Well, Mick, I look at it this way. If I pack heat in public, having it right out in the open, the bad guys aren't going to bother me. If I carry it concealed, they get a surprise. Since I do have a CCW permit, and folks around here know I do, the baddies can't figure out if I am or if I'm not. Same thing with other guys around here. Now, my preference is to surprise them -- makes them think twice about doing it again. I don't mind if folks go armed; I just feel a little uncomfortable seeing a gun right out in the open amidst the lima beans and lettuce. And I agree with you about the facts.

Of course, the baddies have the initiative anyway -- you can't draw down on 'em until they make the first move and if you're wearing a gun openly in front of God and everybody you know who's gonna get offed first.