Does Gun Ownership Make You Scared to Stand up to People?

It doesn't, but I live in liberal-loving Massachusetts. I know very few people who own guns at all, and all who do either have service weapons (law enforcement or military) or hunt. I don't know anyone who has or carries one for personal protection. It's just not a thing here so I don't think about it at all.

You do what's right. The odds of you being shot are much smaller than you think.
The people who don't get shot don't make the news and there are many more of them than the ones who do.

I guess it depends on the area. Here in Alaska people have always been allowed to carry, open or concealed, without a permit. We actually have very little gun violence, and what we do see is more often domestic. I still teach my kids to stand up for others because it is the right thing to do. Sometimes there may be a bit of risk in doing the right thing, but imagine the world if we all chose to just look the other way?

I'm laughing at how many people are saying that people who have been through a conceal class aren't hotheads and are "responsible."

My ex husband took the concealed class and got the license and everything.

He left that gun - which had no safety - in an unlocked drawer where my then 18-month-old could easily reach it.

He refused to keep the ammo & gun separate. He refused to get a gun safe. He was SO responsible.

I can think of 3 incidents in public where he either drew his weapon (under the guise of "self defense") or threatened to .... And FIVE incidents at our house, involving outside people, where the weapon was drawn or threatened. There is a bullet hole in my wall as proof of this.

Yes, yes, he's my ex for a reason BUT he took the class. He has a license to carry. And some of you seem to think those things create a safety net. We'll, they don't.

Plenty of hot-headed, irresponsible people go to the class & get a license. That proves NOTHING.

ETA - Well said JULIE!!! And Tina!! If I could have sent you a bouquet of flowers!! I WOULD!!

No. I'm not afraid of gun toting people. And No, I'm not afraid to intervene. It depends upon the situation.

I'm going through my Conceal Carry class next weekend. I even have this cool purse that holds the gun PERFECTLY!!! But see, here's the difference that you can't seem to wrap your head around...or other liberals for that matter...my guns are STORED and locked...not left in my purse. DAH.

You are letting your imagination get the better of you - seriously - staring at people too long and they'll shoot you? PAHLEASE.

Do you not understand the RESPONSIBLE people that go through Conceal Carry classes?? They are NOT the ones you need to worry about...the ones you need to worry about "shooting you if you stare too long" are the GANGS...

I'm sorry your views are soo jaded that you can't see past them...it's almost like you believe anyone carrying a gun - is a Conservative AND out to shoot liberals...uumm no...Conservatives aren't the ones calling for "death"...that's the liberal side...

Please explain why you are soo scared by this new Georgia gun law...are you upset because Georgia isn't allowing the government to TRACK gun ownership???

I grew up around guns and learned to use them by 10. Guns don't scare me at all. Crazy people scare me. If you look into the background of the spree killres or the people who opened fire in public places they all had behaviors that showed warning signs. Friends and family members ignored the signals.

Guns are not the issue ---- MENTAL HEALTH is the issue.

I am a domestic violence survivor and a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do.

I don't know if there are more shootings or if there's more 24 hour news shows and sensationalism. My concerns are not the law abiding gun owners but the criminals - who don't worry about following laws - about guns or anythign else. My husband's been a NYPD sergeant for years and the way criminals live would make you so mad. there are two types: Some illegal aliens either live like kings, don't marry their baby mamas so they can get welfare, rob houses (they have amazing tricks like following an expensive car of a local business owner back to his house and then going back the next day to break in during business hours while the hoem is empty), sell drugs, steal cars and use weapons without regard. Their homes are furnished beautifully, their baby mamas have closets of designer shoes and bags, etc. OR the other extreme is that they live in squalor - their little children are sitting half naked in feces and there's no food the house. These are the people I'm afraid of as it relates to guns. They don't care about doing anything within the limites of the law.

Mopst of the gun owners in central PA are simply people who hunt, or want to protect themselves. I'd feel more safe around someone there who carries a gun than almost every city in the US - and I'm in NYC often.

As for whether or not your kids should inervene and stand up for what's right - I still think stisticially they are far safer standing up to a bully than getting in a car and risking an accident. Most bullies are kids who want a friend - you know the saying "Hurt people hurt people". I also like "kind words heal" .

PS - as a response to another post here - my comments aren't racist - my husband's executed search warrents on & arrested ciminals of every color and shade of skin - from different places all over the world. Criminal conduct and man's fallen nature don't discriminate - American, Russian, Irish, Hispanic, Black, Asian, etc. He's dealt with them all...

