Who is packing heat this Xmas?

Subject: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: GUEST,Bare Arms
Date: 18 Dec 01 - 03:51 PM

How many other Mudcatters are carrying loaded guns this Christmas?

Do you pack heat when you go to Gandma's?

How about to the Grade 3 Christmas Pagaent?

I call myself 'Bare Arms' cause I cut off my sleeves.

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 18 Dec 01 - 04:11 PM

What gave you the idea that this would be an interesting topic for discussion? I don't intend to delete the thread unless it becomes a flame war, but I can't see what relevance this has in a music forum. I'm hoping we can let this thread die a lonely death.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: GUEST,Bare Arms
Date: 18 Dec 01 - 04:27 PM

The idea comes from reading another thread where a prominent Mudcatter reveals that he always carries a concealed, loaded gun.

I always thought that folk music people were gentle, non-violent sorts. I think of the anti-gun songs by people like Tom Paxton, for example. But now, my illusions have been shattered by this Mudcatter. I'm trying to determine if I'm out of step. Is carrying concealed, loaded guns typical of the people who frequent Mudcat?

I have seen this heat packing Mudcatter at family oriented folk music festivals. I sure don't want my kids around him now that I know what he's about.

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: MMario
Date: 18 Dec 01 - 04:40 PM

carrying a loaded gun does not neccessarily mean a violent person. I know several ladies in their 80's who routinely put a loaded pistol in their purse when leaving the house in the morning - and most of them wouldn't hurt a flea - without provocation.

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: GUEST,SharonA on vacation, checkin' in
Date: 18 Dec 01 - 04:54 PM

I agree with MMario. It's the people with the UNconcealed loaded guns who present a threat! ...and also the people who threaten to draw their guns, boasting about it publicly.

I haven't read the post to which Bare Arms refers, so I don't know the context in which the person in question mentioned his gun and can't form an opinion about his intentions. Can someone provide a link?

BTW, there's plenty of folk music that can be interpreted as promoting violence, notably the pro-union songs. Have you read or heard what some of those songs say that the workers will do to their bosses once Labor has the upper hand over Management??? It ain't pretty.

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 Dec 01 - 05:04 PM

... my illusions have been shattered by this Mudcatter... Illusions are no help to living rationally, and the purpose of Mudcat is not to reinforce them. So when someone says this sort of thing, it sounds rather more like trolling than like real interest in discussion.

Is carrying concealed, loaded guns typical of the people who frequent Mudcat? The vast majority of people who carry a concealed weapon are unlikely to want to advertise it gratuitously. So again, this looks more like trolling than like real interest in discussion.

Being a folkie and/or a Mudcatter is no guarantee what anyone is like!!! We are each responsible for exercising judgment about with whom to associate, and under what circumstances.

~S~

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: Amergin
Date: 18 Dec 01 - 05:19 PM

I got a loaded squirt gun in my pocket...want to get it out for me?

I wouldn't care who that person is...and what they were carrying, so long as they are properly trained in its usage.....hell...If I came across katdarling carrying a bazooka at a barney festival and she knew how to use one....i would not break a sweat...that is until I opened my mouth...it does have the tendency to get me in trouble...

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: Midchuck
Date: 18 Dec 01 - 05:32 PM

I don't carry unless I'm going out in the woods to shoot tin cans or whatever. Where I live, in VT, where it's perfectly legal, there's no need. Every single murder is a front page headline. In the cities, where there is a need, they won't let you.

Going to Montana for Xmas, so I probably should - it's expected of one there - but trying to get it on the plane and not get into trouble would be too chancy, so I won't.

Peter.

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 18 Dec 01 - 05:48 PM

Well, I guess this has turned into a discussion. I didn't 'spect it would - but I've been wrong before.

