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A new thought...

G

grimstar

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While reading some of the posts here regarding answers to be given when someone asks the, seemingly inevitable, question "Why are you carrying a gun", a thought has occured to me...(shocking, I know)

One of the most common answers that people suggest is "Because it is my right to do so". However, some might see that as slightly provocative. How about, instead, we give them the answer "Because it is EVERYONES right to do so". By saying that, we are basically saying that we are exercising *their* rights.

It seems to me that would place an anti-gunner in quite a conundrum. To argue against it, they would basically have to deny *their own* rights.

I also think it would go over well with anyone overhearing the conversation, because at that point, we are seen to be upholding everyones rights, not just our own.

Just a random thought. Interesting the difference one small word might make.

Anyone else have any ideas on how we might "tweak" our answers, to maybe win a few more hearts and minds?

Grimstar
 
Sonora Rebel

Sonora Rebel

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Good point. Very good point. :)

'Hard to overcome the ever-present disinformation spewed by the media tho...

Such stuff as 'permits'... 'license'... 'registration' they're so fond of bandying about... even in areas where such stuff is non-existant.
 
F

FogRider

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As much as I want to say something clever or smart, I am generally so surprised that someone has asked me about my gun that what generally comes out of my mouth is "Because I can, and I like to have it with me". Most of the time it ends there, occasionally they will ask about permits. Not exactly winning hearts and minds, but it ends up getting the job doesn I suppose.
 
Prophet

Prophet

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wow grimstar...with a simply replacement of a word you took a statement i never much cared for to one that actually has some gravitas.

"Because I can" always seemed reminiscent to of some petulant child crying out "CUZ I SAID SO" or the like. Not that it isnt completely true, it is our right...but the diction of the statement always grated me.

But by adding that it is EVERYONE's right you take it from petulant child to learned philosopher. Not speaking in the first person "I" but rather in the communal "WE" both consciously and subconsciously translates to the other person that even though we may be different, with our thoughts, ideals and actions, we are still human beings and as such, these god given rights we share and make us neighbors.

I love it :celebrate
 
Sonora Rebel

Sonora Rebel

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More good points. 'Glad I joined this group... I know what the AZ law is... but many don't. Not even many of those born here.



OC does not equate to 'gun violence'... 'n enther does legal CC. Yeah... we still have shootings... but it's the usual suspects. Druggies... robbers 'n illegals. If more citizens carried... I think that would drop also.
 
T

Task Force 16

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Well..............you people do realize, I hope, that this sort of deep phylisophical thought process will make it more difficult to maintain our reputations as knuckle dragging barbarions. :uhoh:

HAVE YOU NO SHAME :what:
 
marshaul

marshaul

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Task Force 16 wrote:
Well..............you people do realize, I hope, that this sort of deep phylisophical thought process will make it more difficult to maintain our reputations as knuckle dragging barbarions. :uhoh:

HAVE YOU NO SHAME   :what:

 
Click to expand...

Don't worry, for that to happen we'll have to learn to spell "philosophical" correctly first. :p
 
C

cccook

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Besides, it is everyone's right to drag our knuckles. I'm just practicing.

Good suggestion grimstar.
 
T

Task Force 16

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marshaul wrote:
Task Force 16 wrote:
Well..............you people do realize, I hope, that this sort of deep phylisophical thought process will make it more difficult to maintain our reputations as knuckle dragging barbarions. :uhoh:

HAVE YOU NO SHAME :what:
Click to expand...

Don't worry, for that to happen we'll have to learn to spell "philosophical" correctly first. :p
Click to expand...

In knuckle dragger, I did spell it correct. :p

Can also be spelt philysofikle, or fileesofeckle:p:p:p

I'm a knuckle draggin' scholar, ya know. :quirky
 
Venator

Venator

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grimstar wrote:
While reading some of the posts here regarding answers to be given when someone asks the, seemingly inevitable, question "Why are you carrying a gun", a thought has occured to me...(shocking, I know)

One of the most common answers that people suggest is "Because it is my right to do so". However, some might see that as slightly provocative. How about, instead, we give them the answer "Because it is EVERYONES right to do so". By saying that, we are basically saying that we are exercising *their* rights.

It seems to me that would place an anti-gunner in quite a conundrum. To argue against it, they would basically have to deny *their own* rights.

I also think it would go over well with anyone overhearing the conversation, because at that point, we are seen to be upholding everyones rights, not just our own.

Just a random thought. Interesting the difference one small word might make.

Anyone else have any ideas on how we might "tweak" our answers, to maybe win a few more hearts and minds?

Grimstar
Click to expand...
It may be everyones right, but rights can be lost as in felons being denied firearms. So it would be better to say "it's most everyones right" That way you avoid the all or none debate mistake. You also avoid the antis comeback what about felons???
 
Sonora Rebel

Sonora Rebel

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Venator wrote:
It may be everyones right, but rights can be lost as in felons being denied firearms. So it would be better to say "it's most everyones right" That way you avoid the all or none debate mistake. You also avoid the antis comeback what about felons???
Click to expand...