As an answer to why you should be afraid of Georgia's new gun law from one of these posters who loves to make every other issue political, I'll give you one reason (out of many) why people should be afraid. Allowing guns into bars.

Alcohol and guns don't mix well. What used to end up being a fist fight will end up with dead people in the floor. That doesn't just include the person who is part of an argument. It includes someone there with a date just sitting around minding his or her own business. Some kid's mother. Some kid's dad. A college student. A business man. ANYBODY.

Concealed gun classes can TEACH. People can choose to NOT learn. People who are hot heads (and the thought that hot heads don't take gun classes is ridiculous) can learn how to shoot guns and be just as trigger happy as the guy in Florida who shot into a car full of teenagers because their music was too loud.

It will be interesting to see if I ever recognize the names of people on the news who shoot someone because they happened to have a concealed weapon. They might get away with it because the DA or a jury decides that the situation warranted it, but I guarantee you that they will wonder if it was WORTH loving their gun once they pay the attorney's fees and lose friends who don't want to be around a person who carries AND shoots someone. I would say that they will have to live with themselves over taking a life, but quite frankly, there are people who don't care about that, even if they shoot someone who didn't deserve to be shot.

I'm an advocate for gun control. I'm open to a range of options for, and degrees of, gun control, but I believe something needs to change. Just like there are some limits on the First Amendment (you can't say "fire" in a crowded theater), there should be some reasonable limits on the Second Amendment (you can't get ready, aim, and fire in a crowded theater).

And yet, statistically, the likelihood of actually being harmed by gun violence is still very, very low. We're still much more likely to be harmed by things that we accept as risks (car accidents, unhealthy diets, violence on the part of loved ones) than things that FEEL viscerally scary (gun violence, terrorism, violence on the part of strangers) but have a much lower incidence. I realize it's incredibly important to acknowledge the terrible pain that people have suffered as a result of gun violence, terrorism, etc., but I still think it's important to think statistically, not just based on raw emotion, when assessing risk.

In terms of witnessing someone abusing a child, that's actually a really hard one, because it's always dangerous to intervene when you witness someone being violent, whether it's with fists or firearms. The smart thing might be to first discretely call 911 and then distract the person ("Hey, I'm looking for a lost dog," whatever) until the cops arrive.

P.S. NYMetromom, I'm sure you didn't mean it this way, but your post is racist. I'd respectfully recommend that you look into your own house, and consider your own assumptions, before applying blatantly racist stereotypes to strangers. I'm sure you'd want people to do the same for you.

Yes, I would be less inclined to get involved in a situation if I lived in an area where a lot of people carried concealed weapons.

Around here being REALLY into guns is very unusual. People hunt and some have handguns at home but I don't know a single person who would even consider carrying a gun with them to the market, kids ball game or movies. Gun enthusiasm is not real popular around here.

The people I would trust the least with the huge responsibility of carrying a concealed weapon are the ones who most feverishly what to arm themselves. I admit, I do not get it. It seems sort of wimpy to get excited about carrying a gun around. Sort of the opposite effect that's intended I suppose but it just reminds me of the old saying about the guy with the biggest boat or most expensive car.

I guess I can feel safe since Julie guarantees us that "People that lawfully carry guns tend not to be hot heads". Thanks for the reassurance. It's good to know YOU could handle the responsibility of a concealed weapon. Whatever you do, just don't give one to A. J. I feel much better now that you've cleared that up.

NYMetroMom's- When you go all "baby momma" and "illegal alien" you kind of sound racist you know? I mean seriously? You might consider your point would be better made without the white fear buzzwords and generalizations. It makes me really sad that you and others see nothing wrong with your post.

Wow, I've learned so much this morning. I need some fresh air. Happy Thursday everyone!

Sure, it crosses my mind. The other day, my husband and I were driving somewhere and a guy in the next lane over cut us off (with literally inches in between our bumper and his, going at freeway speeds). My husband was going to honk the horn, and I said, "No, don't! He could have a gun or something!" So, yeah, in the heat of the moment, that was the first thing that popped into my head. The guy acting like a lunatic might actually be a lunatic, and he might be armed. There are an awful lot of people out there who seem "normal," but are actually nuts, and it's not hard to get hold of guns.

