Full disclosure-I was a bit in the bag when I wrote that and am not completely sure how I meant it at the time-wait, no-my account was hacked!-that's it!
I am sure I don't mean that one carries to be in control, but, rather, in the event that some event happens, they can have a level of control not available to them without the gun.
Please believe me--I truly do not understand what it is that would make someone feel they need to carry a gun-unless, of course, they truly live where the threat of violence is a statistical reality.
BTW-I am not expecting you to elucidate all the reasons this could be and is certainly off-topic re: my OP.
I will open myself up to criticism with a list off the top of my head of the reasons one might choose to carry a gun:
-protection-lives in an really dangerous place
-think they live in a dangerous place
-judges the world to be more hostile than it is
-fear of bringing a knife to a gun fight(helpless)
-exerting their rights(because they can)
-exerting their rights(in your face libtards)
-has been the victim of a crime(prevention of victimization)
-tradition
-rebelliousness
-reflection of their own masculinity
-thoughts of heroics
-thoughts of just desserts
Anyway-those are just my thoughts. I suspect that the main reasons sit between the 2nd and 4th of my reasons listed above-but I surely do not know. People don't seem to talk about it much.
Again-I am not asking you for quick and easy answers to all this-not your job! I am just always interested in what motivates people.
AND-I appreciate that you have put the mental energy into making responsible decisions about carrying--unfortunately many do not do the same. You seem to see carrying a a tremendous responsibility, which is why I think so few should do it. This is one reason why I think that those that most want to carry weapons are the ones I LEAST want to be able to do so. I have trouble trusting their judgement.
Have a great weekend!
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