I live in a very small, gated, group of houses. My security is very good around my house and I'm not fearful in my house. My shopping is on one street one block from me and I never leave that shopping street to venture elsewhere. I park close to entrances to buildings. I am aware of my surroundings.
However, I shop in an “upscale” grocery store (as opposed to Walmart), because it is safer than the crowded Walmart and one can always get a parking space close to the door of the upscale grocery. To put it bluntly, I am afraid of that Walmart parking lot and afraid of that store. I also cannot stand for 30 minutes try to check out of that Walmart. The upscale grocery starts another check out line if more than two people are in a line. I am paying more money but I know I am safer there and that is worth the extra money.
I do believe as every day goes by, people worry more about being safe outside and some worry about their safety even inside their house.
This is going to get worse especially in the cities and towns that have not controlled their spending and now they are broke as our national government is broke. Yes, they will lay off law enforcement and everything else they have to in order to keep city utilities and trash pick up running.
Marcella —
Please permit me to offer this to you, because I infer you are on the edge of living in fear/ allowing others to restrict your life:
To NOT carry is to choose to be defenseless (non vehere est inermus)
Get licensed, get training, grow confidence, regain liberties they smirk at taking away from you.
After a while, perhaps three months or so, bringing your firearm with you, condition 1 (ready to fire), will be as natural and as comforting as grabbing your keys, cell phone and wallet/purse.
the hardest part is not learning to use a firearm safely and effectively, nor will it be getting over thinking EVERYONE knows you have one. The hardest part of “carrying” is developing the will to use it WHEN (and only if) NECESSARY. Self defense is a mindset more than a physical state.
REM: 99.9+% of licensed carriers NEVER draw their firearm in self-defense, but ALL feel more confident and capable.
I just really encourage you to consider coming over to the ‘defended side’. It may look scary now, but it is very comforting when you get here.
My shopping is on one street one block from me and I never leave that shopping street to venture elsewhere....Dear, I understand your post and I am NOT criticising you. But is this freedom? I arm myself and act so arrogant I beg to have someone confront me.