Do you carry a concealed handgun?

No problem with responsible people enjoying their guns safely. Also no problem with folks who don't want guns in urban environments (or anywhere) voting in representatives who hold similar views. If you are upset with gun laws in California and New York, the beauty of a free country is that you can freely move to a state that aligns with your values. Likewise, if you are uncomfortable around open carry, you can can move to a state that outlaws it. That's the definition of states rights.

That's why I've never understood people who complain about "Commyfornia" or "gun nuts in Texas." If your values no longer align with elected representatives that the majority of the people democratically elected, just leave. You have 49 other states to choose from.
 
Yes. In Columbia, SC, where I currently reside, and in particular the Richland (see Live PD on A&E) and Lexington County, are strong supporters of the 2nd Amendment. I got mine originally in NC b4 I moved here, and had to reapply and pass a course. I carry a Taurus Curve in a belt pouch (pretty much everywhere) and a S&W MP Shield .40 cal in my vehicle. I have to leave the Taurus Judge .45LC at home with my wife.

What's the first rule of conceal carry?

CARRY ONE.
 
No problem with responsible people enjoying their guns safely. Also no problem with folks who don't want guns in urban environments (or anywhere) voting in representatives who hold similar views. If you are upset with gun laws in California and New York, the beauty of a free country is that you can freely move to a state that aligns with your values. Likewise, if you are uncomfortable around open carry, you can can move to a state that outlaws it. That's the definition of states rights.

That's why I've never understood people who complain about "Commyfornia" or "gun nuts in Texas." If your values no longer align with elected representatives that the majority of the people democratically elected, just leave. You have 49 other states to choose from.
Problem is A) You assume people have the finances or job opportunities to move away from their extended family and friends and pulling kids out of school because of guns, B) That somehow moving to another state will stop the anti-gun push at the state border, C) Highly populous anti-gun states will gain a fed majority and then make a national ban; so much for states rights.

Nope, I'm not buying it. There is no middle ground or appeasing anti-gun people, the end game is a complete ban.
(or so many gun types banned and gun laws so neutered that we might as well be disarmed)
 
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Problem is A) You assume people have the finances or job opportunities to move away from their extended family and friends and pulling kids out of school because of guns, B) That somehow moving to another state will stop the anti-gun push at the state border, C) Highly populous anti-gun states will gain a fed majority and then make a national ban; so much for states rights.

Nope, I'm not buying it. There is no middle ground or appeasing anti-gun people, the end game is a complete ban.

I understand your argument, but if we're saying people are personally responsibly for their own protection—no argument here—then we also must say they are personally responsible for their finances. If someone in California is upset with gun laws but can't afford to leave, I think that's unfortunate. (Or a non-gun person in Texas who can't leave for CA). But not my problem. They can work hard, hunt for jobs elsewhere, and leave when they are able. That's just life, and it's often unfair. The same goes for pro-choice individuals who live in the Deep South. They're outnumbered by people who simply disagree, and abortion access is practically nil in these states.

Not sure what you mean on point B. Even blue-leaning southern states like Virginia have much more generous gun laws than heavily blue states. Southern Democrats shoot guns too.

Point C is basically impossible given how the Senate works. California has 40 million people and 2 senators. Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Iowa, Mississippi, West Virginia, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, and Alaska also have 40 million people... and 46 senators. The point is, while large cities like NYC can overwhelm rural voters elsewhere in the state, that's simply impossible at the federal level. Bush and Trump won precisely because there are protections in the Constitution for small rural states.
 
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Self defense and defense from tyranny is not granted by the state, but protected by the state because it's a natural right. Infringement of firearm ownership and carry and use is taking away the rights someone is granted by being human, which is unlawful in the USA. Unconstitutional laws are only being protected due to political figures and political/legislative judges.

You should fear judges that write laws, because that is unlawful. The legislature is meant to write laws and the founders were very afraid of mob rule and required super majorities to do anything in the hopes to keep the government from taking away the freedom of the people.

Yes I do sort of agree that one should move, but if they carry a firearm they are actually not breaking the law. However the guys with guns from those states will come to your house and throw you in jail. Which is absolutely corrupt and morally bankrupt. That is leading to the denial of human rights. I would suggest if you want to live in an authoritarian state then you should move to an authoritarian country. There are many around and many are very nice, but your defense and the defense of your family and community is dependent upon the state so pick well. Over 100 million people have been killed by the state in these places over the last several decades. It's your choice, I will by no means pressure you to leave, but don't pressure my government to come to my house and trample on my natural rights. In that case stuff will get ugly.
 
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I've seen that what passes and becomes the norm in heavy blue states often spills over into lighter blue states. Just look at how CA laws are infiltrating Oregon and Washington. Here in light blue MN they keep trying to pass stuff similar to NY and CT but there is just enough rural red to keep it at bay...for now. As more people live in urban areas more people will sway left on guns.

