This morning I was pointed to a blog post here that made me do what I don't usually do... jump into an apparently ongoing argument.
Go read the post, then read the comment that I left, which at the time of this posting is awaiting moderation, and tell me, am I wrong to be a bit offended at his assumption that everyone is, or has handy, a large muscular manly man well versed in martial arts and what have you? That my safety is somehow less important than his? Because that's how it came across to me...
Here's my comment, and I did try to be polite:
Sir, as one of those “Radical pro-gun” people, who may be labeled a troll after this comment, I have to ask you a few questions-
How is it a sign of personal weakness that I assess the world in a realistic way? I’m 5′7 and 100lbs or so… no matter what martial arts or self defense classes I take, there is going to be someone out there who can overpower me with sheer muscle.
Does the fact that I consider the subject of my personal safety and carry a gun not because I expect someone to jump me, but because I know, in the realities of our times, that when seconds count, the police are only minutes away make me somehow weak or unfit?
Personally I think that the conscious and deliberate decision to use all tools available to you to protect yourself and your loved ones is a good thing.
I’ve made a choice, a personal decision, that my safety and well being is more important to me than the safety and well being of a person who means me harm.
Is there something wrong with that, in your mind?
I take personal responsibility for my own safety, and that is why I carry a gun. If that makes me weak in your mind, so be it, but I hope you’ll think about what I’ve said before you jump to conclusions about me.
