Newsletter
Carrying Concealed-Privilege and Responsibility
By John R. Moore, M.S.,CPP,CCDWI
The right to own a firearm for protection is plainly stated in the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution. The right to carry concealed on or about your person is a privilege that has been granted by the legislature of this state and several others. The legislatures have gone as far as to see to recipocity agreements between states to allow one to carry and protect themselves as they travel.With this in mind, there are several things one should consider.
First, the term concealed. Concealed means hidden from view or out of sight. This is the location where a firearm or other defensive tool should be kept until its use is necessary. Flashing a firearm or other defensive tool offends some people, causes some people in the public to be alarmed and scared since they do not know you. Importantly targets one for the assailant. Training emphasized that most immediate problem is the one who has the highest probability of creating the first serious physical threat. Wake-up! The "Bad Guys" know the same principle. Some have taken the same course and are aware that the firearm or defensive tool is also the first threat to their success. So simple logic dictates that if someone is observed flashing their firearm or other defensive tool that will be the first person confronted and if possible removed. By keeping the firearm concealed this opportunity is taken away from the perpetrator.
Second, is responsibility? Along with the privilege of being able to carry concealed comes with the responsibility for safe handling and proper use of the firearm. This means draw your firearm only when the situation indicates that it's use may be be required for the protection of ones' life or that of another; and aim and hit only the assailant. Too often the media sensationalizes the many rounds fired at the assailant by Law Enforcement personnel without adeqately describing the confrontational situation at hand. However turn the tables on a civilian that is justified firing multiple rounds. As civilians we don't have the luxury to error. Being justified in using the firearm or defensive tool and do so in a proficient and responsible manner.
Third is the concern is mental state. In likelihood that an incident may occur one must be prepared and willing to take the appropriate action to save one's life or that of another. Many people are not. One must also be mentally prepared for the aftermath of the shooting incident. Not only will one have to face emotional problems, but also social and legal consequences. Best intentions may still leave one devastated emotionally, physically, and financially.
Being granted the right to carry concealed weapon for personal defense is a heavy responsibility and a privilege. If one is not ready to make the sacrifice to do so in a safe and responsible manner, one should select another means of handling problems or providing for their defense.