I just say that because I've been dealing with this damn headpain for the past two days without any medication. I finally got my hands on new scripts which were filled without problems, but I'm still in pain because they're lower dosages.
At least it took most of the edge off, though. I'm thankful for the little stuff at this point.
So, the past week or so has led to a pretty considerable amount of controversy about my decision to purchase - and (legally) openly carry - a handgun. Although I am sick of all the Internet Superheroes telling me how irresponsible and dangerous I am, I wanted to clear a few things up.
First of all, the decision in and of itself was not taken lightly. I've spent months upon months researching, learning, and speaking closely with several very experienced gun owners and enthusiasts, several of whom are in law enforcement, or current/prior military service. I didn't just up and go out, buy a gun, get a license to carry firearms, and start parading it around town - I took the time to make sure I was ready to make the decision because it's not something to be taken lightly.
Secondly, I don't have any disillusion with how well or or poorly trained I am with my weapon. I'll be spending lots of money, lots of time, and lots of bullets (sometimes) in training classes, range trips, and educational seminars, making sure that I not only am very, very comfortable with the laws and responsibilities surrounding weapons ownership, but making sure that I expand on my knowledge of how to safely handle it (which means handling it as little as possible, really).
Thirdly, my choice to openly carry the gun (in a retention holster, on my strong side) is not what I feel is "right." It's not a political statement and it's not me being any type of activist. It's what I feel comfortable with. I like carrying it this way. I know what I'm doing and I understand the consequences of doing so, and again, this was not a lightly taken decision.
Finally, I hope to whatever god you choose to believe in that I never, ever have to use it in any type of non-shooting-range environment. Carrying a gun is not too much unlike having car insurance - you don't ever want to have to use it, but if you ever do need it, you're damn well glad you have it. It doesn't get flashed, it doesn't get shown off, and it doesn't ever, ever gets unholstered under any circumstances in public in which I don't feel that my life, or the life of someone else, is in danger. Period. The thought of drawing it when I am angry never has and never will cross my mind. It's a tool - much like a screwdriver - it has a time and a place for use, but it can only be used at that specific time, none else.
For those of you would say that I "have no business owning a gun" or that I'm an irresponsible or dangerous gun owner, I can't say a damned thing that will convince you otherwise. As a very close friend of mine told me just this morning, only time will tell. Obviously, I am dead certainly confident that I will prove those of you who think those things to be completely incorrect.
At least it took most of the edge off, though. I'm thankful for the little stuff at this point.
So, the past week or so has led to a pretty considerable amount of controversy about my decision to purchase - and (legally) openly carry - a handgun. Although I am sick of all the Internet Superheroes telling me how irresponsible and dangerous I am, I wanted to clear a few things up.
First of all, the decision in and of itself was not taken lightly. I've spent months upon months researching, learning, and speaking closely with several very experienced gun owners and enthusiasts, several of whom are in law enforcement, or current/prior military service. I didn't just up and go out, buy a gun, get a license to carry firearms, and start parading it around town - I took the time to make sure I was ready to make the decision because it's not something to be taken lightly.
Secondly, I don't have any disillusion with how well or or poorly trained I am with my weapon. I'll be spending lots of money, lots of time, and lots of bullets (sometimes) in training classes, range trips, and educational seminars, making sure that I not only am very, very comfortable with the laws and responsibilities surrounding weapons ownership, but making sure that I expand on my knowledge of how to safely handle it (which means handling it as little as possible, really).
Thirdly, my choice to openly carry the gun (in a retention holster, on my strong side) is not what I feel is "right." It's not a political statement and it's not me being any type of activist. It's what I feel comfortable with. I like carrying it this way. I know what I'm doing and I understand the consequences of doing so, and again, this was not a lightly taken decision.
Finally, I hope to whatever god you choose to believe in that I never, ever have to use it in any type of non-shooting-range environment. Carrying a gun is not too much unlike having car insurance - you don't ever want to have to use it, but if you ever do need it, you're damn well glad you have it. It doesn't get flashed, it doesn't get shown off, and it doesn't ever, ever gets unholstered under any circumstances in public in which I don't feel that my life, or the life of someone else, is in danger. Period. The thought of drawing it when I am angry never has and never will cross my mind. It's a tool - much like a screwdriver - it has a time and a place for use, but it can only be used at that specific time, none else.
For those of you would say that I "have no business owning a gun" or that I'm an irresponsible or dangerous gun owner, I can't say a damned thing that will convince you otherwise. As a very close friend of mine told me just this morning, only time will tell. Obviously, I am dead certainly confident that I will prove those of you who think those things to be completely incorrect.
