Quote:
Originally posted by Samueul:
Moby, The point I'm personally trying to get across is that I carry a firearm for the same exact reason I own insurances and fire prevention equipment etc. Just in case. If my home catches fire, is there any guarantee that a fire extinguisher is even going to help? Maybe, maybe not, but I'd like to have it on hand regardless. I feel the same way about firearms. I lump them right in with flashlights, spare tires, a good wrench, etc. It's just another tool in the bag to me. Most gun owners feel the same way. You see where I'm going with it?

Now what sucks, and I have to use the car insurance as an analogy, like you said, I am forced by law to have that precaution whether I want it or not, but I have to constantly kick and scream on the political front to own a firearm which is just another precaution to me. I'd rate the option to have the ability to protect myself above car insurance any day.

What ever the reason a person has for carrying a firearm, you can label it paranoia or preparedness, either way the end result is usually the same.
I understand what you're saying.

I suppose I should have been more specific in why I agreed with Brent...

All those people that went out and bought guns after 9/11 (and to think there weren't a lot would be ignorant)...THAT is paranoia.

If the first reason someone gives for carrying is "9/11, Columbine, Wendy's, etc." and not "to protect myself, my family and my property"...THAT to me is paranoia.

(I'm not getting into the hobbyist at all - I think that's a different reason all together.)
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"Nature has constituted utility to man the standard and test of virtue. Men living in different countries, under different circumstances, different habits and regimens, may have different utilities; the same act, therefore, may be useful and consequently virtuous in one country which is injurious and vicious in another differently circumstanced" - Thomas Jefferson, moral relativist