My buddy Bryan sent me a txt message today notifying me of a report he'd heard on the radio about a shooting on "Music Row" and the gunman being on the loose. I haven't been able to locate any details on the shooting so those are the only facts I can really state at this time.
The txt message came through around 2pm. Broad daylight. The alleged shooting happened midday. If it had happened at night, in the ghetto less than a mile awhile from our place of business, I would be a little more understanding. But this was midday, and a little closer to the heart.
I'm not big into guns; I'd much rather be spending my time, attention and money on photo supplies or something else that's a little less lethal. But, news like this shooting can be really unsetlling and makes me very eager to look at my options for protection.
Mark sent me a report he saw where Obama had been voted the "Gun Salesman of the Year" by the Outdoor Wire, which is apparently "the nation's largest daily electronic news service for the outdoor industry." November 2008 marked a 42% increase in the number of background checks performed, which is the highest number ever reported. December 2008 was 24% higher than December 2007.
Now, I'm not getting paranoid about all of this, but I am trying to approach this situation rationally and logically. It seems that, for our species, it's not only survival of the fittest but also survival of the most prepared. They say that a gun is one of those things that if you regret not having one, it's possible that it's too late.
The steps I've taken to get my carry permit have been made with the sincere hope that I am never put in the situation where I have to pull the trigger. I'm not doing this just so I have the right to brag about a gun or to wave it around idly just waiting to pounce on anything that moves. This isn't a pissing contest for me; even if an intruder breaks in my house I would have to evaluate the situation to determine the best way to protect my family and myself. I look at this the same as if I had spent 8 hours and $150 learning to build a fire in case I ever needed to build one to save my life.
I'm not sure I'll ever feel comfortable enough with a gun to actually carry it on my person. But, I like having the option available to me where I can legally do this if I ever feel the need. Hearing the news of the shooting today reinforced this.