Time to Take a Stance

Things being what they are; personal finances, budget cuts, the high cost of everything, people are forced to work secondary jobs or work over time as much as they can. Over time is not a steady paycheck and cannot always be counted on to supplement the income. Don't get me wrong, I take it whenever my schedule allows it as it pays more than my part time job. I took a part time job because it's a steady paycheck.
While it doesn't pay a great deal of money and doesn't provide benefits, it has some bonuses and perks.
Plus, I get to play with my favorite toys all day. Yep, I get to handle GUNS!

I handle and show guns to potential buyers. I rent guns to people who want to learn to shoot. I get to shoot guns and make purchases at an employee discounted rate. I teach people about gun safety and even teach some to clean and operate their new purchase.

I meet a lot of interesting people every day. I consider myself a people person. Although, the average thug on the street doesn't like to show his face in this gun shop. I suppose because everyone working there is wearing a gun and it's full of what they think are "rednecks." Not only that, the law requires instant criminal history checks and well, most that try to purchase a gun get denied. (Imagine that) Then they try their bullshit story telling and it doesn't work. According to everyone that works there, and my own personal observations, when seen, the droopy drawers crowd tends to play it cool. Although, if they dressed like normal people with their pants up, they would not attract as much attention to themselves.

Don't get me wrong, this gun shop caters to everyone, including women, and boasts the largest indoor range within a 100 mile radius. It's just that with so many law enforcement officers in there or even working in there, it more than likely deters their presence.

The 2nd amendment is a powerful Constitutional right that all law abiding citizens should be able to exercise. Some of our more liberal, blue state law enforcement officers may believe that allowing the ordinary citizen to possess or even carry a concealed firearm is an accident looking for a place to happen. Some fear that there will be a wave of mass shootings of innocent people. Well, there is right now!

I like living in a red state. We have a rock solid Castle Doctrine law that protects the victim/homeowner. Robberies, Carjacking, Burglary, Kidnapping, Sex Assaults, are all violent crimes in this state and licensed CWP holders, can use deadly force in the prevention or commission of such crimes. CWP holders can also come to the aid of any relative, friend or bystander who would likewise have the right to use deadly force and do so on their behalf. It's called the "Alter Ego" rule. Keep in mind, you don't need a CWP to own or possess a firearm in this state, you need a CWP to carry a concealed firearm on or about your person.

So, my own personal interactions with law enforcement in this state is that most all believe in the concealed carry law. They take pleasure in the fact that innocent victims can legally take a stand against the average maggot on the street without fear of the criminal justice system screwing them because they simply acted in self defense or defense of others.  Cops also like clearing cases as "Justified."

Does it cause people with guns to act like it's the wild west? NO! On the contrary, it has the opposite effect. Look at cities such as Chicago and Washington, DC. Both take the honor of being in the top 10 of  America's most lawless cities with crime rates through the roof. Why? Because they actually tried to ban guns....even going so far as to ban them in a person's home. A person should be able to feel safe in their own home and should be allowed to defend their castle against intruders or attackers. How dare the government intrude in to my home.
On another note, terrorists and scumbags will allows manage to get their hands on guns or other weapons in some way. Meanwhile, the average citizen is left naked and defenseless against the armed criminal element. Who wins? It is impossible to get all the guns off the street.

Ah, but I digress.....

Working in the gun shop and being a CWP instructor, there has been a recent surge in gun sales and people attending the CWP training courses. What could cause that, you ask? Tax refund time? The current political climate? The current economic crisis with undertones of violence? Fear of losing our Constitutional right to keep and bear arms? The increase of gun violence? Who knows.

In recent weeks, a good majority of my attendees have been the over 50 crowd. Let's face it, the elderly are the biggest targets. Now, they want to fight back and I don't blame them one bit.

It's time to take a stance. Take the safety courses. Get your permit. Follow the gun safety rules. Don't be a victim.