I've been informed when I go to get my permit, the guy doing the printing asks "why?"

[SaltH2OHokie]

Apparently in Suffolk, VA...my hometown...(this coming from a fella who applied today for his CHP), the police officer, a Lt in this case, who takes your prints is going to inquire as to why you feel compelled to apply for the permit.

Should my answer be:

A.) I wish I could just carry you around, but I feel like a .45 will be easier to get in my waist-band.

B.) It's my right as a US citizen and I feel compelled to exercise it rather than lose it.

C.) Silence...or "None of your business, sir"

Thoughts?

 

[Dark_Harvest]

"it is my right."

 

[jimmyraythomason]

(D) All of the above

 

[starshooter231]

I voted A because it's true. However if you want to be a bit more high road about it I would suggest B

 

[Guitargod1985]

If it's shall issue, then give him a smart answer like (A).

 

[plexreticle]

"Cause a cop is to heavy to carry around."

 

[jakemccoy]

It depends, but it would mostly like be...

"Why not? No, seriously, please explain why not carry."

The first two choices in the poll are loaded. With those responses, I'd be too tempted to get into yet-another-frustrating-useless-debate-with-an-anti.

 

[TAB]

as much as I'd like to say all of the above...


the correct answer is E

None of the above.

 

[CajunBass]

"I really don't see why that would be any of your concern."

Same answer I would give to anyone who asked why I carry. No one ever has.

 

[LAK]

"Because it's there"?

I would say, "for the purpose of self defense".

If this is countered with anything like, "Why? Do you carry alot of cash? Have some special risk factor? .... [etc]" I would say, "For self defense in compliance with the laws of this state - which do not require any special reason or status, but do require the permit for which I am now applying".

If he has a problem with that one I would stand my ground. If turned away I would start writing letters to his upward channels in the department, and state gov - registered mail with copies held on file of each. If that doesn't get the constipation moving I would talk to an attorney.

------------------------------------

http://searchronpaul.com
http://ussliberty.org/oldindex.html
http://www.gtr5.com
http://ssunitedstates.org

 

[Eric F]

I live in Suffolk, I was only asked why I needed to be printed, so they know which file to drop the card in. IIRC you then take said card to the court house and leave it with the clerk. Since it is really none of their business, why not give them an esier answer like For easier transportation of my firearms. it will likely dumbfound the person snd just stump thim into no more quesstions.

 

[TexasRifleman]

I always answer "For the same reason I buy car insurance and fire extinguishers, because bad things sometimes happen".

 

[7mmsavage]

I doubt you'll be asked. I got my permit in Chesterfield, just south of Richmond, and no one asked why I wanted a permit. Like EricF said, the only thing I was asked, is why I wanted to be finger printed. I thought it would be a big deal, but no one I interacted with gave me a second thought.

 

[cambeul41]

[T]he police officer, a Lt in this case, who takes your prints is going to inquire as to why you feel compelled to apply for the permit.

Feel compelled? I don't. I simplt choose to. Why do I choose to? Just lie back on the couch and tell me about your childhood, your fears, and your fantasies. That way, perhaps, I will be able to understand your inner needs well enough to distill an answer from the complexities of the universe that is both truthful and simple enough for you to understand.

 

[Tom Fury]

Because I can

Because I want to

with a straight face and say no more.

Or the Kentucky answer: "So I can do legally what I've always done anyway..."

 

[DerbyDale]

I have though about this before and if I was every asked by a law enforcement officer as to why i felt the need to carry... I think my response would be...

"Why do I carry!?! I tell you what. I will leave my firearm at home, IF your agency can guarantee, in writing, that my family or I will NEVER fall victim to a violent crime."

"Oh you mean you can't guarantee that in writing? Then it sounds like you are telling me that our safety is ultimately my responsibility. In that case, I think I will continue to carry just like I wear a seat belt when I get behind the wheel. I dont plan on using the seatbelt either, but I wear it just in case..."

 

[OMGWTFBBQ]

"Because my safety (and that of my family) is my responsibility."

There's no need to be a smart ass about it.

 

[chris in va]

I would do the 'fire extinguisher/car insurance' thing, but leave off the 'sometimes bad things happen' clause.

Or just not say anything. It's not required.

 

[308win]

If he does ask and you antagonize him guess who pays? Even in shall issue states (don't know if VA is or not) things happen. 'Nough said?

 

[Linda]

When seconds matter, the police are only minutes away.

 

[Lamb of Gun]

It just sounds like protocol. I would stick to just saying "To protect myself." or something of the sort.

It's probably just incase someone is bat-sh*t crazy and says ''CUZ I'M GONNA PUT A BULLET IN JOHN DOE'S FAT HEAD WITH IT.", or something. I don't know.

I doubt it would matter what you said as long as it's sane.

 

[jackstinson]

Because you have met all the requirements and can legally do so.

 

[Superlite27]

I wouldn't get smarmy or offer any wisacre replies.

I'd merely ask him right back:

"Why do I need to carry? I'm not sure. Why do you carry, sir?"

And if he answers, tell him.

"Then that's the reason I need to carry."

Unless it's some quick "Because I'm a cop." or similar answer.

Then I'd just say: "Well, you carry a gun. Do you think my life is worth protecting as much as your's is?"

 

[ronwill]

I chose "B" but I think my response would be "I feel more comfortable knowing I can defend myself when seconds count and help is minutes away".

 

[KINGMAX]

My response

The world situation as a whole, I fear for the saftey of myself and family. As a law abiding person, I want to do the correct thing, although criminals do not.

I hope and pray that I have shot my last person in my life time.