Is it my imagination, or do those who carry a concealed weapon have a higher than normal amount of paranoia? Reading some of the internet comments in concealed carry chat rooms, you get the impression that the bad guy can jump out at you at any time, and you had better be prepared. Granted, it could happen, but so could any number of mishaps. So far I have never been in a situation where I wished I had a weapon. That's not unusual, since I am not a police officer, and I try to avoid going into risky situations that might compromise my ability to stay alive. However I have no problem with those who do carry, because I strongly believe that the 2nd amendment gives them that right. We also need to remember that good guys who carry are on our side. Our recent shooting at Clackamas Town Center demonstrated that. The gunman commited suicide once he was confronted by a private citizen with a gun. We couldn't ask for a better outcome. Actually I feel safer in public if I am aware that there are those among us who could respond to that type of threat. There seems to be an unusual fear of guns in the more populated areas. That will surely increase as our culture (except for the criminals) has less and less experience around guns. Familarity with guns brings respect and less fear. Unfamilarity with guns causes fear and unfounded paranoia. May every parent teach their child the proper use of guns. May every gun owner excercise secure storage and access to his weapons.
