I think many people misunderstand the NRA stance of "The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun, is a good guy with a gun."
I submit that most people take that to mean the "good guy" is an armed citizen.
In reality, I am sure "good guy" could be an armed citizen or could be law enforcement or armed security.
Those who are opposed to private carrying of firearms, are all for the police and probably
armed guards having firearms. They often espouse "just call 911!" And
what is it you are hoping will happen when you call 911? Are you
hoping an ambulance shows up? Or maybe the fire department? Maybe the
dog warden? No. You want the police to show up, with their guns, to
end a bad situation.
So those who are opposed to armed citizens
are not against guns, per se, as they want the cops to show up, armed,
and handle the situation. They are against a responsible citizen being
armed and able to defend himself or herself and possibly end a bad
situation.
It is state-ism, pure and simple. I carry a
firearm. I am VERY aware of the responsibility that comes along with
that. I am hopeful that I will NEVER have to use my firearm in defense
of myself or others. If I am ever in a bad situation, I would LOVE it
if the police were close enough to end the event, without my
participation. All that being said, I still carry, because you never
know when something bad is going to happen, how far away the police will
be, and what you may be called upon to do.
The police are "good guys" with guns.
I will never use my firearms in an irresponsible manner. I will never
use my firearms to commit a crime. I hope to never use my firearms to
defend myself or others, but if the situation calls for it, I am ready
to do so.
I am a "good guy" with a gun.
