Why do you carry?

[loony1]

the safety of my family and my ugly mug, oh yea, also in case i need to shoot a cat.

 

[HighStrung]

I carry because 6 years ago I made a vow before God that I would "Love, Honor, Cherish, and PROTECT" my wife. Now, a few years later with the addition of two small children, my sentiments are even stronger about making sure that I've done any/everything possible to ensure the safety of my family. I carry because I can't take care of my family if I don't make it home. I carry because bad things happen to good people. I carry because I cannot predict what will happen today or tomorrow. I carry because I am a law abiding citizen and it's my right to be able to protect myself.

 

[chrisheacock]

Great thread!

I carry because the right to bear arms carries a duty to bear them well. That duty to me means I am trained to implement my firearm if needed to protect myself, my family, or another innocent.

 

[jmildoc]

I carry because at one time in my life I had a gun put to my head and I was car jacked!! I saw it coming and there was nothing I could do about it, now I pay attention to my surroundings and am ready to defend myself and my family from people that do not care!

 

[eldirector]

Because I am not a victim, and don't intend to become one.

I had an co-worker tell me once that she would just give her attacker what they wanted, and they would go away. I asked what would happen if the attacker wanted HER, her life, or her daughter. Her response? "I don't want to think about it!" My response "Some creep is thinking about it right now, and I'll be d@mned if they are laying a finger on me, my wife, or my child."

 

[henktermaat]

Good answers. I always use this:

"I carry a gun for the same reasons I wear a seatbelt and have a fire extinguisher in my house."

 

[Sailor]

"I am only one, but I am one. I can not do everything, but I can do something. And because I can not do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do. What I can do I should do. And what I should do, by the Grace of God, I will do."

-Edward Everett Hale


And my signature line.

 

[Cemetery-man]

Better to carry and not need it than to need it and not carry it!

 

[rmabrey]

Usually I use the basics,

Cops are heavy
or when seconds counts the cops are minutes away

Lately I say something along the lines of
the first amendment allows you to voice your opinions of me carrying and the second amendment allows me to not give a crap what you say

 

[JoshuaW]

When I get into my car, I don't expect to get into an accident. Yet, I put my seat belt on.... When I go out in public, I don't expect to be attacked. Yet, I carry my gun....

That is what I would (will) tell most people. For those that know me a bit better, most would understand. I was mugged a few years ago, and fought off my attackers. As a result, I had three teeth cracked, and the whole experience was very painful. I will not be made a victim again. More importantly, I will not let anyone around me be made into a victim either.

 

[MarkM]

I carry because i will try my damndest to protect my girlfriend, my dog, and my family. And if i have time i guess saving my own skin isnt a bad idea.

 

[kolob10]

My philosphy has always been to expect the best in life only after you have prepared for the worst. I have never been disappointed thus far. I carry for my protection and the protection of others. Good shooting.

 

[jojoa55]

i see my carry gun like insurance. I would rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.

 

[gtrlspl]

I have always thought it was my duty to protect myself and my family the best way I know how and carrying it that way. I have always liked the adage, "Guns are like condoms, it's better to have one and not need it, than to need one and not have it."

 

[GLV]

Me and mine

Simple, to protect me and mine--note--not you and yours.

That is your job.

 

[88E30M50]

I carry simply because the reasons to carry outnumber the reasons not to carry. To be honest, I can't really think of a good reason to not carry where as I can find reasons to carry all day long. If they push the issue, I'll start down the list of reasons to carry.

 

[ATM]

I carry 'cause those bacon sammiches are mine. MINE!






Seriously. I'm saving them for later.

 

[bigo334]

When i do get my permit (any day now) i will say, That I work in many diffrent places, not just up scale neighborhoods changing tires for people to pretty to change there own tires. Not only well of people have membership with the company that I work for. I have thousands of dollars of equipment in my vehicle, sometimes I will go to 23rd and LaSalle last time i was there i heard 6 gunshots. If they want to look at me with a dumb founded look on there face Ill just tell them that i have every right to protect myself and my property at any means i feel necessary

That and my Gerber is useless against a gun

 

[riverman67]

There are some really good answers in this thread.
I would say that the founders of this country in the Declaration of independence, stated that we are born with the natural rights to life , liberty and the pursuit of happiness. This statement is enough for me , no document can give us these rights or take them away . We are Born with them. They then backed this up with the second amendment.
Or I could say I'm too fat to run away

 

[figley]

carry an umbrella everywhere, and see if it rains