SG> Now, if I was drunk (which I don't do either, but as an example) or
 SG> otherwise suggested I might do something irrational ...
 
 So, uh, you _don't_ tell 'em you teach mathematics to buttons? .
 SG> My only time (I'm the guy who obeys speed limits, if you recall), the
 SG> cops have been of the "doing my job" type - those who'll write you up
 SG> if they pull you over, to justify the inconvenience. There seem to be
 SG> fewer and fewer cops who will pull you over and only caution you about
 SG> something.
 
 Fortunately I've managed to learn how to drive better, or something, so
 that as I age I have fewer contacts with the police.  I prefer it that
 way.
 SG> And of course, "in plain sight" is also asking for trouble from the
 SG> bad guys if they think they can get the drop on you.
 
 PN> Now this I'll state categorically to be untrue.  Firstly there is no
 PN> evidence to back up the statement.  Second, most criminals are
 PN> cowards and lazy.  Show a means of defense, show the ability to defend
 PN> oneself, and _most_ criminals slink off.  Sure, there are the
 PN> criminally insane, but they are in the minority.
 SG> I have to disagree. There was a case - in Florida I think - where
 SG> someone decided to reach in through an open car window and try to grab
 SG> a gun that was on the seat. As I recall, it didn't work out.
 You are stating one instance.  I believe, strongly, that we can infer
 that more bad guys are gonna just pass by the obviously armed
 individual.  Were it not the case there would be a whole lot more
 instances of idiots trying to snatch guns -- and it just isn't
 happening.
 SG> The important part there was "if they think they can get the drop on
 SG> you." Normally, they can't, and they know it. But if you parked at the
 True...
 SG> mall with a gun in the gun rack, it might not be there when you get
 SG> back. If you're out of sight, it's not too hard. That's why most of my
 SG> friends don't use gun racks. It's not socially acceptable to bring your
 SG> shotgun into the mall (to put it mildly), and "in plain sight" while
 SG> you're not around is asking for trouble.
 
 And that's true, too.  I took your "plain sight" statement to mean on
 one's person, as opposed to being left unattended.  Left in the car to
 be stolen is a bad idea, imo.
 PN> And besides, being openly armed keeps folks from invading your
 PN> personal space, as in supermarket checkout and atm lines .
 SG> Might be nice, but it's still illegal here. Honestly I've never had
 SG> problems with either of the above, though.
 I prolly need more space than most folks...
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