Point C as it sits now it's doubtful to happen, but if pro-gun people keep abandoning state by state, and then more states lean farther left on guns, then yes with enough time there would be a majority to drown out the remaining holdouts or pressure them into capitulating.
 
I wouldn’t say I’m a “gun nut”, but having grown up with them I am comfortable around them if they are handled in a safe manner. I don’t go to every gun show within a hundred miles of where I live, and I’d rather people did not know I have it. There is a huge difference between being scared of it, and respecting it. I enjoy them for what they are, in the same way I enjoy digging a hole with a shovel. Right tool for the job kinda thing. I have never pulled it out to show anyone unless it’s a police officer, or a friend or family member that has asked me to in private. It’s just not that big of a deal to me. It is a responsibility I don’t take lightly either. I hope I never find myself in a situation where I feel that it is the only answer.
To those are thinking about carrying, I would suggest going to a range where they rent guns. Take the time to figure out what models, calibers, and styles you are comfortable with. Ask a million questions while you’re there, and ask about any training courses they might offer. To those that already carry, your license may not expire every year, but new laws and regulations that affect you carrying are passed every year. It is worth the time to sit through a class every year to find out from experts what affects you in your state, and others you may travel to. You may not even have to pay for the class if you tell the instructor why you’re there, plus it’s another range day, and who doesn’t enjoy that? You may just learn something new, and have a good time as a result. And I’ll add, if you haven’t fired your weapon since the last class you attended, you probably don’t need to be carrying it. It ain’t no status symbol like having an American Express card. It doesn’t make you taller, better looking, or more wealthy.
As far as civilians having guns, there should be no blue or red making that decision for me. Want to see the world as you know it come to an end, let congress pass a law that sends the men in black to come to your house and take them. Total reliance on any entity to protect you will never work. Don’t make me pull out my rock!
 
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I carry a gun because I can. Not to be a hero of any type, but only because there are people, and other things that wish to do harm if given the chance to, and I am no spring chicken anymore.
Nicely put!!
When I carry concealed no one but me knows I'm carrying, and no one ever will unless my life is under direct threat and there are no alternatives. If I am ever faced with the life changing decision to unholster my weapon in defense of my or another's life, I know I will forever be changed, and probably not in a good way. I am more willing to face that unknown than to face the reality that my family, friends, or any other innocent around me could have been killed because of my inaction.

Instructors told us if you’re leaving the house and think, man I better bring my gun.. well you probably don’t need to be going there.
The problem with that kind of mentality is, to be blunt, there is no "safe place" any more. While living in the much more rural parts of the country expose you to considerably less unsavory characters, you can never know 100% that something "can't happen here".
 
I've seen that what passes and becomes the norm in heavy blue states often spills over into lighter blue states. Just look at how CA laws are infiltrating Oregon and Washington. Here in light blue MN they keep trying to pass stuff similar to NY and CT but there is just enough rural red to keep it at bay...for now. As more people live in urban areas more people will sway left on guns.

Point C as it sits now it's doubtful to happen, but if pro-gun people keep abandoning state by state, and then more states lean farther left on guns, then yes with enough time there would be a majority to drown out the remaining holdouts or pressure them into capitulating.
I might add that the deep blue states are where most of our TV and billionaires are located and in just those few hands, everything on TV is skewed toward those few individuals' views. Most 2A groups are supported by many individuals and almost all anti-2A are supported by a few billionaires and they are removing the voice of pro-2A advocates and doing so even with aimed content for children. Even schools have joined in on this in many areas.
 
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I might add that the deep blue states are where most of our TV and billionaires are located and in just those few hands, everything on TV is skewed toward those few individuals' views. Most 2A groups are supported by many individuals and almost all anti-2A are supported by a few billionaires and they are removing the voice of pro-2A advocates and doing so even with aimed content for children. Even schools have joined in on this in many areas.
There are also schools that are taking it upon themselves to arm their teachers. One of them happens to be just a few hours away from where I live.

https://idahonews.com/news/local/ga...s-rifles-will-warn-visitors-building-is-armed
 
I might add that the deep blue states are where most of our TV and billionaires are located and in just those few hands, everything on TV is skewed toward those few individuals' views. Most 2A groups are supported by many individuals and almost all anti-2A are supported by a few billionaires and they are removing the voice of pro-2A advocates and doing so even with aimed content for children. Even schools have joined in on this in many areas.

I'd certainly agree that concentrated power is a problem in this country; it's just not all in the blue states. The Sinclair Broadcast Network owns TV stations that reach 40 percent of the country. It's a decidedly conservative organization. And the NRA is hardly a scrappy grassroots organization fighting to be heard. Fox News might be based in deep blue NYC, but it's also the No. 1 cable news channel in the country and not exactly a bastion of liberalism.
 
