Why are you carrying that firearm?

[MK]

Why are you carrying that firearm?

Answer: zombie apocalypse

Its only a matter of time before Eric Holder includes on to the already too long of a list, those who speak of zombie apocalypse as suspcious persons and possible terrorist threats.

Zombie apocalypse must be code for some kind of action or event. Our intelligence is seeing an increase in the references and internet noise associated to this mysterious activity.

[strife1013]

Its only a matter of time before Eric Holder includes on to the already too long of a list, those who speak of zombie apocalypse as suspcious persons and possible terrorist threats.

Zombie apocalypse must be code for some kind of action or event. Our intelligence is seeing an increase in the references and internet noise associated to this mysterious activity.

Well as a gun owner I am already labeled as a terrorist ha ha.

[Patriot Prepper]

As I have no problem with a truthful answer, and if I am in a good mood... "Because crooked cops have guns.".

I spent decades bent over the hood of many a cruiser, face down on the pavement, and smiling down a judge red with rage in court, proving truth is the worst thing you can use when dealing with government agents. The one fact that hasn't changed is I will not be cowed into submission, I speak my mind when I feel like it.

If you don't want an answer you don't like, then you don't ask the question. One advantage to not being loved is I don't worry about stained clothing showing up later.

This is the type of attitude that won America her freedom. We should be able to stand up and say what we feel without fear of prosecution. We should not be cowed into submission and we should be able to speak our mind. That is why we have a 1st and 2nd Amendment.

Police are not are wardens and we are not their prisoners. They are supposed to be public servants not our masters. We The People are supposed to be the bosses. The above quote by SlackwareRobert is an example of true grit!

[nonameisgood]

I'm a bit astonished that people here haven't yet pointed out that answering questions from law enforcement without a compelling reason might not be the best idea.

If asked, maybe the best answer is no answer, maybe a laugh, or the shortest, least informative, least offensive answer ("no reason"), since the question was probably rhetorical at best. Does the police officer really think you're going to offer an answer that provides any useful information? Maybe he/she is in the habit of controlling the conversation by asking questions, in which case, a deferential answer resolves the issue, but the more you say, the more likely you will just dig a hole.
If he is interested in friendly conversation, the question is more likely, "what is that, a P2000? What caliber?" than "Why are you carrying that?"

A question like "why are you wearing that?" from an non-LE might indicate curiosity, but from LE, it is probably bait. The strategy is to get someone talking and let him incriminate himself, even if there is nothing to hide. (And I never wear tin foil, it is just common sense that a police officer would not ask that particular question for any good reason.)

So, my answer to LE is "no reason".
If they continue, the answer might become "is there some problem, officer?" To which I do not answer the next question, but instead might be evasive with "I've made sure I'm following the law, do you have a particular concern?" and the tried and true "am I free to go?"

I'll be happy to talk all day in response to a friendly question (make, model, caliber, where do I practice, officer so-and-so has one like that, etc.), much to the dismay of my attorney friends. But an abrasive, open-ended question like "Why?" gets no real response to most LE strangers.

Non-LE gets a polite answer like, "don't worry, it's legal and I always have it with me."

[emtechnik]

How about, " I carry a weapon for the same reasons you do, officer: the streets are not safe, and both the Constitution and state law recognize the individual right to self-protection."

good answer! I hope I can articulate it that well if I get hassled by a cop someday (which i still don't look forward to).

It's respectful, but still them's is some forceful words that there!

[rugerdon]

A new barber shop opened at a small mall close to where I live. Because Potomac Mills Mall drew off a lot of business, there are not as many shops left and crime at the small mall has increased. The owners of the mall hires off duty Prince William Co Police to patrol the mall and they even opened a Police Sub Station in one of the empty stores.

The barber asked my why I carried a gun.

My response: "Because I can."

We talked about crime in the mall, deterant effect of open carry, use of force, etc.

He seemed to agree and when I left said: "Don't shoot anyone."

[Sc0tt]

How about, " I carry a weapon for the same reasons you do, officer: the streets are not safe, and both the Constitution and state law recognize the individual right to self-protection."

+100

I'm remembering this one!

The sad part is some LEO's see us carrying as an insult. They see themselves as the protectors and the only ones who should have guns. When we tell them the streets arnt safe they think were telling them they suck at their jobs.
They just don't think about the fact that their job is just as much to protect our rights as to arrest those who break the law.

[Butterbone]

For the same reason I keep car insurance, fire insurance, and health insurance.
Crime Insurance.
Like a good neighbor, Smith and Wesson is right here.

[since9]

The sad part is some LEO's see us carrying as an insult. They see themselves as the protectors and the only ones who should have guns. When we tell them the streets arnt safe they think were telling them they suck at their jobs.
They just don't think about the fact that their job is just as much to protect our rights as to arrest those who break the law.

I hear you, and good points.

LEO (pick one): (Speaking in an artificially deep voice, all pumped up) "Sir, I must inform you that it's my job to protect you! I'm trained for it, and well, it's your right, but you should really leave these matters up to us..."

