[Vinny]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

There will be no changing minds of people who are afraid here.

I see no reason to be afraid here.

Or to carry a gun.

Hopefully you will never find your reason.

[Vinny]

Originally Posted by K9-Lovers

Vinny,

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

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

[Russ_Boston]

Originally Posted by BobKat1

This issue will never be settled, or agreed upon, here on TOTV. As long as it's legal, personal preferences will prevail.

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

[BlueHeronFan]

Originally Posted by Pturner

TH, I remembered an earlier post of yours on this subject that I found thought provoking. I'm curious if you've changed your view. The earlier one:

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.

[Vinny]

Originally Posted by Russ_Boston

Wasn't that a family situation? Ex boyfriend or something like that? Unless you have the gun on your person while you're watching the televison in your house it doesn't help much with a home invasion.

But if you feel the need - carry away! I don't and never will.

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?

[Talk Host]

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.

[redwitch]

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.

[billethkid]

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

[bkcunningham1]

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.

[Pats2010]

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

[Pturner]

Originally Posted by Talk Host

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.

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.

[Yoda]

Originally Posted by Russ_Boston

Unless you have the gun on your person while you're watching the televison in your house it doesn't help much with a home invasion.

But if you feel the need - carry away! I don't and never will.

Does beside my TV chair count?

Yoda

[duffysmom]

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.

[Vinny]

Originally Posted by billethkid

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

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.

[Soon2B]

Originally Posted by Vinny

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?

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!