I think at this point we have to protect those we care about.

I do think there's a lot of evil in this world, but I do think we're being sold a bill of goods that's really not as it seems. Yes we have bad incidents, but they are reported on in ways to sell advertisements. Excessive food intake is something like number 1 through 4 top killers in the US. And what do you expect when your food and instinct is to eat and work like a horse, yet we're paid to sit down and punch a clock.
 
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I'd certainly agree that concentrated power is a problem in this country; it's just not all in the blue states. The Sinclair Broadcast Network owns TV stations that reach 40 percent of the country. It's a decidedly conservative organization. And the NRA is hardly a scrappy grassroots organization fighting to be heard. Fox News might be based in deep blue NYC, but it's also the No. 1 cable news channel in the country and not exactly a bastion of liberalism.
I can't say you're wrong, though Fox is conservative, they're still fear mongering and the rest of the news channels are practically DNC mouthpieces.
 
Regarding the moving out of a state to suit your philosophical beliefs, apparently a good number of left leaning people are moving from (for example) California because of excessive taxation and regulation that they supported and moving to Texas because of less taxes and regulation. Leftists being what they are will support their same causes and turn Texas into California.
 
Regarding the moving out of a state to suit your philosophical beliefs, apparently a good number of left leaning people are moving from (for example) California because of excessive taxation and regulation that they supported and moving to Texas because of less taxes and regulation. Leftists being what they are will support their same causes and turn Texas into California.
I've heard this CA sprawl has occurred with Oregon and WA too. I guess I live in a sh*thole, cuz no one is moving here :). However I have noticed that I keep seeing dirty bird emblems around more and more when we used to only see the righteous Wildcat emblem (though with an anatomically shaped member in the place of its tongue when the world was good :) and righteous).
 
Regarding the moving out of a state to suit your philosophical beliefs, apparently a good number of left leaning people are moving from (for example) California because of excessive taxation and regulation that they supported and moving to Texas because of less taxes and regulation. Leftists being what they are will support their same causes and turn Texas into California.

That's excessive. If you go by 2016 results—approx. 61% Hillary, 31% Trump—that's still a lot of Republicans. Now, if you poll the Californians who are leaving the state for Texas for tax reasons, I would argue that much closer to half (if not more) are Republicans, and therefore more sympathetic to gun rights. Indeed, polls indicate that registered Republicans in California are 3 times more likely to seriously consider leaving the state compared to Democrats—40% to 14%. (https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-11-04/california-conservatives-republicans-leaving) To suggest that Californians moving to Texas or elsewhere will be turning their destinations into socialist hell-scapes just isn't supported by data.

Think how many millions of anti-gun activists it would take to leave California and go to a single state to to not just flip the governorship, but both state houses in the process. Instead, the people who are leaving the state are individuals who made the decision to move to a state that aligns with their politics. That's how it's supposed to work.
 
That's excessive. If you go by 2016 results—approx. 61% Hillary, 31% Trump—that's still a lot of Republicans. Now, if you poll the Californians who are leaving the state for Texas for tax reasons, I would argue that much closer to half (if not more) are Republicans, and therefore more sympathetic to gun rights. Indeed, polls indicate that registered Republicans in California are 3 times more likely to seriously consider leaving the state compared to Democrats—40% to 14%. (https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-11-04/california-conservatives-republicans-leaving) To suggest that Californians moving to Texas or elsewhere will be turning their destinations into socialist hell-scapes just isn't supported by data.

Think how many millions of anti-gun activists it would take to leave California and go to a single state to to not just flip the governorship, but both state houses in the process. Instead, the people who are leaving the state are individuals who made the decision to move to a state that aligns with their politics. That's how it's supposed to work.
I have to disagree with the idea that the people leaving CA are not having an impact on the more conservative states that they are going to. Idaho is a good example of how liberal minded new comers are derailing the conservative values here, more specifically the Greater Boise area. Even in BFE Central Idaho we have seen far left liberals coming up here buying the land and suing to block hunting, mining, gun rights, etc. etc. etc.
 
I have to disagree with the idea that the people leaving CA are not having an impact on the more conservative states that they are going to. Idaho is a good example of how liberal minded new comers are derailing the conservative values here, more specifically the Greater Boise area. Even in BFE Central Idaho we have seen far left liberals coming up here buying the land and suing to block hunting, mining, gun rights, etc. etc. etc.

I didn't mean to suggest that there was zero impact. You could also point to Virginia, as more DC liberals are moving to and voting in Northern Virginia. Yet other places are getting increasingly more conservative, like the Deep South. Florida arguably is becoming more conservative. But to my point, Idaho is still overwhelmingly Republican, including both state houses and the governorship. I just don't see how California-like policy can be enacted in such an environment.
 
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