I worked as an investigator for the U.S. Government for 25 years, doing background checks on applicants for sensitive positions, including law enforcement jobs. I sometimes worked in dangerous areas, but I have never carried a firearm. Some of my coworkers did - and some of them got fired for it. I know that people often assumed I was "packing," but I wasn't. Was I safer because people assumed I was armed? - I don't think so, but maybe that's the case.

I can tell you all sorts of tales about people who used firearms irresponsibly, but I can't tell you any about civilians who used firearms in a responsible manner to solve a problem. I remember one 6-month period when I had TWO Border Patrol Agent applicants who shot themselves in the buttocks with their handguns when they were trying to put the guns under their belts. I never did find out if they got the job. I'm sure glad they weren't working with ME, although I did have two coworkers who were less than responsible with their handguns.

I've had a gun pointed at me only once in my life, and I'm glad I was unarmed and was able to convince the people I was unarmed. They were scared, and they might well have shot me if I had a gun. Common sense, a smile, and a calming manner are a much better defense than a handgun. Handguns are for peace officers, not civilians.

-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: GUEST,Desdemona
Date: 18 Dec 01 - 06:10 PM

I'm not actually replying to you, "Bare Arms", but simply registering my DISAPPROVAL at your rude, naughty behaviour and general lack of manners.

Merry Christmas, and may you learn to know better in the new year, who or wherever you are.

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: Jeri
Date: 18 Dec 01 - 06:13 PM

I never saw the need for carrying a weapon. I've never personally needed one, and if someone else were in trouble, I'd have no idea how I'd react, and guns can be very dangerous in that situation. People in a state of panic, or just plain anger or fear, don't often behave rationally.

I have carried a weapon, but it's pretty hard to conceal an M-16.

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Dec 01 - 06:20 PM

Joe,

You are a wise man

My respects to you

(apologies for not having the 'guts' to make up a meaningless pseudonym for myself)

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: Sorcha
Date: 18 Dec 01 - 06:39 PM

:(

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Dec 01 - 06:44 PM

OK, now you're getting into personal matters. If you want to disagree with a person's statement that he/she carries a handgun, do it in the thread where the person made the statement - and identify yourself by name.
Better yet, don't do it at all.
Message deleted.
-Joe Offer-

---

Maybe I shouldn't have deleted it - Kendall seems to be able to handle things just fine.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: kendall
Date: 18 Dec 01 - 10:05 PM

Just for the record, I dont ALWAYS carry a gun, but, when I do, it is my business. Now, all you paranoid types, what do you see when you look at an armed police officer? Are you less concerned because it is visible? Given my background, I think your concern is groundless. I'm not, and never have been a rapist, robber or gun wielding nut case. I am a retired Federal law enforcement officer who may one day get out of the habit. Until then, ..I'm a rambler, I'm a gambler, a long way from home, and the people dont like me, they can leave me alone. (Gotta get some music into this)

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: RichM
Date: 18 Dec 01 - 10:23 PM

Wow...interesting to watch americans talk about one of the sacred objects of their culture...

Rich McCarthy

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: kendall
Date: 18 Dec 01 - 10:26 PM

FYI I have a lady friend who lives alone, and she wants me to help her choose a hand gun, and teach her to shoot. She lives in a posh neighborhood, and, if she is ever faced with a home intrusion, she doesn't have much confidence in being able to passivly resist the intruder. I'm curious bare arms, now that you know, what has actually changed? Did I suddenly become an ogre'?

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: Coyote Breath
Date: 18 Dec 01 - 11:25 PM

These 'provocative' threads, it seems to me, are often started by someone called "guest -------". I have a sneaking suspicion that there are people who surf the net looking for places to post something provocative. I don't think it matters much what. As I define being 'provocative' this sort of person would properly be called a "provocateur"; as in "agent provocateur". In the pre-net days this sort showed up at "free forum" nights in local coffee houses. The difference being, of course, we knew who they were (more or less). I have said before (well if I haven't I'll say it now) the internet is a modern (and more socially acceptable) equivalant of the restroom wall. My grandfather had a saying about this sort of thing which I hereby share; "Fools names and fools faces are often seen in public places." Of course he wasn't being literal.

