Uilleand: I will try to explain owning a gun but not out of fear. As I see it, you can do almost anything with different motivations. You could brush your teeth because you're AFRAID you'll get cavities or you can do it because you know it is a good measure of prevention, but not really WORRY about it.

I owned a cafe years ago in rural Oregon. At that time I thought it a good idea to carry a firearm. I got a concealed weapon permit and always had it with me when doing business, or shopping for the restaurant. I took gun safety courses (not required at that time) and practiced handling my weapon. I was prepared to take care of myself in the event of foul play. After all, I was young and single. It just seemed like a good idea.

I'm sorry I don't seem to be very articulate about doing something without fear. I simply don't know how to express it other than saying I'm not afraid.

We do have guns in the house. They are LOCKED UP and I NEVER think about them. They are a tool at the ready. The kung fu master always preached "expect the unexpected". I guess that describes it.

It is a dangerous thing to be fixated on the weaponry of the past tragic school shootings. I have heard in the news some people say things like "the first thing I thought of was where did they get the guns?" GOOD HEAVENS, I shout at the TV, MY FIRST THOUGHT IS HOW DID THAT CHILD COME TO THAT STATE OF MIND THAT THEY WOULD DO SOMETHING SO HORRIBLE?

I believe it is truly naievete to want to make more and more laws restricting ability to get guns because let's face it. They WILL ALWAYS BE Available via black market. Let's get to the root of the problem instead.

I'm getting dizzy...I think the air is thin up here on this soap box. I'm getting down now :o)

Margarita