"It is the right of every American citizenlegitimately able to do so." Howzat?

I used 'able' rather than 'allowed'... cuz I was born 'allowed'. The 2A only recognizes that fact.
 
M

MikeV

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Sonora Rebel wrote:
Venator wrote:
It may be everyones right, but rights can be lost as in felons being denied firearms. So it would be better to say "it's most everyones right" That way you avoid the all or none debate mistake. You also avoid the antis comeback what about felons???
Click to expand...

"It is the right of every American citizenlegitimately able to do so." Howzat?

I used 'able' rather than 'allowed'... cuz I was born 'allowed'. The 2A only recognizes that fact.
Click to expand...
How about the using the word Our, rather than everyone or almost everyone.

This will open you to the counter of what do you mean by "our"?

to which you might reply with, "all free, law-abiding Americans, LIKE YOU AND I"
 
Sonora Rebel

Sonora Rebel

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MikeV wrote:
Sonora Rebel wrote:
Venator wrote:
It may be everyones right, but rights can be lost as in felons being denied firearms. So it would be better to say "it's most everyones right" That way you avoid the all or none debate mistake. You also avoid the antis comeback what about felons???
Click to expand...

"It is the right of every American citizenlegitimately able to do so." Howzat?

I used 'able' rather than 'allowed'... cuz I was born 'allowed'. The 2A only recognizes that fact.
Click to expand...
How about the using the word Our, rather than everyone or almost everyone.

This will open you to the counter of what do you mean by "our"?

to which you might reply with, "all free, law-abiding Americans, LIKE YOU AND I"
Click to expand...
What's the status of 75-80 these days? I was there on the final day... (sniff...) Bill Wilcom still have that bar on the corner or did that close too?
 
2a4all

2a4all

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Grimstar said:

"One of the most common answers that people suggest is "Because it is my right to do so". However, some might see that as slightly provocative. How about, instead, we give them the answer "Because it is EVERYONES right to do so". By saying that, we are basically saying that we are exercising *their* rights."

I like the inclusive concept here, but I have to agree with Venator in that "EVERYONE" may be a bit too broad. The only rights that you can accurately assert are your own, so as not appear selfish (i.e. It's my right to do so), perhaps the response "It's a right recognized by the constitution" might be more accommodating.
 
M

MikeV

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Sonora Rebel wrote:
MikeV wrote:
Sonora Rebel wrote:
Venator wrote:
It may be everyones right, but rights can be lost as in felons being denied firearms. So it would be better to say "it's most everyones right" That way you avoid the all or none debate mistake. You also avoid the antis comeback what about felons???
Click to expand...

"It is the right of every American citizenlegitimately able to do so." Howzat?

I used 'able' rather than 'allowed'... cuz I was born 'allowed'. The 2A only recognizes that fact.
Click to expand...
How about the using the word Our, rather than everyone or almost everyone.

This will open you to the counter of what do you mean by "our"?

to which you might reply with, "all free, law-abiding Americans, LIKE YOU AND I"
Click to expand...
What's the status of 75-80 these days? I was there on the final day... (sniff...) Bill Wilcom still have that bar on the corner or did that close too?
Click to expand...
75-80 Is nothing but a weed filled parking lot these day. What ever they are planning to do with it hasn't been started yet. Wilcome's Inn is still open. You know I thought that was a play on the word Welcome, as in Welcome In. Didn't know that it was the owner's name. Thanks for the Education. Can I count this against my goal to learn something new each day? ;)
 
P

prcE6

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I like the line of thinking that this statement causes. As I was reading the thread, I came up with "It's every law-abiding citizen's right to do so...".

I think someone said that already though.
 
O

Orygunner

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Here's a response I like:

"Because everybody has the right to self defense."

I could just leave it at that. But if I wanted to add to it, I could follow it up with:

"I choose to carry a handgun because I am responsible for mylife and the lives of my family, andit's the most effective tool for the job."

That way it covers that EVERYONE has a right, and that I choose a firearm.

...Orygunner...
 
Venator

Venator

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Orygunner wrote:
Here's a response I like:

"Because everybody has the right to self defense."

I could just leave it at that. But if I wanted to add to it, I could follow it up with:

"I choose to carry a handgun because I am responsible for mylife and the lives of my family, andit's the most effective tool for the job."

That way it covers that EVERYONE has a right, and that I choose a firearm.

...Orygunner...
Click to expand...
How about..."It is the DUTY of EVERY citizen of a free state to provide a means for self-defense of his person and his county from enemies both foreign and domestic" Too long?
 
A

AbNo

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grimstar wrote:
Because it is EVERYONES right to do so.
Click to expand...
Holy crap, that's BRILLIANT!


Venator wrote:
How about..."It is the DUTY of EVERY citizen of a free state to provide a means for self-defense of his person and his county from enemies both foreign and domestic" Too long?
Click to expand...

No, but to some people, that sounds too much like work. :X
 
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