Someday, when I have time (unless Joe Offer can do it through archieve searching some how) I am going to go throuh a large selection of threads, say a years worth. I am going to see how many of these threads are provocative and not directly associated with folk music or blues. I am then gong to see how many were atarted by someone identified as Guest-------. I might be surprised but I will bet that identification will apply to the majority.

Hmmmm. Perhaps I should just forget the whole thing and go to bed. I don't know what such information would mean after all.

CB

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: Sorcha
Date: 18 Dec 01 - 11:39 PM

Yes, Rich, guns are an American Icon. And kendall, get your lady friend a .41 magnum with 6" barrel. If she hits him he won't get up. Even if she doesn't hit him, the noise will scare him to death. Just don't let her keep it under her pillow. Harpgirl, I reccomend that you NEVER come to Wyoming--EVERYBODY here has guns. I mean everybody. We ain't giving them up, either. That is all I am going to say.

Sorcha, Certified Hunter Safety Instructor in 2 states who doesn't kill anything but flies and mosquitos now, but damn sure owns guns. Sorry, I just finally had enuf of the crap and had to post a little of my own.

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: Chip2447
Date: 19 Dec 01 - 12:14 AM

I wonder why responsible firearm owners are often villified as evil doers in the disguise of 'normal people'. I have owned firearms all of my adult life, and never shot anyone, never threatened anyone with a weapon. I guess I need to find my Snydly Whiplash costume.
Chip2447

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: ddw
Date: 19 Dec 01 - 12:39 AM

Kendall et al who own guns,

Does it strike you that almost all of the people who badmouth weapons owners are people who have never actually touched one? Talk about yer judgmental twits.....

I grew up hunting, loved being out in the woods and stalking prey, but didn't like killing things. As soon as I could earn money I put that into buying meat instead of hunting it. But I don't think anybody should be allowed to eat meat if they've never killed for it — at least chopped the head off a chicken or turkey or goose.

And just as an aside, I wonder if society might not be a pleasanter place to be if we had the assurance that EVERYBODY was armed. Bet you wouldn't run into nearly as many rude assholes.

cheers,

david

BTW — I don't own any weapons now, but only because of the Draconian laws in Canada. I inherited an 1860s shotgun a few years ago and, after checking with my local police department, found it was going to cost me something in the neighborhood of $4,000 to $5,000 to bring it into the country. And that for an antique..... Go figure...

ddw

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: Blackcatter
Date: 19 Dec 01 - 12:40 AM

OH! Packing Heat - I thought this was a discussion about the smoke from Irish fires backing up and asphixiating people - you know, Hacking Peat!

pax yall

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: DougR
Date: 19 Dec 01 - 12:46 AM

Oh, Coyote Breath, I'm gonna disagree with you a bit. I don't think the poster is just an Internet cruiser. This is someone who is familiar with the Mudcat.

I just think you folks got "took" by a flamer.

DougR

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 19 Dec 01 - 02:24 AM

I think you may be right about the anti gun people being those who've never handled a weapon. I guess I'm the exception to the rule then.

I disagree strongly with carrying personal firearms. I have worked with and fired a variety of them, and that with both 'live' and 'safe' conditions (live ammo and disabled weapons). I've never seen the damage a gun does to a human, but I know they kill. So do bread knives. So do cars. Hell, even some innocent little lamp can zap someone enough to make them think twice.... I try to be very careful in my car, because I know that they kill. One of them killed my brother. I don't carry weapons, because here it's a)illegal and b)doesn't act as a deterrant but completely the opposite. Trouble is, I'm quite happy for people to own them for personal sporting use. Gun clubs are full of responsible people with responsible jobs all wanting to practice their sport, to encourage sensible use of guns and to provide a safe environment to do so in. Trouble is, British law will not distinguish between the two ergo - If you own a hand gun, you are likely to use it to kill someone. Even antiques were strictly controlled. The museum I worked in at the time of the gun amnesty (hand in your firearms and we won't ask questions) benefited by at least 40 new weapons, ranging from a WWII Webley officers pistol to a brand new, just out of Argentina, MiG machine gun...... and that was a little rural county! So go figure.....!

