I am in the process of getting my Carrying a Concealed Weapon (CCW) permit. At the same time, I'm planning on purchasing a new handgun that is more suitable to concealment than my Dan Wesson .357 magnum. I'm looking at a Glock-29 (10mm) which I'm taking to the range tomorrow to ensure it's comfortable for my hands.
Now, I was just talking to a coworker of mine. The guy's fairly left leaning. The subjects of guns were broached and I mentioned I was getting my permit. This, of course, was totally perplexing to him. Why would I need a firearm? Am I expecting someone to attack me?
My response was 'self-defense'.
His response? "Self defense is a paranoid's fantasy".
I ended the conversation there. I wish I didn't have to, but to argue with willfully obtuse people isn't worth the time.
I wish I could have asked him if he drove without insurance. I mean, is he actually planning on having an accident? Does he have smoke detectors in his house? Really, is he planning on having his house catch fire?
But throw in an 'evil handgun' and all of a sudden simply preparing for possible events becomes a paranoid fantasy.
What I don't get is these people are rabid Bush-haters. I dislike the man, but I don't think he's going to declare martial law and install himself for life. But many people do. And they should think about what they would do if that happened.