Quote:
Originally Posted by IROC
Am I the only one who thinks that it is a little worrisome that ordinary citizens carrying weapons are almost encouraged to whip out their guns and start blazing if they feel the need? There was an incident here last year (?) where a couple was arguing in a parking lot of strip mall and a security guard at a jewelry store came running out and shot them (here's the story - I actually found it - WBIR.com | Knoxville, TN | Updated: Vinson Guard Service lawyer apologizes for shooting).
Anyway, this guy was a security guard and presumably should have at least had some training, etc. These people were only arguing and didn't even threaten the safety of the guard or anyone around them. What's to prevent an ordinary citizen from "taking matters into their own hands" and shooting folks first and asking questions later? And before you jump all over me, I'm not saying that there aren't situations where disabling a dangerous person is the absolute right thing to do (and I would do it, too), but in the case of these folks in the article above - they were just arguing and the guy felt the need to shoot them? I can see some well-meaning, but trigger-happy CCW person doing the same thing in the heat of the moment. Is the idea of CCW self protection or that + protection of those around you? |
In my experience, the vast majority of people who carry concealed hope desperately that they
never have to use their weapon.
The guy I worry about is the guy who wants to be a cop, has applied to every law enforcement jurisdiction around, and won't get hired because he
is trigger-happy, so his next move is to become a security guard.
I have loads of respect for law enforcement. I put Security Guard somewhere below aardvark in terms of brain activity.
Most CCW people also know that even if they are involved in a justified self-defense shooting, a civil lawsuit will probably be looming in their near future. Kill a bad guy, and bad guy's family will sue. Even if Mr. CCW wins at every step, it would still be a gruelling, expensive experience.
Most (99+%) CCW people keep it concealed. I recently found out a good friend I've had for years carries. I had no idea.