This iReport is part of an assignment:
Gun ownership in America
About this iReport
- Posted July 24, 2012 by
- iraradnick Follow
Location
Rochester, New York
Rochester, New York
Assignment
 |
Armed and proud of it
I am an honorably discharged veteran who served our great nation during the Viet Nam war era. I am a responsible and well trained owner of various weapons, and have a Carry Concealed Weapon permit issued by NY state. I carry a Glock .40 caliber handgun anywhere I am legally allowed to, and stand ready to defend myself, my family, and any citizen in need of help in a society where our friendly police officers are but minutes away when seconds count.
Lest anyone think I am speaking fancifully, be aware that I have been held up at gunpoint when unarmed, finding myself staring down the barrel of an automatic handgun. Four years afterward I armed myself with a 9mm handgun, following my discharge from the US Army. Within 2 years I had occasion to draw my handgun when assaulted by a menacing character who had put myself and infant son at risk. Luckily upon seeing my handgun the assailant opted to retreat, and he was spared his life. But I was prepared to to fire upon him had he not turned and run. When it comes to my life or that of my family I will act in my own self interests and interests of my family, & yes, even my fellow law abiding citizens every time.
I am armed and proud of it. I am not a violent person, I prefer to live in peace. But others in society have taken it upon themselves to not let our fellow citizens live peacefully. From where I stand their rights end where mine begin. I hope to never need to draw my weapon again in defense of myself or another. But if called on to do so I will take immediate action to stop any threat that may once again come my way.
For those who feel responsible citizens like myself are a menace because we choose to exercise our right to protect ourselves, all you need to do is leave me alone. I will not be a bother to you. As an aside, my peace loving wife is also a CCW armed citizen. Luckily she has never had need to act in her own defense, but with the training we have participated in she will certainly not be an easy target for anyone.
For anyone who feels they have the right to strip me of my right to be able to defend myself and others I love and care for, do not try me. I will fight for my rights as ferociously as I fought for our nation when called on to do so in a foreign land. My politics are simple, never vote for anyone who even hints at needless further restraint of my right to arm myself.
That said, I do feel it is appropriate to deny the right to bear arms for anyone who has been convicted of a felony or has forced their cowardly will upon others through domestic violence. I do have firm views on my right to be armed, but I am not a fool. Anyone who wreaks ill will upon others through force is not worthy of being empowered to push their will when armed.
Lest anyone think I am speaking fancifully, be aware that I have been held up at gunpoint when unarmed, finding myself staring down the barrel of an automatic handgun. Four years afterward I armed myself with a 9mm handgun, following my discharge from the US Army. Within 2 years I had occasion to draw my handgun when assaulted by a menacing character who had put myself and infant son at risk. Luckily upon seeing my handgun the assailant opted to retreat, and he was spared his life. But I was prepared to to fire upon him had he not turned and run. When it comes to my life or that of my family I will act in my own self interests and interests of my family, & yes, even my fellow law abiding citizens every time.
I am armed and proud of it. I am not a violent person, I prefer to live in peace. But others in society have taken it upon themselves to not let our fellow citizens live peacefully. From where I stand their rights end where mine begin. I hope to never need to draw my weapon again in defense of myself or another. But if called on to do so I will take immediate action to stop any threat that may once again come my way.
For those who feel responsible citizens like myself are a menace because we choose to exercise our right to protect ourselves, all you need to do is leave me alone. I will not be a bother to you. As an aside, my peace loving wife is also a CCW armed citizen. Luckily she has never had need to act in her own defense, but with the training we have participated in she will certainly not be an easy target for anyone.
For anyone who feels they have the right to strip me of my right to be able to defend myself and others I love and care for, do not try me. I will fight for my rights as ferociously as I fought for our nation when called on to do so in a foreign land. My politics are simple, never vote for anyone who even hints at needless further restraint of my right to arm myself.
That said, I do feel it is appropriate to deny the right to bear arms for anyone who has been convicted of a felony or has forced their cowardly will upon others through domestic violence. I do have firm views on my right to be armed, but I am not a fool. Anyone who wreaks ill will upon others through force is not worthy of being empowered to push their will when armed.
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