Soccer Mom-armed and dangerous

While I agree with your basic view that no one needs to fear the average citizen with a gun, I do respectfully submit a few comments.

First, Minnesota's handgun carry law does NOT require one to conceal his or her firearm - although those of us who train permit holders strongly recommend "discreet" carry for a number of reasons, not the least of which you pointed out - one is more likely to retain control of one's firearm if no one knows you have it.

Second, in our increasingly government controlled nation, it is easy to forget that rights are not "earned" - they are inherent. Thus one does not "earn" the right to carry a firearm - one has it unless and until he or she commits some offense that allows the state to limit the right.

Finally, the thugs will never carry openly - since any cop could (and likely would) ask them to produce a carry permit, which would prove somewhat inconvenient, to say the least.

John Caile - http://www.sditraining.net

You wrote, "I stated that I trust the people who have earned the right to carry."
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John, Dec 29 wrote, "Second, in our increasingly government controlled nation, it is easy to forget that rights are not "earned" - they are inherent. Thus one does not "earn" the right to carry a firearm - one has it unless and until he or she commits some offense that allows the state to limit the right."
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Gerald, I agree with John and would take the thought one step further ... one cannot have their rights "taken away" (John's exception is correct), one must voluntarily give up their rights under the system envisioned by the Founders.

Personally, I have no intention of voluntarily giving up anything endowed me by my Creator.

Will be looking for your book soon and
Thank you for the thought-provoking piece!

Thanks for the correction on Mn law,I am glad the permit holders are discreet. I have the view that if you can be jailed for exercising your inherent rights you have lost something. Thus the reason I used the term earned. The state does have a limit on the right even though you have not commited an offense. I am not saying this is good or bad but we do have to prove our innocence in order to legally exercise our right to carry.

My reference to the thugs was pertaining to a sceenario where side arms became come place.

My book is available at Amazon books. I would not say I am a good writer, just and average guy with a lot to say. Thank You for your comments.