Name:   copperline - Subject:   Another Mass Shooting Date:   12/2/2015 5:40:43 PM

I have the same concerns, but I don't see how more people carrying guns in more situations will come to a better end for us.   After all, we aren't trained to conduct fire-fights.   Panic sets in quickly and reaction time is cut to split seconds.   In a dark theatre, one guy starts shooting, the guy in the back row pulls out his gun and shoots, the guy on the left side can't tell who is who and starts shooting at both of them.   

Before you say 'OK, you can just stand there and get shot'.... if I was threatened enough, I would surely defend myself & my family to the fullest extent possible.   But knowing that I am in a dark, crowded theatre or large unruly crowd of football fans while hundreds of people walk around with concealed sidearms isn't my idea of a safe place to take the family.   The best I can do is be vigilant, know where the exits are and move fast.  If I ever find myself running from a shooter, I don't want to turn & run into someone who is so freaked out they will shoot at anything that moves....

Having said that, I have to say I am close to giving up on my hopes for gun control.  It's not just that so many people are fearing their world is more dangerous, but it's because so many guns are already in circulation.  There may be no way to impact gun violence by any monitoring of ownership now.  (I still hold out hope we can limit assault rifles, because these seem particularly dangerous and have no use for hunting)   Civilian guns don't wear out, they live long lives.   We hold on to them, pass them down like heirlooms to our children.... my grandfather's S&W.38 is just as deadly as it was 70 years ago.  

If you choose to carry be really careful, keep your head and hope that the good guys know you mean them no harm when you go for it.