know of any break ins in Hadley.

Of course I support the Constitution and the right to bear arms.

I know that there are areas in this country where it is dangerous. Orlando is always reporting killings and so does downtown Cincinnati. It is usually young black men shooting young black men and it is over drugs. Now that sentence is not meant to be racist.

Yes. There are bad people trying to do harm to old defenseless people. It would be pretty tough to do that here with most people not working and everyone watching out for others.

I have been really troubled after reading this thread. I don't want to live in a climate of fear.

And kinda mad. I don't like for people to think I am an airhead. And uninformed. Just what do most of you think is the percentage of people who carry guns in TV?

Gracie, I don't think the number is all that high. I'm sure several have guns in their homes but getting a carry permit is not all that easy -- even in Florida. I do not carry because I'm worried about someone breaking in; I carry to protect myself from one insane male and no other reason. Once I know he is permanently out of my life, my gun will happily be turned in to the Sheriff's Department and I will have a burn the permit party.

Look at how many people post regularly on TOTV and look how many have posted here and admitted to carrying. A pretty low percentage. I would guess the same is true for the general population of TV.

You love TV. You're not going to agree with what everyone says or does even here. Gun laws, gun for protection arguments, guns in general; handguns in particular arguments are never going to end. So, don't let this detract from your love of TV. It is where your heart is. It is not perfect, but it is pretty dang good. There are many here who love you and I, for one, think TV truly needs "airheads" like you. So, c'mon on down.

Pretty hard to conceal a bazooka.
 

http://residentevil.wikia.com/M20A1_%22Super_Bazooka%22

FIM-92A--- Stinger missile.


This thread did need some humor.

Gracie, when this discussion first started getting more opinionated, I thought about you. I felt protective of your opinions of TV, guns and the topic of criminals in the TV area. I didn't want anyone to offend you whether you posted in this thread or not.

We haven't met, but I feel like I know a little bit about you from your posts. Nothing from any of your posts would ever lead anyone to think you are an airhead or uninformed.

The second amendment gives us the "right" to own guns. It isn't something that is required. Don't worry about the people who carry concealed weapons. They aren't the criminals. They've had background checks. Some of the people who carry concealed weapons are off-duty law enforcement officers or military people who know the proper way to handle firearms. Some are people who have gun training for whatever reason. Some are idiots.

Same as people who get behind the wheel of a car. Some are safe, some are idiots. Either way accidents happen.

When you were taught to drive defensively it was to teach you to watch for situations that put you in harms way and to lessen the likelihood of an accident. I'm sure you live that way without a gun and you've been safe so far. On the otherhand, I bet you'd be surprised how many of your wonderful neighbors, both in Ohio and in TV, have weapons in their homes as a defense. People just don't generally announce it.

I'm from the country and most people have guns whether it's for protection or to hunt or both. People have gun racks in their trucks. Our county schools have a required gun safety class in elementary school. Not the entire school year, but just a few lessons about gun safety. It is required before children get their hunting license.

See my point? To me at least, there are many cultural reasons I am comfortable around firearms. I was raised with four brothers and we would skeet shot and target practice. My dad was a sharp shooter. Safety was always first. I have a compound bow and love to shoot targets. I've never killed an animal with a weapon. Since I've been a licensed driver, I have killed a dog, a cat and a rabbit by accident with my car. I hit a deer with my car once, but I like to imagine when it finally got up and ran away, it survived.

I would never encourage someone who isn't comfortable with a gun to own one. That is your right and nobody should make fun, belittle or make assumptions about someone who doesn't own or carry a gun. I would bet the majority of people who own guns and live in TV came to TV with the gun and the reasons for owning a weapon; they didn't purchase their first gun because they moved to TV.

I know you have good common sense and would never put yourself in harms way or in dangerous situations intentionally. I don't think you are naive or unsafe because you don't have a gun. It's just a topic that brings up strong opinions and defensiveness by gun owners because the right to bear arms is often debated in the Constitutional manner. We have the right to, and the right not to, bear arms.

Bk and Red.

Your considered and kind responses brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for your posts. I can see that you two are not afraid.

We are all different here. That is good.

I suggest installing landmines around the perimeter of the house like I did.
Note be sure to disarm on grass cutting time.:laugh:
I support the conceal carry,one never knows what is in store.

:agree: Good post. I would also remind people that the economy often dictates the crime rates.

And please remember it is not the guns that do the harm,
 

it is the people. And statistically the number of unlawful incidents by a person with a permit is so small it gets lost in the rounding.

Persons with permits are well intended. Criminals are not.

As was stated previously in this thread, if the media gave as much play to the accomplishment of good by and armed citizen in an event got as much play as the Walmart, ISOLATED, incident folks would soon be aware of the good that is done by the well intended armed citizen.

After all the media's objective is to frighten you so you stay tuned. And doing good frightens nobody nor does it further their agenda and always present talking points.
That is the shame of it when it comes to guns.

btk

Think for a moment about the tragic events of the past few years. 21 students shot to death at Virginia Tech. 13 people massacred at the Civic Association in Binghamton, New York. 8 people killed in an Omaha shopping mall. 12 students and teachers dead at Columbine High School and on and on and on.

Oh that 1 person had a concealed weapon to stop the carnage.