Many well intentioned people think simply displaying a weapon will deter an attack. I fully support the open carry folks and their cause as it is their right according to the constitution. However, before you purchase a weapon for self protection, either home, personal or business you must truthfully ask yourself if you can really take the life of another person. This case involved a black teen and you know the victim was reluctant for many reasons to shoot a teen. If you have a weapon, use it.
I had been both a shooter and a hunter since my father took me out w/a Colt Woodsman when I was about 8 years old. I have owned a Browning Hi-Power since I turned 21 back in 1969; however, I did not have a CCW/CCP at the time of the crime. I had to apply under the old system in VA; which required a police interview as well as character witnesses and minimal proof of firearms competency plus FBI background check/photo/fingerprints. While having my fingerprints taken at the local PD, the officer doing the prints asked me if I thought I could kill another human being. I told him, that while I did not wish to kill anyone, if it became a matter of my survival or my family's survival I would kill any assailant (of course the “term of art” is “shoot to stop” not “kill”). The strange thing was that he (uniformed patrol officer) replied that he wasn't sure whether he could do that. For his sake, I hope he changed his mind or found another profession.
Of course, when VA changed to a “shall issue” state, my “permanent” CCW/CCP; that I had “jumped thru all the various hoops” for, became invalid and I had to reapply for a permit under the current system. Now, every 5 years they make me do it again and collect more paperwork and money each time.