Yes, if you're there. The problem is, when seconds count, you're just minutes away. Don't get me wrong - if it's a heated dispute with a neighbor, you can usually arrive before things get too ugly, but not always. Regardless, I do a pretty good job of working through issues.

When robbers are in and out of a store in 30 seconds, having killed someone inside, or some lunatic starts shooting into a crowd, all that changes. Its over before you can get there. That's why I carry. It's not because it's not your job to protect me. That is your job, but only to a point, and that's where and how you can.

Where and how you can't protect me is my job to protect myself, and that's what I'm doing.

Frankly, I don't want your job. I do want mine.

[since9]

Zombie apocalypse must be code for some kind of action or event.

How about the next time I take a dump?

[frankd]

For the same reason I keep car insurance, fire insurance, and health insurance.
Crime Insurance.
Like a good neighbor, Smith and Wesson is right here.

I am going to quote you on a regular basis!

[Jared]

I hear you, and good points.

LEO (pick one): (Speaking in an artificially deep voice, all pumped up) "Sir, I must inform you that it's my job to protect you! I'm trained for it, and well, it's your right, but you should really leave these matters up to us..."

Yes, if you're there. The problem is, when seconds count, you're just minutes away. Don't get me wrong - if it's a heated dispute with a neighbor, you can usually arrive before things get too ugly, but not always. Regardless, I do a pretty good job of working through issues.

When robbers are in and out of a store in 30 seconds, having killed someone inside, or some lunatic starts shooting into a crowd, all that changes. Its over before you can get there. That's why I carry. It's not because it's not your job to protect me. That is your job, but only to a point, and that's where and how you can.

Where and how you can't protect me is my job to protect myself, and that's what I'm doing.

Frankly, I don't want your job. I do want mine.

Why get into all that? City of Castle Rock v Gonzalez is SCOTUS precedent. Police have no duty to protect anyone. They carry guns for THEIR safety, not to protect you. Just because it COULD be used to protect you doesn't mean it's their obilgation or purpose.

For me, the SCOTUS precendent is enough.

[protias]

"am I being detained officer or am I free to go?"....if not...."I am recording this encounter"....the equivalent of....name, rank and serial number ....back in the day.

Be nice, really nice....be firm....think of the LEO as your 4 year old kid being a pain in the back-side while you are trying to change the oil in your car, in your driveway.

Don't get mad....get ahead....later....if you can.

Unfortunately that does not work in every state, like IL.

[protias]

I feel for ya brother....I really do.

I'm in WI, so I'm good. However, one time I was stopped for speeding and wanted to record everything. Unfortunately, their wiretapping laws are retarded. They are much worse than MD!

[frankd]

"Why am I carrying it? Because I can't teach it to walk on its own."

[William Fisher]

"Officer, I don't talk to the police. Am I free to go or are you detaining me?"

[ZO6Vettever]

Never been stopped but my rehersed answer is, "as hard as you try sir, you cannot be everywhere and thankfully the State of Florida supports the 2nd ammendment and enables me to defend myself if needed".

[Sc0tt]

Im not carrying it officer, its holstered, Its kinda just along for the ride

[DinFreemont]

Reply:

Thankfully open carry is without unconstitutional restriction in this state, I prefer to open carry over uncomfortable concealed carry. As a statement protected under the first I wish to exercise the second.

[Be Prepared]

"because the Founders of this great nation saw fit to the enshrining of the inherent right to self-defense against the tyranny of intrusive government."

My idea of gun control is aiming with intentions to shoot to kill, one shot, one kill.

[Be Prepared]

Show your freedom by open carry if you can.

[Be Prepared]

When was the last time you tried to call 911 and got a response as quick as your own protection? With budget cuts all across America, you must protect yourself. In fact, the state should issue every person over 18, perhaps 21, a gun. Why is it a man can only protect his "castle". He should be able to protect his life and family outside his castle with the same lawful and deadly force.

[SouthernBoy]

When was the last time you tried to call 911 and got a response as quick as your own protection? With budget cuts all across America, you must protect yourself. In fact, the state should issue every person over 18, perhaps 21, a gun. Why is it a man can only protect his "castle". He should be able to protect his life and family outside his castle with the same lawful and deadly force.

OPERATOR: "911, what's your emergency"?
VICTIM : "Someone just broke into my house".
OPERATOR: "Can you describe what the individual looks like"?
(Bang... bang bang)
VICTIM : "He's lying on the floor".
OPERATOR: "Is he moving and able to speak"?
VICTIM : "No".
OPERATOR: "Do you need an ambulance"?
VICTIM : "No, a hearse". (hangs up)

[eye95]

My idea of gun control is aiming with intentions to shoot to kill, one shot, one kill.

May I refer you to the poll on shooting to kill, stop, or wound? It is here in the General Forum.

[Chris-S.]

link below explains and shows the same reason why i carry a gun!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgcFbBoz9ck