Convincing the parents

Ok this might as well be a thread. It's no secret that I have been OCing around Hampton Roads lately and have not told my parents. They in fact told me NOT to OC. So next week when I get home from college I plan to ovewhelm them with statistics and evidence and why I should carry. Tonight on my way home from Bass Pro I went to the McDonalds down the street for some sweet tea. Well a block down from it about 10 NPD cars were surrounding an area with crime scene tape all around it. Since I was supposed to call my mom back anyways I called her and informed her that with a crime/murder so close to my apartment, that I was scared for my safety and wanted to OC. I also told her that I am 20 and VERY responsible which they know. I told her that it is my right as a Virginian to carry a firearm and that it was basically the same as her carrying her purse around. She comes back at me saying that her purse can't kill someone. I argued a little more with her just stating facts about the police and recorders and relating to others. I also told her that I would provide her more info when I got home, but that I am very passionate about this and that it is not like I am asking to do something illegal like drugs you know? I am so frustrated with them not wanting me to OC. Right now I am gathering up things to say/show to them. I am also contemplating having them come out to an OC dinner with me in NOVA, but I am unsure if that will help my cause. Any help would be great from you guys such as the pros/cons of OCing and documents/things that would help me convince them to let me OC. I hate sneaking behind their backs and would like to be straight with them about it just as I have been with everything else in my life. The reason I do it now even though they have told me not to is that I am at college away from them and I feel like my life is more important than what they will say/do to me if they found out that I carried.

Thanks for the input guys,
Alex

Also I got a new holster tonight to OC with. I love my Serpa, but saw this and decided to give it a go. It is the Bianchi Carrylok so it has retention just like a Serpa, but in a leather platform that I feel is more comfortable to wear. Also makes it easy for me to CC in my house or on my property.

Edit: I just realized how long that post was.:shock: I am sorry guys I am stressing about this right now.

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ProShooter wrote:

I actuallly do mean this in a nice way - you have been a legal adult for 2 years now. Tell your parents that you'll do as you damn well please when you are out in public.

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Yep, when you're in their house you obey their rules, simple enough. Cut the cord. When you're on your own, you're on your own..... I still follow this rule when visiting with my parents, and I'm 49. They don't like guns and at first wouldn't allow it in their house. But after getting used to it, I guess, now they don't care if I bring it inside - and wear it inside.....

I did get them to let me bring it inside in the beginning because I told them I didn't want anyone breaking into my truck at night and stealing it... :^). But they said I had to unload and disassemble. But now, they're cool.

They might be as uneasy with the idea of the baby growing up as much as you might be :^). Carrying a gun is a BIG responsibility that can save or destroy your life in a hurry. Just look at the VCU student who recently got charged with 2cd degree murder for improperly shooting a robber..... His life is over. Talk with them, be calm, not defensive.

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There are so many ways to answer your question, it is hard to know where to begin. I can understand their feelings and concerns, since I have kids about your age, and I want them to listen when I tell them what I think is best. On the other hand, I recall being your age, and it was important for me to emancipate and become independent in many personal ways, even tho' I was still dependent on them financially.

Anyway, it is clear you already have plenty of data and facts to buttress your argument, so I don't think my recommending any other sources would help much. Beyond any factual argument about this issue is the emotional one, and, if I may be so indelicate, I think this may be important since I suspect your folks are somewhat more liberal than most of us here in traditional Virginia. Fight fire with fire: craft an emotional argument that relates to your experience. I've used the seat belt analogy many times. Seat belts, like guns need to be on all or most of the time to be useful, even on the "safe" roads. Just as we aren't likely to be victims of crime on any given day, we are unlikely to be in a car accident. We still need to be prepared at all times. Its too late to try to once the bad stuff starts. Explain that you feel the same about carrying as you do about seat belt use. The best way to drive this home emotionally is to ask them how they'd FEEL if they were driving with you and you told them you wanted them to remove their seat belts anytime they ride with you because seatbelt use makes you FEEL apprehensive. They would probably say something like their lives and safety are more important than any delicate feelings you have about unpleasant seat belts and the anxiety they cause you. That's when you point out you feel the same way when someone tells you you shouldn't be armed for you own safety because it makes someone else uncomfortable. I imagine you can take it from there and elaborate further. Just keep it mature and civil.....which I'm sure you will, Alex.

Thus ends the Uncle's advice column.

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You claim "student status" but don't you ever go to class???

:what:

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OUTSTANDING!

I can only hope my kids are as dilligent about their studies as you are.

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ALEX,

REMEMBER THIS...IT IS EASIER TO GET FORGIVENESS THAN PERMISSION!



DON'T SAY A WORD!

THEY HAVE THEIR MINDS MADE-UP AND NOTHING YOU SAY WILL CONVINCE THEM OTHERWISE.

CRAIG

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ODA 226 wrote:

ALEX,

REMEMBER THIS...IT IS EASIER TO GET FORGIVENESS THAN PERMISSION!



DON'T SAY A WORD!

THEY HAVE THEIR MINDS MADE-UP AND NOTHING YOU SAY WILL CONVINCE THEM OTHERWISE.

CRAIG

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True, but I would also like to be straight up with them about it as I am with everything else in my life. That's just my character. Yes if they say no then I will probably still carry a good amount, but I don't like sneaking around it just isn't what I do.

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Your life is far more important to you than anything anyone else may think, say, or do to or about you for OC'ing. So much so that's not even a consideration.

With that said, if you are living under their roof and at their pleasure (cost), while in their presence and on their property, you really should refrain from OC'ing. Away from them, it becomes your decision simply because what you're doing is not an illegal act and is, in fact, a right.

You say your mom said, "that her purse can't kill someone". Would she rather you be killed than for you to have the means to protect yourself and possibly kill an assailant? Confront her with that one.

You are walking on eggs with this one, so good luck to you.

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