The only heat we're packing this Christmas is the heated foot spa for Camilla.

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From:
Date: 19 Dec 01 - 03:59 AM

Speaking as someone who owns two .22 target rifles and shoots as a sport I can safely say I'm glad to live in the UK where people can't (legally) go wandering the streets carrying weapons concealed or otherwise. Guns have no place in a civilised society outside of properly run gun clubs or in rural areas for controlling vermin.

Having said that, if I was in the US and lived in an area where a break in was a serious risk I'd probably be very tempted to have a handgun in the house to shoot the intruder with. Could look on that as controlling vermin I guess:-)

Scott

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: Gervase
Date: 19 Dec 01 - 07:43 AM

As a Brit watching this spat from across the Atlantic, I can't see why anyone has a problem with Kendall carrying a firearm. He's clearly trained in its use and is a responsible and thoughtful former law enforcement officer.
Many Brits, especially in central London, would be surprised if they knew how many people around them were armed. With the current terrorism alert, virtually every officer of SO8, SO13 and SO19 (Special Branch, Anti-Terrorist and Firearms branches) is deployed on the streets, many of them in plain clothes. But most people have no problem with that.
Unfortunately our firearms laws have become so draconian that pistol-shooting looks like dying out as a sport over here - pace this very good piece by Labour MP Kate Hoey (who's from an Irish hunting family and is a damned good MP). And it mentions Christmas!
But much anti-gun reaction is from those who have never had anything to do with them (and I know that the Snowdrop campaign, set up in the wake of Dunblane and which led directly to the current firearms law was a reaction, but it was quickly taken up and taken over by those who had nothing to do with the tragedy and who had their own agendas to further). Personally, I find knives much more scary when in the wrong hands.

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: Gervase
Date: 19 Dec 01 - 07:52 AM

...Not to mention Gerry Fitt, who was given a Home Office licence to carry a personal firearm as well has having his own armed Special Branch bodyguard.
Fitt (the man who rang the Downing Street from a fish and chip shop in Derry in the middle of a riot to get Wilson to send in the troops to protect the civil rights movement as the Protestants went on a savage rampage against them) was a prodigious drinker, whose passion was gin & tonics. His personal protection officer was instructed to do as Fitt did, but just to have the tonic water whenever they were out on the town. One poor guy lasted five days and then had to go sick because he was suffering from quinine poisoning.
Then there was a time tha Fitt couldn't get served at the bar of the Irish Club in Eaton Square (one of the swankiest addresses in London, for them across the pond). He pulls out his Webley and fires four shots into the ceiling - and is served in seconds and everything is quietly, ahem, hushed up. The club only got round to removing the last traces of Fitt's fit about four years ago.
Not that I'd ever condone someone being pissed and packing, of course...

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: artbrooks
Date: 19 Dec 01 - 08:13 AM

Well, I guess I'm a member of that very small minority of Americans, at least according to what some folks would like to think. The only firearms I've ever carried or fired were the ones the Army issued to me. Creaping into another thread, the only hunting I've ever done was for Asian deer in the Korean DMZ with an M-14 rifle. I'm 55 years old, have lived in most parts of the country, and have never seen a weapon pointed at anyone, never been in or around a civilian/gangster firefight, never had my home entered by armed (or unarmed) intruders, or encountered any of the other reasons others give for carrying at all times. Perhaps I live in a dream world or perhaps I'm just lucky. If a person wants to carry for valid person defense reasons, and he/she is trained and qualified to do so, ok with me. If a person wants to pack iron because it wakes him feel more macho to do so, let me know so I can be somewhere else.

