Weapons

[Cheryl Newbanks <horsetrails@inficad.com>]

Well I figure I'll jump into the fray here.  I don't carry a gun with me
and I ride in very remote areas.  This isn't because I don't know how to
use one, I go target shooting with my husband just to keep my skill level
up, but it is because I would be one of those people who wouldn't be able
to use it.  It would be that split second decision, thinking about it, that
would get me killed first.  So my husband still nags me and I still ride
without one. 

But I'd like to tell you about a paper I wrote in college once on gun
control.  I don't remember the name of the town but I do remember it was a
town in TX that made it mandatory to carry a gun, the crime rate was so
high they had to go to extremes. YES MANDATORY, meaning all adult citizens
had to carry a non-concealed gun.  The crime rate in that town dropped
dramatically, to some number like 2 or 3%.  Given the fact that all the
good guys had weapons too the bad guys moved on.  Now, college was a long
time ago and I don't remember exact details but I do remember writing that
paper and researching that town.  

I also learned in my paralegal classes how not to be a victim during our
self defense courses.  I think not being a victim, riding a 1000 lb horse,
plus the amount of Tai Kwon Do I do know will get me through. I may not be
able to shoot a gun, but I can, without a doubt, drop a grown man to his
knees in a relatively quick manner.  I don't put myself in harmful
situations, I don't travel long distances alone, and when camping remote I
have a trusty husband along who is a marksman.  I'd get shot with my own
gun if I attempted to use it I just can't take a human life, but I could
definately immobilize one long enough to get away.  I know my limitations.
Though after reading a few of these posts I do think that maybe I should
carry it just in case I have to put my best equine buddy out of his misery.   




   
                                 Cheryl Newbanks 
                ~~ ^ ^       Just In Time Ranch
~~~\   _  ~~/ /\ /       Buckeye, AZ
       ( )__     ) ' '        horsetrails@inficad.com
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