I’ve been following the comments on several local news websites regarding the passage of permitless carry in Arizona.
A common theme among opponents, other than the normal “blood in the streets” comments, is that they discuss various bad guys (either criminals, drunks, “rednecks”, and so on) now being able to arm themselves and committing various crimes of opportunity (road rage is commonly mentioned) against the innocent citizenry.
While no credence is given to the fact that such actions are already illegal, such a reaction (or lack thereof) is common.
I did, however, note that none of the people opposing the measure ever considered taking measures — whether carrying a firearm or not — to protect themselves. The law is designed to ease the ability of law-abiding people defend themselves, yet the thought of availing themselves of the new law didn’t occur to them.
I suppose it’s all a matter of perspective; if one believes that guns belong only in the hands of criminals and police, the thought of owning or carrying a gun for their own protection never occurs, yet if one believes that guns belongs in the hands of the law-abiding, good people that make up the majority of the population, such a thought is not difficult to envision at all.
3 thoughts on “Perspective”
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“I did, however, note that none of the people opposing the measure ever considered taking measures ? whether carrying a firearm or not ? to protect themselves. The law is designed to ease the ability of law-abiding people defend themselves, yet the thought of availing themselves of the new law didn?t occur to them.”
Telling people that they should carry guns because other people do is not a way to endear people to firearms or gun owners. Most people do not want to carry guns because it’s a lot of responsibility. Instead, they put their faith in law enforcement and leave the ‘dirty work’ of fighting criminal behavior up to cops and deputies.
Mike: You’re absolutely right. Fortunately, I’ve only been reading the comments, not posting them on those forums. I’d never tell someone they “should” carry a gun, as it’s not my place to tell them.
My point — which may have been obfuscated by my sleepiness when posting — was that some people look at the liberalization of gun laws and see only the negative effects (e.g. “More bad guys will now carry guns!”) as opposed to the positive effects (e.g. more good guys can now carry guns to protect themselves without needing to go through the hassle of classes and waiting for a permit to be issued).
It’s just a matter of perspective.