SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

Obviously, THIS shooter didn't attend the proper training or else he wouldn't have missed.

MuthaFunka said:

chances are better for someone to get hurt accidentally with a gun than for someone to break into your house where you need to defend your life and actually need to use it in some form of self defense.

and if we're talking me personally, I doubt even in that situation I could pull the trigger.

MuthaFunka said:

I can dig where you're coming from, too. It's just that owning a gun isn't for me.

CarrieMpls said:

Can't say I agree with this. I think it depends on the person and you more or less supported that idea with your last sentence. Having said this, I don't own a gun. By and large it's because I don't feel I need one. But if I did, I wouldn't hesitate to have one. And Lord help the criminal who came thru my door. Nobody knows my home better than me, and about the only way they'd get the jump on me is if they snuck up on me in bed.

JasmineFire said:

Most def. But just know, that if we're ever hanging out and something goes down to where guns are involved - I got ya back

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

That sounds scary as hell.

Here, there have been a rash of home invasions for the past 3 years done by one gang in particular and several copycat gangs. Their ring has committed these invasions in mostly suburban, upscale neighborhoods across a SIX county area of North Texas. In every case they brutalized the homeowners, even cutting off the ear of an elderly man that I think was a former DA. When he told them he didn't have any cash in the house they made him go to his girlfriend's house, whom they robbed and beat up as well.

One of the ways they'd find victims is to search their vehicle for their home addresses on insurance cards and in some cases make copies of their house keys when folks valeted their cars at the club owned by the ringleader, a club I've been to myself. After they've got your address they can look it up to see, where you live, the value of your home, and if there's more than one person on the mortgage. Then they'd case the house to see who's there and the comings and goings. They did this for 3 years and amassed over $3 million in loot. And although most of the gang has been arrested there are several copycat gangs running the same game. So yeah, I'll sleep much better at night knowing that I have Roscoe to protect me.

purplekitty said:

Wow, sorry to hear that SCNDLS. I am against gun ownership, but what you posted is frightening. You move to an upscale neighborhood and you're still not safe. I also read your post about what happened to your friend. How sad. Very scary. Anyone breaks into my home, I'm defending myself the best way I can. My brother is a retired NYPD officer and I was always afraid one of his kids would get hold of his gun, thank goodness that never happened. My Dad also kept one in the house when me and my siblings were younger. In NYC, even though we have gun laws, many have guns illegally and they won't hesitate to use it, especially many young folks and gang members. The tempers in NY fly high here. It's really hard to have gun control in a city like NY because there's nothing illegal they can keep people from getting there hands on here. You be careful, put extra security in your house and when getting in and out of your car, look around to see if anyone is casing you.
[Edited 8/5/08 18:18pm]

No thank you.

I'd rather be shot and killed than ever own a gun.

Fauxie said:

I'd be sure to ask you that again when you have that hot lead in your ass.

violator said:

I'm never going to own a gun. Nothing could make me regret not having one, and that's that. Besides, I have a Thai wife I can set on people.

MuthaFunka said:

it's nice to know i'm protected.

I recently got a 9mm handgun to keep with me...I'm not a huge fan of guns but I'm a big fan of being able to protect myself if need be...this gun will never be in my home around my children, it stays in my office or in the truck when I'm driving...it seems that some people think you can ALWAYS protect yourself by some other means than a gun...if that were the case, police wouldn't carry them...and like it or not, the police aren't the only folks that have to deal with people that have less than honorable intentions...I agree that they should be used as a last resort but I feel better knowing I have that option...

Fauxie said:

I'd be sure to ask you that again when you have that hot lead in your ass.

Fauxie said:

uh...your wife is a woman not a pitbull.

Seriously, I respect the decision of not owning a gun (I have small children and will fear for their safety), but being a victim of gun violence myself, I wished I had a gun when one was in my face. It was a miracle that he did not pull the trigger, but I wish I had a gun that day for real. Can't believe that you would rather be dead than protect yourself with a gun.

Many of us are talking from such different contexts here though, but it shouldn't be too difficult to empathise with each other.

paintedlady said:

Well naturally I can understand why some, having had experiences they've had, might feel it necessary to own a gun. It's not like I don't fear death at all, but honestly I doubt if I were in such a situation I would wish I had a gun, if only because the whole thing is totally alien to me (never held a gun, parents didn't own one, middle-class Cotswolds villages don't have a gun culture). Bangkok actually has some pretty dire gun crime stats but I'd still rather protect my family with common sense and everything besides a firearm that's within my power than ever have to own a gun, and I'm content to let things unfold however they may. Many of us are talking from such different contexts here though, but it shouldn't be too difficult to empathise with each other.

Fauxie said:

I can respect that, but you just sounded so absolute about the matter. I do feel you not having a gun in your home... I wish we all could feel safe enough to live that way. I do sleep with a 7" knife under my pillow and a machete under my bed though.... so owning a gun wouldn't be that far of a reach for me. Its good that you never had to live in that fear, it is a blessing indeed.

paintedlady said:

I guess absolute because I don't believe civilians should own guns. Now, that may just be idealistic if I were to say we should all not buy firearms and not continue to perpetuate gun culture and people with different experiences could say that's just not in line with how the world is. But really, for my world as I've experienced it, there hasn't been enough of a threat for me to even question my principles on this issue. It is saddening that you feel you need to protect yourself in that way and I'm not saying that in a self-righteous, judging kind of way. I know the reality for others is different and so the choice is being made from a totally different perspective.

paintedlady said:

I guess absolute because I don't believe civilians should own guns. Now, that may just be idealistic if I were to say we should all not buy firearms and not continue to perpetuate gun culture and people with different experiences could say that's just not in line with how the world is. But really, for my world as I've experienced it, there hasn't been enough of a threat for me to even question my principles on this issue. It is saddening that you feel you need to protect yourself in that way and I'm not saying that in a self-righteous, judging kind of way. I know the reality for others is different and so the choice is being made from a totally different perspective.

Fauxie said:

for me its just been that i unfortunately live in a high crime area. It looks nice and stuff but there is always crap jumping off only blocks away. I can hear the gun shots if i have my windows open, and sure enough its on the news the next day. That combined with weirdos coming to my front door asking for money or food, even 10 at night. I dont know what these people are up to. I just call the police, but even that takes forever and the person is long gone before the police get there. with the economy people are desperate, you dont know what they are capable of. several homes in the area have been broken into even attempts in broad day light. enough is enough, the alarm isnt going to save anyone that is in the house.

Cinnie said:

REGULATOOOOORS!!


MOUNT UP.

JasmineFire said:

And how many bats have beaten a gun again?

MuthaFunka said:

AnckSuNamun said:

Well, there ya go. Just turn on your bat signal whenever you hear an intruder.

MuthaFunka said: