Click (Joke, and Gun question!)

[Cajungaltx]

A woman was called in front of a Texas grand jury for manslaughter after she
shot a mugger 6 times in the back as he was running away with her purse.

He grabbed the purse and ran, she had her hand on the gun in it, and was
left with the revolver in her hand.

When asked by the grand jury why she shot the man 6 times in the back as he
was running away, she replied under oath:

"Because when I pulled the trigger the 7th time it only went 'click'"

Acquitted of all charges.
__________________________________________________ ____________

I like it.

I actually struggle with this issue - I'm definitely a fan of the 2nd amendment. I believe in the right to carry a concealed weapon. As a volunteer with N.I.L.M.D.T.S. - I've had to come out of some hospitals late at night, and thought to myself - what would I do? I'd hate for someone to think my camera gear was up for dibbs.

I've considered buying myself a taser - but don't have any idea about those - do they come with bullets?

I'm fairly certain that hospitals have a 'no weapons' sign too when I go in... so what do you do in a situation like that?

[crackhead]

"We need more guns so we can protect ourselves from people with guns!"

That's some sound logic right there.

[Cajungaltx]

Originally Posted by crackhead

"We need more guns so we can protect ourselves from people with guns!"

That's some sound logic right there.

My understanding about our 2nd amendment is that the purpose is not to protect ourselves against the 'every day idiot criminal'. The purpose is to protect ourselves against our government getting too big for their britches.

[CallMeAl]

Most hospitals have security officers if not their own police force. Just ask them to escort you to your car. That's part of what their responsibilities are.

[Coelus]

The hospital most likely has a 'no firearms' sign. Hospitals and nursing homes are some of the places that you can't carry, even with a CHL. There's regulations as to the size and wording of the signs that are supposed to be at each entrance. Since tasers are not considered deadly weapons (I think) they are allowed. Some of the LE guys may want to chime in on that one.

Personally I think the best personal defense is to make yourself appear to be a difficult victim. By the time you dig a gun or taser out of a purse you'll most likely be on the losing side of the fight. I have a CHL and I exercise my right to carry. But I spend more time looking around and trying to keep myself out of danger than I do with my hand at the ready. The odds are the criminal will be more prepared than me.

[ggeen]

The simple solution is to leave the weapon in a locked vehicle. You may decide to additionally purchase a gun safe for the car. I found one in Weatherford that has a neat product.

John, yes it does make perfect logic doesn't it? Because the people without gun are the victims of the unscrupulous people with guns. Besides, it is just plain fun to watch a soda bottle full of water explode on impact.

[CallMeAl]

It wasn't mentioned, but one bad aspect of tasers, pepper spray, etc is that their effective range is substantially less than a firearm. If you do decide on a firearm though, make sure you train...train...train! Be responsible with it. Not that I'm implying you wouldn't be.

[Coelus]

Originally Posted by crackhead

"We need more guns so we can protect ourselves from people with guns!"

That's some sound logic right there.

I'll remember that if I happen to see someone in danger. I could help them, but that would just mean more violence. Better to let them deal with it, right?

The only person I know who has had to use a concealed handgun did it to save her husband when they stopped to help some people that looked broke down on the side of the road. The two guys attacked him with a crowbar and a shotgun. She ad he husband would both most likely be dead today if she wasn't armed. He didn't have time to react when they surprised him. They assumed she couldn't do anything. They assumed wrong.
There's no pacifist in a foxhole.

Coelus added 3 Minutes and 16 Seconds later...Double Post Merged Below

Originally Posted by ggeen

The simple solution is to leave the weapon in a locked vehicle. You may decide to additionally purchase a gun safe for the car. I found one in Weatherford that has a neat product.

I kinda hate leaving mine in the truck now. I had my favorite Sig stolen in November.

[janikphoto]

Originally Posted by Cajungaltx

...I'm fairly certain that hospitals have a 'no weapons' sign too when I go in... so what do you do in a situation like that?

That is the big problem with the concealed carry permit right now. You can't carry in some of the places that you most need to defend yourself. I photograph at a lot of nightclubs and bars, and could not carry with me. I'm most likely to be jumped while leaving one at night, but my firearm would have to be stored in the car - not much good for me there... Some people are trying to change this law.

