The wacky conservative idea that has always baffled me is the right to carry concealed weapons.

Like, okay, you believe weapons are a good thing and you should be able to defend yourself with all the deadly waffle-iron power you can muster. But, like, what benefit is there to carrying the waffle-iron down your pants? Isn't it more of a deterrent if you wear your weapon right out there for everyone to see, and say, "Dude, I got a waffle-iron. Can it with the mischief, now."

There will still be dumbasses who try to rob banks when they can see for themselves all the six-guns assembled on the premises; but I should think fair warning about when not to be a dumbass would be a good thing.

Also, being required to wear your weapon unconcealed would be an excellent fashion statement.

I see that, and raise with "Guns in bars"...I shit you not. Because nothing but protection can come from somebody coming heavy to a bar. I don't belong here.

This was an issue of heavy debate in Virginia last session. I think they left it at, open-carry weapons are okay, concealed-carry weapons are not, but the whole idea of it as an issue was kind of boggling to those of us in (sane) Northern Virginia.

I think Florida may win for crazy gun laws.

This legislative session a bill is going around (not sure if it's fully passed but JEB will sign it) that allows someone to kill in self defense on the street without first trying to flee an attacker. Floridians can already shoot to kill a potential attacker in their homes, work, or car.

The wacky conservative idea that has always baffled me is the right to carry concealed weapons.

What's wacky about the idea of putting a gun into my purse for personal protection?

In fact, it's unconcealed carry that baffles me. If the gun's not my job, it's not your business.

I have a new name! I like it so much that I might try to get people to address me by this in real life.

It puts the Texas death penalty rate in perspective.

Yep. What gets me is the brand of Christian conservative who'd rather go on killing people rather than offering the option of life imprisonment. 'Cause their concern about the sanctity of life ends at birth.

Hi all!

So the new pope is kind of scary!conservative, but old?

I had a good first day of work training. I got to learn stuff, AND do research.

eta: I don't understand your new name, Hayden , but I'm glad it makes you happy.

Personally, I prefer that people who are carrying guns around do it by putting them in their pockets/purses/etc. Seeing guns makes most people nervous. There was a time when DH and I frequently flew with a pistol in checked baggage. It made the check-in people nervous every single time, but only once they'd seen it.

Unless it was Heather. I'd be ok with that.

I'd be pretty happy to say the words "President Anne Richards" too, y'know?

Seeing guns makes most people nervous.

No shit. And the gun retention issues ... carrying is dangerous enough. Protecting it from all and sundry ... well, it might encourage people to not carry period.

What's wacky about the idea of putting a gun into my purse for personal protection?

It's prettier strapped to your thigh? When you walk into someplace that guns aren't welcome, people know to ask you to leave it outside? If you fulminate with Walter-Mitty-like secret ambitions of gangsterhood, I can tell without having to be drawn into your scary psychological world to find out?

I guess I equate it with having at attack dog. If you could conceal your dog about your person, what does that accomplish except make the allergic people annoyed? Whereas, big dog, right there, people know what to expect outta you.

Now very much enjoying the idea of wearing a huge overcoat with an extra pocket to fit a Doberman.