[QUOTE=AfterDark1971;4508491]Let me qualify my statement. We speak of 2 different things. The money I pay bills with and feed my family with. I challenge someone to take that. My recreation money that I know the risks of losing. I look at what else I have to lose and how defensible my actions are.
I agree with you about the smoke and mirrors the politicians create to keep the masses reeling.
Food for thought for any non gun enthusiasts. The mass shootings that have happened across the country. Look at geography and choices of targets. Targets of opportunity. Allow me to indulge you in thought. Locations have been in gun free zones. Schools. Hospitals. In states where gun laws are almost prohibitively restrictive to protect yourself. Criminals know one thing. Law abiding citizens won't be stopping them. Because they won't have a firearm in those areas. Criminals with an agenda arent going to be concerned about breaking that one more law.
This is not meant to be a political or ideological debate. Just putting into perspective what we are talking about losing. I bring what I can afford to lose. Like some gamblers do going to a casino. If I couldn't afford to gamble it. I shouldn't be playing. Have I always been satisfied with my investments. Nope. And I move on even though they promised the world. I was technically ripped off there too.
I appreciate your perspective sir. But this was a gentle reminder. Even if I deploy my weapon in a non hobby related incident and must end a life endangering act against me. I am guilty until proven innocent. Years of litigation and $$spent for legal representation.
A cpl hundred hard earned dollars is not worth the risk of my freedom and much harder to explain situation why I was even there in the first place. Couple hundred vs several thousand. And possible incarceration. My Alpha Ego can be bruised because a man stole something from me and I didn't stop him. But I have the freedom to play the game again.
Theres a reason why they call this a hobby.[/QUOTE]
We will never completely and totally agree on every aspect of these issues (the freedom of independent individual thoughts, opinions and actions being among the most sacred, important and valuable of all freedoms) but I appreciate your perspective as well. With no "but"'s or disclaimers attached.
Shall we agree to respectfully disagree and leave it there?