Posted by Godsgunman: Not trying to sound disrespectful in any way, but where do you all live that you have this fear mentality.
What does "fear mentality" have to do with it?
Sure if I'm going to be anywhere near a place I know is shady like downtown KC I'll go armed for the "just in case".
Many of us recognize that we cannot know when we may need to defend ourselves, so we make it a practice to carry when we can. Many of us also believe that if one would not go somewhere unarmed because of a perception of a higher than
usual level of risk, it is prudent to not go there at all, if it can be avoided in any way. For example, I do not go
here at all; I have first-hand knowledge that the statements that the area had become "virtually problem free" were erroneous, and I believe them to have been self serving.
Its about being aware of your surroundings and knowing whats around.
That's a very big part of it, and when one is distracted, whether by a cell phone or by concentrating on the operation of an ATM or by getting the child in or out of the car, one cannot
be aware of one's surroundings or know "what's around", and that's the point of most of the responses here.
Of course, the other part of the equation is being prepared for the unpleasant sudden realization that "what's around" may constitute a serious imminent threat.