Remember, you may be following the law and leave your CCW in the car at the hospital, but a criminal won't be following that same law. They will be waiting with a gun in their pocket. By definition, criminals BREAK laws. They don't follow them... This is why we need need less restrictions with the CCP rules.

Originally Posted by crackhead

"We need more guns so we can protect ourselves from people with guns!"

That's some sound logic right there.

It is. Are you going to pretend that not having a firearm will stop a criminal from using one? It doesn't work that way. I'd prefer to have an equal playing field.

[ggeen]

Originally Posted by janikphoto

It is. Are you going to pretend that not having a firearm will stop a criminal from using one? It doesn't work that way. I'd prefer to have an equal playing field.

Socialist! <just kidding>

-G

[Coelus]

Remember, the police are only minutes away when seconds count.

[Kalrog]

Originally Posted by Coelus

Hospitals and nursing homes are some of the places that you can't carry, even with a CHL.

Coelus - your information on hospitals is out dated. Hospitals now have to follow the exact same rules as every other private entity by posting the proper 30.06 sign. Hospitals owned or leased by a government agency do not have the option of enforcing 30.06.

Cajungaltx - Contact me via PM if you have any questions about this that you would rather not discuss openly.

[Coelus]

Originally Posted by Kalrog

Coelus - your information on hospitals is out dated. Hospitals now have to follow the exact same rules as every other private entity by posting the proper 30.06 sign. Hospitals owned or leased by a government agency do not have the option of enforcing 30.06.

Thanks for the update on that. I'm due for a renewal this year and it seems some things have changed. Any other major ones I may have missed?

[David_3]

Originally Posted by Cajungaltx

I'm fairly certain that hospitals have a 'no weapons' sign too when I go in... so what do you do in a situation like that?

Assuming you hold a Texas CHL, you ARE entitled to carry in a hospital, UNLESS the hospital gives you verbal or PROPER written notice that firearms are not allowed. See Section 30.06 of the Texas Statutes for the definitions of verbal or written notice. A sign that simply says "No firearms" is not proper notification. If they don't comply with the Texas laws, then you are entitled to carry inside a hospital.

Originally Posted by Coelus

Hospitals and nursing homes are some of the places that you can't carry, even with a CHL. There's regulations as to the size and wording of the signs that are supposed to be at each entrance.

This is true, IF given verbal or proper written notification by the hospital, that firearms are not allowed. The hospital is treated the same as any other private business. This particular statute is a bit tricky, because the wording in Section 46.035 (b)(4) can lead one to believe that hospitals and nursing homes are off limits to firearms. But, if you read further in that same section, there is an exception to that statute (Section 46.035 (i)) that requires the hospital to comply with the 30.06 rule. If proper notification is not given, then a CHL holder may carry in that hospital. Also, it is a misconception that the written notice must be posted at each entrance. It doesn't have to be posted at ANY entrance. The written notice may be posted (in the form of a sign) inside the premise (such as behind the counter of a store), or it may in the form of a card or other document that contains the proper notification. Remaining on the premises after being notified, would of course, be an offense.



CHL holders, are required to comply with certain Texas statutes. But that is a two way street. Businesses, including hospital, are also required to comply with the Texas statutes. If they don't, then they can't complain if a CHL holder exercises their right to carry.

[ElanR]

Originally Posted by Coelus

Thanks for the update on that. I'm due for a renewal this year and it seems some things have changed. Any other major ones I may have missed?

A couple. You can now carry a handgun in your car, from your residence to your car and from your car to your residence without a CHL. It must be concealed at all times. Texas also adopted a 'castle doctrine' law, basically meaning you are no longer obligated to consider/explore the possibility of retreat when defending life or property. You are allowed to stand your ground.

Originally Posted by crackhead

"We need more guns so we can protect ourselves from people with guns!"

That's some sound logic right there.

Yes, it is. A gun is also effective protection from people with knives, baseball bats and tire irons. And it can help a 5', 100lb woman defend herself against a 6'4", 250lb unarmed attacker. You can keep the public safe by outlawing anything made of iron or wood and by banning anyone over 6' in height. But it's easier to allow citizens to protect themselves by carrying a gun.