A good post Walt except for the last sentence. I was completely with you up to that point. Especially, when you give the only "REAL" and "LEGITIMENT" reason a person carries the way the do.
<<CLIP FOR EXPEDIENCE>>
If you're chosen to be a victim by a BG, you have already given up the element of surprise. It has been said many, many times in these discussions; and it is still as TRUE now as ever:
"Surprise" is an "OFFENSIVE" tactic!
As an honest, law-abiding citizen, we will most likely ALWAYS enter a confrontation from a "DEFENSIVE" position. This simply means that it is IMPOSSIBLE for a CCer or OCer to have the "element of surprise" on their side; PERIOD!
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I'm sorry and I mean no offense!
But, instructors that teach the "element of surprise" is a "DEFENSIVE" tactic just do not know what they are talking about. IMHO; they are running a real risk of instilling a false sense of security in their students.
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Peace!
-[/I][/B]
Thanks for the positive feed back Tcox. It's nice to have a discussion over an issue instead of getting into the shouting and sniping matches we see here so often. I realize that emotions fall out of the pocket as soon as someone thinks they are being told "Your way is not the right way" (said in a booming voice as if it came from overhead)
Everyone has their own idea of what is the right way for them to carry. Like I said (I think I said) I have always carried concealed. I think even if Florida permited open carry tomorrow I'd have a hard time transitioning. I'd have fun doing so, just think of the shopping spree for new extenal gear! Oh! Sorry! Got lost in the thought for the moment.
The issue of Defensive vs Ofensive is one I'd like to persue.
If I'm walking down the street and am accosted by a BG, he thinks he has the upper hand, his 'element of suprise', otherwise I don't think the accostation would be taking place. So for the moment I am put on the
defensive. But at the moment I decide to fight back I would be doing so with an
Offensivemind set and at that time, if appropriate, I would be drawing my weapon in an
offensive condition(much to the BG's suprise). Arguable perhaps but I think it would be a matter of semantics.
Plus, regardless if we OC or CC we ALL consider our weapon of choice to be a
DEFENSIVE weapon. I cannot imagine my weapon ever being an
offensive weapon unless I am purposfully (premeditated) setting out to do someone harm (commit a crime).
I agree with some of your premis for OC especially the deterrance part, and the speed of acqusition (was that you?). And I'll even go along with the educational aspect of OC but I think that issue is far fetched and haas to be encountered in just the right circumstance and 'taught' by the right person. I don't think I would always be that right person.
All this being said, personal choice is what make our great nation great. For the time being and the laws of the state being what they are, conceal carry is my method of carry.
Take it easy and carry safe!
