CAPTAIN MIKE
Member
One of the things that really 'bugs' me is the assumption that law-abiding citizens who love their country, cherish freedom and take responsibility for their own safety (and the safety of others around them) are somehow "looking for trouble". Nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, I know, there's always an exception - somebody looking to be some kind of macho cowboy. However, by and large, the overwhelming majority of CCW permit holders are decent, law-abiding Americans who understand the consequences of the fact that the police do not have a legal obligation to defend you and simply can't be "everywhere at once".
As we encounter BOTH "Antis" and "Pro 2A" folks, we should remind ourselves to be good examples. We should reflect an attitude of quiet preparedness, not some phony macho "Don't Mess with Me" type of attitude. That only hurts our cause and helps the other side. Swaggering around like some tough guy can lead to tragic and lifelong consequences for us and for possibly others. The proper mind set of of someone who is trained and capable is one of self-confidence, situational awareness and readiness but certainly not macho arrogance.
I met someone today whose attitude needed some 'adjustment' in this area, and so I hope I helped make that adjustment. I told him that if he continued to display his macho attitude, it will eventually create a tragedy he won't be able to "un-do" once lead is launched downrange. I said that his daily dress does not need to be so consistently 'tactical' every day unless he's going to the range for a match. I asked him to consider his outward appearance and personal demeanor -- both of which need to be toned down about 5 or 6 notches. I said that if he is armed it need not be 'signalled' to others every day by his bragging, swaggering, manner of dress, etc. Indeed, the fact that he is armed should be the 'ultimate surprise' package for any Bad Guy. Moreover, from a Public Relations standpoint, a macho attitude when carrying only serves to harden the negative attitude of those we most need to convert to our common-sense way of thinking.
In short, we should all be 'Ambassadors' and have a personal bearing that reflects in a positive way on the freedoms and beliefs that we share.
Anybody else have any similar discussions with such types?
As we encounter BOTH "Antis" and "Pro 2A" folks, we should remind ourselves to be good examples. We should reflect an attitude of quiet preparedness, not some phony macho "Don't Mess with Me" type of attitude. That only hurts our cause and helps the other side. Swaggering around like some tough guy can lead to tragic and lifelong consequences for us and for possibly others. The proper mind set of of someone who is trained and capable is one of self-confidence, situational awareness and readiness but certainly not macho arrogance.
I met someone today whose attitude needed some 'adjustment' in this area, and so I hope I helped make that adjustment. I told him that if he continued to display his macho attitude, it will eventually create a tragedy he won't be able to "un-do" once lead is launched downrange. I said that his daily dress does not need to be so consistently 'tactical' every day unless he's going to the range for a match. I asked him to consider his outward appearance and personal demeanor -- both of which need to be toned down about 5 or 6 notches. I said that if he is armed it need not be 'signalled' to others every day by his bragging, swaggering, manner of dress, etc. Indeed, the fact that he is armed should be the 'ultimate surprise' package for any Bad Guy. Moreover, from a Public Relations standpoint, a macho attitude when carrying only serves to harden the negative attitude of those we most need to convert to our common-sense way of thinking.
In short, we should all be 'Ambassadors' and have a personal bearing that reflects in a positive way on the freedoms and beliefs that we share.
Anybody else have any similar discussions with such types?
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