How do you answer The Big Question? ("Why?")

[Average Guy]

A couple of years ago, when I had my Utah CCW app notarized at a local shop, the woman behind the counter asked, "Why do you need a concealed weapons permit?" Last week I took a polygraph exam and the witch doctor--I mean, polygrapher--also asked why I had applied for a CCW in Utah.

My answers were pretty weak (I suppose I should have expected, and been prepared, just in case--Verbal Condition Orange?). It's one thing to support a position (and even carry in support of said position), but when asked WHY, and put on the spot, I have a tough time answering "in 25 words or less." ("Please give me your address and I'll mail you a comprehensive essay...")

Just wondering what short, pithy answer(s) you might give when asked why you have (or "need") a CCW.

 

[Mike Irwin]

I'll either not answer the question, or simply ask "Why not?"

Or, if they seem like they're actually looking for a real answer, instead of an avenue by which to launch an anti-gun tirade, I may answer "Because it's not the job of the police to provide for my security 24x7. It's my responsibility."

 

[Riphalman]

WHY?

I generally feel that it's no one else's business but my own, and the folks who know me well already know why. However, the few times I've been inclined to share the reason with other folks, it goes just like this......BECAUSE NOT ALL MEN ARE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT OF BROTHERLY LOVE.

 

[foghornl]

WHY ?

Because I know that there is the "element of society" that cares nothing for the sanctity of life, and would gladly stomp both of us to death for nothing more than a few dollars, some cold beer, or their next drug fix.

 

[JJohnston015]

Aren't polygraph tests supposed to consist entirely of yes-or-no questions? In that case the answer is, "Is this part of the test?"

 

[hutch24]

Because I can't afford bodyguards.

 

[pizzaaguy]

It is my God-given right to protect and defend
myself and my family. Florida gives me the means
by which I can offer defense with a firearm.

also...

The bad guys have weapons. Why shouldn't the
law abiding citizens have them?

 

[Double Maduro]

There is only one answer to any "why" question---"because".

The answer I give is "for personal protection and recreation".

 

[10-Ring]

My answer, "For the protection of myself & my family."

 

[ChristopherG]

My guardian angel died.

 

[Leatherneck]

"It's a dangerous and uncertain world out there, containing bad guys who don't obey laws or rules of civilazation."

TC
TFL Survivor

 

[Airwolf]

Mike nailed it for me:

"Because it's not the job of the police to provide for my security 24x7. It's my responsibility."

"It's my responsibility" says it all. A strange concept to many, many people in the world today, is it not?

 

[answerguy]

Why ask why?

Is Utah a may issue or a shall issue state? If it is a shall issue it makes even less sense to ask this question. It seems to me like a LEO pulling you over and asking "Where are you going?" i.e. they are just trying to feel you out.

 

[Ed N.]

Well, my answer depends on my perception of the person asking.

If they seem like a reasonable sort, just curious, honestly looking for a real answer, I can say something like, "Have you followed the local news lately?" The response is often, "Yeah, I guess I see what you mean."

If they seem like a psyco-babbling, tree hugging, left wing bliss ninny, I might say, "Because I'm sexually dysfunctional, poorly endowed, and this helps make up for my dreadful feelings of inadequacy." That seems to shock 'em enough that there's no further discussion.

Fortunately in Florida, I never have to answer such silly questions for the Government.

 

[Viking6]

I started to say the same reason that I have car insurance, house insurance, etc. but those are required and Life insurance is a given, you WILL die. It's not a known fact outside of family and some friends, but for them I say it gives me options. I carry around 75% of the time away from work but most times even my family doesn't know.

 

[TheOtherOne]

Is Utah a may issue or a shall issue state? If it is a shall issue it makes even less sense to ask this question. It seems to me like a LEO pulling you over and asking "Where are you going?" i.e. they are just trying to feel you out.

Shall Issue and it's rather easy to get a non-resident permit also.

When you mail in the paperwork for your permit, you have to have your signature notarized. It sounds like he was in Cali when he had it notarized.

 

[BerettaNut92]

Avid shooter, I travel to and from the range between 1 to 3 times a week with at least two firearms, averaging $1100 each.

 

[Country Boy]

If somebody came in here right now with intent to cause bodily harm, what would you do?
At least I have options.

I carry a gun for the same reason I wear a seatbelt: I never know when trouble will occur.

 

[BogBabe]

"Why do I need a concealed weapons permit?"

Because I can't legally carry my gun around with me without one.

 

[rock jock]

When I tell people that it is for my personal protection, I am often told that the chances of me needing a gun to defend my life is remote. So, I usually ask the person if they wear a seatbelt. If they reply in the affirmative, I ask if they have ever been in a serious car accident. The answer is usually "no" (minor fender benders don't really count since serious injury was usually not a consideration). I reply:

"So, you have been driving for __ years, and given that you probably either drive or are a passenger in a car five or more times per day (that's probably about average if you think about going to and from work, to and from lunch, and an errand or two every couple of days), that's approximately 2,000 car trips per year, and ____ car trips since you began driving. Add in the number of car trips you took before you began driving and, over your lifetime, that's about ____ number of times you were potentially at risk for being in a serious car accident, and yet, you still continue to wear your seatbelt. WHY??"

As an illustration, for someone that is 35 years old, you can reasonably assume that they have taken about 60-70K car trips in their lifetime.

 

[Blackhawk]

It's my right.

 

[k say]

if you have to ask, you wouldn't understand

 

[dairycreek]

I have a CHL (oregon talk).

Because I feel a deep and personal responsibility to be in a position to protect/defend myself and my family whenever the occasion might arise.

 

[Boats]

Actually, the main reason I got one was to be excepted from the stupid transport laws on my trips back and forth to the range. Used to have to have ammo seperated from firearm and not in reach in case I got pulled over. Now? Cocked and locked on my belt with my CCL behind my DL.

So I got it because it was convenient and I didn't need an excuse anymore when Oregon went "shall issue."

Oh, that and DeShaney v. Winnebago Cty., the most prominent SCOTUS case that says the state is under no positive duty to protect you from harm, even if they know about it in advance or the harm is imminent absent a special relationship, (in custody).

Oddly enough for you Oregonians out there is a case I believe called Oregon Shooting Assoc. v. Multnomah County wherein the Court of Appeals actually ruled that the citizens of this state do not have the right to own magazine fed semi-automatic firearms because they had no equivalent in 1859. As it stands, it seems that you are only entitled, by right, to own without question side-by-side shotguns, wheelguns, and at most, lever action rifles. Thank God for Samuel Colt and for the Volcanic Repeating Rifle or there wouldn't even have been the right to the descendents of those. The Oregon Supreme Court denied review, and AFAIK, this is the current state of Article 1, Section 27 jurisprudence under the Oregon Consitution.

 

[Standing Wolf]

I carry concealed firearms because it's my right and my life and property are worth defending.