We were driving to Florida last month. My husband accidentally cut someone off. He just didn't see the guy because he was in his blind spot. My husband sped up to create space and gave the guy an apologetic wave. But the guy tailgated him for two miles, matching his speed in the left lane, and as soon as my husband got over the guy cut in front of him and slammed on the breaks. We narrowly avoided hitting him. My husband was pissed and started to flash his lights at him and I really had to pull him back from escalating it any further because my first thought was this crazy guy probably was carrying a weapon and the sooner we get away from him, the better. The guy lowered his speed to the point that he was trying to get us to pass him. I wouldn't let my husband and insisted I had to go to the bathroom and get off at the next rest stop. Fortunately, I had said just before this started that I had to go, so even though he figured I was trying to get him to get away from this guy, he got off the highway. But a CCW was my very first thought. No, I trust no one now.

Eta- I think I need to add something - I don't think my concerns come from CCW laws. I think the knowledge that CCW exists has made it apparent just how many people are armed around me. I think I assumed people weren't before, but in our area just about everyone is.

But seriously, crazy is crazy. The guy could have killed us with or without the gun. And if I saw a kid being hurt, I wouldn't NOT intervene for fear of escalation.

I don't "intervene" in other peoples' business, nor do I teach my children to do so. Gun or no gun you could get into trouble or get hurt.
We follow the rules, follow the law, and if we see someone breaking the rules or breaking the law we report it to the appropriate authorities.
People trying to take the law into their own hands is just as dangerous, dumb and bad for society as a bunch of people walking around with loaded concealed weapons.
Defending yourself/your kids, or offering to help a person in eminent danger is one thing, but getting up in someone's business about their attitude or poor parenting skills? Um, NO.

Most (not all but most) of the "hot-headed" shooting are committed by people who DO NOT have a license to conceal a weapon. they are just nimrods with a loaded gun.
I do have a license to carry, I own 3 hand guns. I only carry when traveling to other cities (same state) and staying in hotels/motels.
It depends on the situation, if someone is hurting their child, I would call the police and give them a full description and step in, if its 2 or more adults, I would just call the police and let them handle it. I am NOT qualified to intervene in situations like that. My cousin is a Sheriff his advice is "the best thing we as civilians can do is make a report and give as many FACTS as we can"

I'm just as scared they might have a concealed knife or box cutter as I would that they might have a gun.
When you get down to it, you could be damaged pretty badly with a sharpened pencil or nail file.
My son laughs but my purse is heavy enough it could hurt someone if I swung with full force at someone.
How about a fist to your nose/jaw/stomach, a kick to your groin (hurts pretty bad for women too)?
It's just not a good idea to confront crazy / irrational people who're in an agitated emotional state.

If all guns went away would you feel safer in telling your children to step in and help someone? What if the person doing the bullying had a baseball bat, knife, or something else they could use as a weapon?

I am sick and tired of the media using the words "gun violence" it is just "violence" and it doesn't matter what weapon they use. Take a look at the crimes in England where guns are banned, they have a lot more violent crimes they we do.

I think you should also consider how many legal gun owners prevent crimes and help people because they have the right to carry a concealed hand gun. It's sad that the lame stream media doesn't report those more often, but I guess they wouldn't be able to create the frenzy they do now.

The law in Georgia didn't change much it just now allows business and such to make their own decisions about allowing people to bring their concealed weapons inside.

By the way I don't see the second amendment going away anytime soon. It is not there just for self defense against bad guys, it was written for "we the people" to have the ability to stand against our own government if we needed to (which after seeing what went on in Nevada, I am glad we have it). Our founding fathers had to make a stand against England and they wanted to insure that the future generations would have the same rights. This is why our government was created from the Constitution and Bill of rights.

And to answer your question No I am not afraid to step in and help anyone and I will teach my child to do the same.

***Added***

Julie G. you are wrong!!

Yes we do have a militia and the US will always have one because the citizens are allow by law to be armed. I wonder how fast we would be invaded if Americans were not armed and all guns were banned?

http://townhall.com/tipsheet/katiepavlich/2012/12/11/gun-...#

You can keep your liberal scare tactic media and continue to live in fear of everything. I will stick with finding other media sources that are willing to report facts not opinions.

Have a good day :-)

Considering that I intervened a few months ago when a woman was yelling at her child in front of a restaurant, no. We conceal carry, both Tyler and I do. And guess what?!? Neither one of us brandished a gun and shot the mother who was yelling and verbally abusing her child.

I'm sorry. I agree with Julie, it's people like you who should not own a gun. This post screams paranoia about violence and a couple of the responses that agree with you, just show their ignorance.