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: catspaw49
Date: 19 Dec 01 - 08:14 AM

Hey Gervase.....Is there a song there? Maybe to the tune of "Pistol Packin' Mama"??? How about "Pissed and Packin' Gerry?"

Spaw

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: kendall
Date: 19 Dec 01 - 08:51 AM

Jock, I am with you. If I could wave a wand and make ALL guns disappear forever, I would do it in a heartbeat. However, reality steps in here, and those of you who need to bury your heads in the sand should be grateful that some of us are on duty to protect your sorry asses. And, macho has nothing to do with it. If it did in my case I'd be packing a .44 magnum instead of a .38 with a two inch barrel. Some of you remind me of my little girl, age 8, when she saw me putting up smoke detectors. She asked what they were, and I told her. She started to cry because she just began to realize that her world was not safe and perfect. As long as there are whackos out there packing unseen guns, I will also pack, and I will eat at McDonalds with the assurance that some nut case wont get all of us. What have you people got against equality anyway? BTW, my license is only valid in Maine and Florida, so, all you paranoids in between can relax when you see me coming.

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: Big Mick
Date: 19 Dec 01 - 09:47 AM

No paranoia here, Kendall. I would never break the law and carry where it is not legal to do so. As to the cowboy mentality that certain ignorant folks here are trying to label us with, I would ask a question. Where has that ever been the case? At any number of locations where it is legal to carry, that is not the case. While in Arizona for 6 months on assignment a few years back, I saw any number of folks carrying. I also saw fender benders, disagreements, even a fight outside a local watering hole. Never saw a soul pull a weapon.

Mick

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 19 Dec 01 - 09:50 AM

Funny - Out here in Idaho if you don't have a weapon people think you are a felon. This is a very rural area and is very much a part of the old west. Like Sorcha - we figure the best defense is to promote the good and well being of all who come here. We teach our children safe and responsible gun handling. My state not only has concealed carry but every pickup around has a gun rack in the rear window with at least one rifle hanging in it.

Ground squirrels are a serious problem and in the spring we shoot all of them we can - rodent control - and when unwanted folks come into our homes I think we see them as part of a problem. More rodent control.

For those who never see a gun in anything but a store window, a museum, or on a police officer's hip I am glad. There are others out here who have seen just about everything else and are justified in the Legal carrying of a firearm.

And I too believe Guest (Lord that misnomer again) is very familiar with us. And one day Guest (Gad can't we give this tourist another monicker?) will be identified after he goes over the line. Then the clown will have to become responsible for his little self. I'm glad Joe deleted his message - Kendall my Brother I don't doubt you can handle yourself - but our little girl started something that was best left private and I'm real OK with Joe Offer stepping in.

My best to you all in the Holidays!

Steve

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: Kim C
Date: 19 Dec 01 - 10:10 AM

Mister and I thought about getting concealed carry permits, which are available in Tennessee, but we haven't done it because The Process is Long and Arduous and Expensive. Not just any bloke can apply for a permit and get one, which is as it should be. You have to go through certified training with the weapon you intend to carry, plus post a bond or prove insurance or something like that. Anyway it costs some money aside from the cost of your pistol.

When this became a law a few years ago, gun shops, instructors, and the State couldn't keep up with the demand.

A gun is a tool like any other tool. If you want to use one, you need to know how, or else accidents can happen. Same goes for lawn mowers, hammers, chainsaws, axes, scissors, and kitchen knives, to say the least. And wool combs- they have sharp teeth about 4" long.

Kendall, I would trust you to protect my sorry ass anytime. :-)

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: Midchuck
Date: 19 Dec 01 - 10:16 AM

Kendall, you aren't really carrying a snubnose loose in your pocket, are you? That's what the prior posts made it sound like!

