As a young mother working late nights tending bar and walking home alone, I felt a lot safer with a small handgun in my purse; my now ex-father-in-law bought it for me. Now, I wouldn't dream of it; I'd carried a can of spray paint or pepper spray.

We were taught NOT to use a gun for intimidation, at least if we planned to point a gun at any living thing we were taught we'd better be ready to use it and deal with the consequences. We couldn't even point toy guns. I shot over my ex's head once only to get him to stop beating my dog. It worked. I've never been in a situation like that since. I also don't have anything but a very old .22 single shot rifle, kept away in a closet, no ammo in the house and not shot for target practice since 1983.

Guns are not the answer, imo, unless one is in mortal danger and is well-versed in how to use it and/or keep it from being used against oneself.

Temuchin, I wish our country would be less violent and gun-toting, but I don't think it will ever happen.

kat