Most of the people that have hot heads and explode? They aren't licensed gun owners. And gangs? Again, not licensed gun owners.

I don't understand why this new gun law here in Georgia bothers you so. You don't live here, right? So you are bothered by this law, why? Are you afraid it's going to be carried up to Pennsylvania? (again, point to Julie and her statement that paranoid people (people who see danger everywhere) shouldn't be carrying guns).

You freely admit you don't have a lot of gang violence in your area, but you are freaking out about something that hasn't happened.

S.

oh yes, guns are out of control in this country. It is so scary to me to think of my daughter going to people's houses with their "secured" guns but their kids know how to unlock the safe. It drives me nuts because people who have them for self defense when most gun deaths are accidental.
It used to be the main concern was some crazy person punching you and now its pulling out a gun and shooting you.
I feel like it goes along with this bigger and bigger suv thing. I like to drive a car, its fuel efficient and the right size for my family, but there are all these people out there with bigger and bigger because they think they will be safer on the road but all they are doing is endangering everyone else.

Wow - Julie was that really necessary? A., yes, I do definitely consider if someone may turn and hurt me or my children if I intervene. My father was law enforcement so he has real life experience and he says you have to be very careful. I guess it kind of depends on how the person looks though if I think they might have a gun or not. Maybe a stupid approach but I guess that's what would go through my head. Like a mother abusing her kid? I'd probably not assume she had a concealed weapon. But a big guy - actually wouldn't matter a lot if he had a gun or not as realistically he could physically overpower me anyway. But think of road rage - you have to be careful with people. I believe there have been cases of a driver getting mad and whipping out a gun and shooting someone. So you're not totally irrational. If I was in dangerous areas with any frequency, I likely would carry a concealed weapon to feel safer... Have to say I love the scene with Micheal Douglas in that movie The Game where a car jacker stops him and MD pulls out his gun and says "you picked the wrong guy today". I didn't view this post as a gun control issue btw. Illegal or legal ownership doesn't matter for this question IMO. It's fear of guns in general and someone who is unstable at that moment using one.

ETA: I'm shocked this has turned into such a gun law debate. The original question wasn't really about that. It was about whether people are deterred by the thought of the other person potentially having a gun. The gun could have been obtained legally or illegally... That was the question - not whether we need stricter or looser gun laws. I didn't see the need to call the poster so unstable. I never brought up mental illness otherwise. And I don't see NYMetromom's post as racist. She was talking about criminals... She never mentioned race. She mentioned illegal immigrants but they could be white, black or brown, no? She specifically said criminals. Talk about people being paranoid.

No, I don't really but I have reminded my husband to be careful when he's out driving. He is from NJ (near NYC) originally and can be aggressive on the road.

We had a guy who works for the federal govt (DHS) allegedly shoot his gun at someone near our mall after some sort of road rage incident.

If our govt is armed to the teeth then why do they want us to *not* have guns?

I do get what you're saying. I have taught my teens to never go on someone's property without permission and of course never in someone's home. And also to not escalate situations when you're out and about. But otherwise I don't really worry about it much.

I live (and work) in Detroit, so NO, I am not scared to stand up to anyone. I have a CPL and do carry a concealed pistol. I am also a survivor of domestic violence, been robbed and carjacked (stared down the barrel of too many guns) and do not feel safer with a CPL, but have been trained and know how to use it. By law, you have the right to defend yourself with a gun (or anything else) if your life is in danger. Those CCW folks, who are trained well, know when it is time to use a gun. You cannot just shoot people because you are PO'D...but with todays idiots, that's what they are doing. You always have to watch your back, no matter where you live.

I have taught my children to stand up for themselves at an early age, but I did not teach that violence is the answer. Some youths see too much drama on video games, TV, etc. and believe this is "kewl."

If any situations come up that do not involve me, my property, dog, or children... I do not get involved.

This post makes me laugh...because yesterday afternoon my husband and I went to the local gun shop to purchase my first gun. We had our two boys with us (7 and 9) and our daughter (10) was at dance...but she went with us a few weeks ago when we started looking.

My husband already has a gun that is kept in our home...but my hands are much smaller than his and we wanted one that I feel more comfortable with for home protection.

My parents, my older sister, my younger sister, and both of my brothers have multiple guns in their homes as well. My kids know gun safety, they know they are NOT toys and not to ever be touched without an adult right there. The guns are all kept in safes that the kids do not have access too. But I am SO glad my kids are not afraid of them, but learning to be comfortable with them and how to use them to protect themselves.