I will defend - loudly - the right of any person with the proper training, and no history of violent crime or other evidence of instability, to possess and carry weapons. But you reach in your pocket for a pick or beer change and you bump that hammer, and your vocal range goes up two octaves in an instant!

I hope I misunderstood.

Peter.

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Dec 01 - 10:25 AM

Artbrooks, put me in the minority, too. Although I was raised with guns, target practising, and enjoyed it, I haven't shot a gun in almost twenty years and only own one very old .22 single shot rifle which belonged to my dad.

In all of my time living back East, in some of the not so great areas, I never felt a need to have a gun and never had problems with any break-ins. Only when I moved back to Wyoming did I have a problem when some drunk ass drove past me and shot across the back of my car in the middle of the night while I was taking my daughter to the hospital. All of my friends out here urged me to get a gun and told me tales of how they would have chased the fellow down and blown him off the road. Sorry, not my cup of tea. And, Sorchadarlin', NOT everyone in Wyoming owns guns, the majority, yes, but not all of us.

The old cowboy mentality was what I was raised with: weapons were kept out of the reach of children, said children knew how to use them, but also knew they'd be in deep shit if they ever took one down without permission. We were also taught to never use a gun in anger and never, ever point it at someone unless we meant to use the deadly force we were all too aware of. A lot of people, like Sorcha, still teach these ways, but I've seen too many drunks kill their spouses or kids accidentally shoot their friends, or a kid going home from school and getting out the family gun to successfully commit suicide. In a perfect world, there would be no guns, anywhere, for lack of need or desire.

kat

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: Kim C
Date: 19 Dec 01 - 10:54 AM

Before my parents divorced, my dad had a shotgun in the house, and I knew Beyond ALL Doubt that if I even got within spitting distance of it without supervision, that I would not live to tell about it. Not because of a firearms accident, but because of the Wrath of Dad. He didn't kid about things like that. Now, I knew some of the things I could push my luck on, but that wasn't one of them.

Same with my step-nieces and nephews. They can all shoot (most of them can outshoot me!)and they know their daddy don't mess around neither.

Maybe we could replace the term "cowboy" with "yahoo"? A real cowboy respects the power of his weapons. A yahoo, on the other hand.............

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: kendall
Date: 19 Dec 01 - 11:38 AM

If you had chased that yahoo down and blown him away, you would be commiting murder. Clearly, when he left he was no longer a threat to you. This is where the knowledge of the law comes in handy.It is always a bad idea to shoot at a fleeing felon. I agree that there are too many yahoos out there with guns, I am not a yahoo. I dont fault harpgirl or anyone who is afraid of guns, it is your right. What I do object to is people who dont know me calling me nasty names. I gotta go figure out why I give a shit for the opinion of someone who doesn't even know me. BTW, my PM's and e mails are running 100% with me.

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 19 Dec 01 - 11:45 AM

I gotta go figure out why I give a shit for the opinion of someone who doesn't even know me.

Because, Kendall, you are a conscientious person who (in spite of your image) is deeply concerned and caring about your friends and fellow persons.

Steve

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Dec 01 - 11:58 AM

That's right, Kendall, and of course, I was too scared for my daughter and myself (At one point it looked as though he was going to turn around and come back) to even think about doing such a thing. Out here, though, one would most likely be found not guilty by reason of self-defense.

I forgot, there was a time that I "carried." When working as a bartender at a pizza parlour and I was walking home every night, alone, at 2 and 3 a.m. This was at the height of the oil boom when almost anything "went" and it was a risk my then-father-in-law didn't like me to take, so he bought me a small handgun to carry. As soon as I quit that job, I got rid of the gun, too.

Kendall, I would have absolutely no concern in being around you while you were "packin'."

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: catspaw49
Date: 19 Dec 01 - 12:05 PM

Well hell kat, he has to "pack" some sort of firearm since his original equipment "packed it in" long ago..........

