First of all, I heartily agree that it would be preferable for people to carry their guns in the open. Bank guards and police do, and the deterrent effect is obvious.

I'd much rather see people walking around with holsters on their belts like cowboys than a holster under their coat. There may be professional reasons an arm holster is more accessible or works better in some way, but I doubt it, otherwise uniformed cops would use them.

It should be easier to get an "unconcealed weapon" permit than the other kind, but guess what: I didn't make the rules.

I trust my ability to use a firearm with restraint, but I have second thoughts on how I might react under stress, I certainly don't trust him. I don't get to vote on his vigilante justice, and maybe I don't trust the fact that because he can afford a license and some classes means he has the judgement and restraint it takes to carry a lethal weapon in public. In my opinion, half the people who get a carry permit just want an excuse to legally shoot someone.

I notice a tendency of many people to believe that they would be just fine handling a certain privilege or responsibility, but not "those other guys." There are examples of prominent liberal politicians who are anti-gun in the political arena, but somehow feel it's okay for them to have them. It's an elitist thing, I suppose, and goes way past guns.

I don't understand you, Tom, you don't believe in firearms, you even refuse to use a harmless pellet rifle to run off your potentially dangerous racoon pests, yet you suddenly reach out for this cause, presumably just because you know your position will be opposed by liberals.

Of course I believe in firearms, when necessary. So far, the raccoons haven't tried to rob or kill me.