On Being Armed
Those of you who read here often know Ogre’s position on the second amendment. You also know how Ogre feels about the politically incorrect word “Responsibility.” So I’m sure to many, it’s no surprise that Ogre is armed nearly all the time. Why? Because Ogre is responsible. I, individually, am responsible for my personal safety, no matter what the police and government want.
I also travel in areas where there is known to be high crime levels (Charlotte, NC). Carjackings and robberies are not unknown. So nearly everywhere (even when it’s allegedly “not legal”), I am armed. And know what? I feel safe. I’ve gotten used to the level of safety and responsibility. I believe I will be able to protect myself and others in times of danger.
This past weekend was the last weekend of the Caroliana Renaissance Festival. This was the first weekend I had ever been armed there. No, I wasn’t wearing a firearm, it was a sword. You see, I’ve been participating in various pirate-related activites there and this past week I managed to buy a short sword to go with the pirate outfit (it’s pretty piratey, with skulls, etc). And I felt completely different.
The Carolina Renaissance Festival is one of the very few places that I go where I am not normally armed. Perhaps that is because I feel completely safe there. It truly is a place where one can relax and not feel any danger at all — despite so very many people there who ARE armed. Sure, there’s even drinking. And yes, the armed people drink, too. But I’ve never seen anyone in danger, even remotely.
This past weekend when I was armed (again, with a sword), I did feel quite different. Even though I’m not necessarily trained in the use of a sword, I still felt different. I felt the responsibility of carrying a weapon and the added responsibility of watching more carefully those around me — and I felt the responsibility to protect others should the need arise. It’s amazing how different one feels when you’re armed (and when you accept responsibility).
Now this doesn’t mean I’m advocating that everyone should be armed all the time. But it does mean that no one should try and disarm me (or others like me). And to be honest, I’m going to remain armed, no matter what laws get passed. I respect the law, but I desire to protect innocent life more.
Popularity: 34% [?]
Possibly similar posts - Carolina Renaissance Festival - Forget the Bums - VA Tech Lawsuits - Guns Are Scary - Friday Feast #169
Question: I got an invitation to join the NRA not too long ago. I am a strong believer in the 2nd amendment, but have never owned a gun (firearm) personally. Why? Because I don’t know how to handle one safely and properly. My question is, I would like to learn. Would it be good to join the NRA and then contact them to find an individual who could teach me the basics of firearm care, safety and responsibility? I don’t pursue anything in a half baked fashion, especially when lives could be in jeapardy, so that’s why I ask.
The NRA has some of the best firearms instructors you will find in the world. Many police departments and military sections have NRA instructors. If you want to learn, you cannot go wrong there.
However, you might find more friendly people in your local gun shop. Don’t be scared, most gun shops that have a range attached house some of the nicest people in the world. They will know who the best instructors are (and most will be NRA certified).
That is how I will go then. Certified is usually good, NRA Certified would be better. I think I’ll go ahead and join.
Even unarmed, I don’t like it much when people talk about gun control. Gun ownership in this country should always be a choice.
Just found out I have to buy a router for home in order to have more than one computer connected to the cable modem. With DSL, the router was included with the install… hummm… Maybe I’m not saving that much after all! LOL!!!
Bah. Routers are $25.
My son thinks I need to buy a $200 one. I got news for him, if he “needs a caddy” he can pay for it! The way it is, I have the internet on MY PUTER… LOL!
There’s no way I’d pay that kind of money for a router. And I’ve got a network at my house that’s got a server, 2 different operating systems on 5 computers, a DMZ, and other fancy stuff. And the $25 router works just fine.
Thank you Ogre… the brat will be informed. LOL!!! Unless he want’s to spend “his money”, he will take what I get, and it won’t be that expensive!
It’s like when people ask me how much they should pay for a computer — and I tell them whatever they can afford because you can get a machine for whatever they want to pay!