Spaw

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: DougR
Date: 19 Dec 01 - 01:01 PM

Meme so, Spaw, but Kendall can read! He watches TV! He reads magazines, and even in a place as isolated as Maine he must have read, seen, or heard abut VIAGRA!

DougR

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: DougR
Date: 19 Dec 01 - 01:02 PM

Ahem. "mebbe."

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: catspaw49
Date: 19 Dec 01 - 01:28 PM

Yeah Doug, but he's kinda' Downeast stubborn and his hearing's going too, because when his doctor suggested that Viagra could help, Kendall just blew him off......Said he thought the doc was a damn fool. Kendall said it didn't make any sense that a waterfall would help his performance problems.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 19 Dec 01 - 02:54 PM

Christmas presents a great challenge for those of us who wish to "pack heat". I can't say what is right for you, but by following some simple guidelines, you should find yourself discretely deadly in any situation.

Last minute shopping in those crowded malls? I suggest you head off any potential trouble by wearing something with large caliber heft and possibly semi-automatic firing capability. I prefer an Ouzi, because its lightweight comfort doesn't slow me down, and its obvious presence hung from a leather shoulder-swing discourages any conflict over the last Playstation 2.

You daughter's Christmas Choral Concert? Something easily concealable and discreet strikes the right festive note here. I like my 22 caliber Beretta pistol, worn under my blazer in a red and green shoulder holster. I'm sacrificing firepower I realize, but most of my fears of becoming the victim of a sudden hostage situation are waylaid.

Suppose you are invited to an old-fashioned Christmas celebration? Nothing says "celebrate the occasion with a bang" like a fully-functioning smoothbore black powder weapon. And if you should get into a heated altercation with a liberal or other anti-American, nothing has the stopping power within 100 yards.

Wishing everyone a secure Christmas, and remember...its not paranoia if they REALLY are out to get you!

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: catspaw49
Date: 19 Dec 01 - 03:06 PM

And there are probably quite a few out after you Leej..........Especially after a post like that one....LOL.......Great job!!

Spaw

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: Paul Mitchell
Date: 19 Dec 01 - 03:18 PM

As a Brit' I, too, find this an interesting thread to watch. Until recently I couldn't understand the desire on the part of any right thinking person to carry a gun. However, having recently been targetted by a guy diagnosed as having psychopathic tendancies (and I'm not being overly dramatic here), I find myself wanting to protect my family as best I can. So suddenly I'm wondering if I would carry a gun if I was allowed. This bloke is due out of prison in Jan' next year (unless the police do him on another couple of charges), so this may not even be paranoia! If I believed HE was able to access a fire arm (which for all I know, he can) I'd be climbing the walls!

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 19 Dec 01 - 03:19 PM

EJ - Absolutely superb!

Steve

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: artbrooks
Date: 19 Dec 01 - 03:26 PM

An M-79 with a flechette round would also be quite useful for navigating crowded shopping malls. It's the nice big bore that does it...a lot more physical presence than your wimpy Uzi, especially if you prefer the 10" one. Black powder cannon are great for celebrations, but grapeshot or canister works much better than ball on your REALLY difficult targets, like conservatives and "right-to-keep-and-bare-machine-guns" fanatics.

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: Les b (U.K.)
Date: 19 Dec 01 - 03:26 PM

Here in the U.K.I read this thread with growing incredulity. I cannot conceive why anybody would own or think about using a gun.
The only people I can think of that might use one, are either criminals, the police(in exceptional circumstances), and wildfowler types who seem to think that by massacering wildlife it makes them more of a man!
The fact that you are all talking about it so matter of factly, I find unbelievable. Meery Xmas
Les

Subject: RE: Who is packing heat this Xmas?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 19 Dec 01 - 03:27 PM

I had a loaded gun... but herself took care of that this morning before she went on her way to work... Now it's just spent and relaxed...

;-P