And no, I don't worry about normal law abiding citizens breaking the law. It's the fools that don't care what the laws are who I worry about. And they don't care what the laws or rules are, they will do what they want. I am glad though that we are a gun owning home, that we are safe with our guns, and more importantly that my kids know what they are, are learning to handle them, and know how to appropriately use them if it is ever a necessity.

I do plan to get my concealed carry license...my husband does as well.

I live in Texas. I do not fear the people who have been through the process to conceal carry. They are responsible citizens.

Those are a few but I do fear the guy who just carries one in his car. I do think hard about driving too long next to a car or looking funny or angry at the driver. I pay attention to my driving. I live in a metroplex and road rage is a reality.

No I don't feel the way you do at all.

As for other posters who feel that NYMetromom's post is racist, I disagree. I do not think it is. Be careful with that term. Just because you don't like what someone says doesn't mean the comment is racist.

As for guns, I have a right to own and bare arms and I do. No, I don't think about "oh they might have a gun so I won't do anything". Crazy is crazy and if someone wants do hurt another they will find any means necessary to inflict as much pain and suffering. Whether its a gun, knife, bomb, high heel.

I can't live my life like that.

I would like to agree with K-Bell regarding NYMetroMom's post. It IS sad that hardly anyone else sees anything wrong with it. While it may not fit the exact definition of "racist," it is certainly hateful, bigoted and full of stereotypes. Not to mention the hypocrisy of spewing the stereotypes in such detail, then advocating the phrase "kind words heal."

I wanted to say that in the last 100 years, violent crime has actually gone down.. (media likes to portray it differently because it sells) that said,
I know what you mean about kinda fearing if you should speak up or not.. I confronted a motorist who nearly ran me over mid-way int he intersection, this despite my having the right of way and she spun her car around and threatened to beat me up if she saw me again, also.. she followed me through the neighborhood... sooooooooooo.. after that event, I decided that while I can control me, I don't have control over what others will do.. gun or not.. so I am very careful about choosing my battles, same goes with my son... I tell him, choose wisely that not all battles are worth going into.. and sometimes , pride will lead us astray..I am for people owning guns, but I, myself prefer NOT to have them around, they do scare me.. I also don't necessarily think it's the legal owners who are going out and shooting people (although there have been cases) I am more concerned about the illegal ones obtained and used... to me, there seems to be trouble in that area than vice versa..

I just want to say that NY Metromom's comments are not racist.

What about the woman that killed her boyfriend with her high heel? Should we have high heel laws and safety storage for them too?

Stop being paranoid, it does no good. Now go get yourself educated and take a CC class.

Another thought; maybe you should put more energy into lobbying for schools to have gun safety :)

Honestly I think there's a big difference between the loonies that shoot up public places, and the average joe on the street that carries a gun. Just like there is a difference between them and gang members with weapons.

I personally don't see a need for anyone to carry a gun. And I have been attacked. I still don't. But...I think the common person that has a weapon isn't going to shoot someone that just pisses them off. Common sense and decency applies to the masses on this, I think.

You never know who the crazies are. You also don't know if they are armed with anything dangerous. Not just a gun, it could be a knife or they could simply be stronger and bigger than you. They could be high on something and be even more dangerous.
If I see a disturbing act of violence I do stay on the safe side, not just because they may have a gun, because I don't want to put myself in harms way. I will call 911 though. There may be some situations where I might feel safe enough to intervene.
In the end though. I do not live my life in mortal fear of the "what if". I do not assume every person is going to hurt me if I look at them wrong. I smile at random strangers all the time. I would rather give a quick, friendly smile if our gazes happen to accidently meet than to quickly avert my eyes in fear. I assume the best of people unless I see something to prove otherwise. I'm optimistically cautious of course.

I think it depends upon where you live. Guns aren't a big thing here, so I don't worry about it. But I might, if I lived somewhere else.

You said you live in a conservative gun loving area. Hmmm… would be curious to know what the crime rate is. Bet it is pretty low because the criminals KNOW that your area is full of conservative gun loving folks.

Imagine that???

Stories of how guns have saved lives.
http://www.thewellarmedwoman.com/women-and-guns/survival-...

http://www.gunfacts.info/gun-control-myths/concealed-carry/

http://www.pinterest.com/USCCA/true-stories-of-concealed-...