If you worked here for that long, you must have spent at least some time in the subways, especially during rush hour. And if that is so, do you believe that it would be a good idea or a bad idea to have lots of people carrying in packed-to-the-gills subways cars?
What about the almost empty at night?
Silly argument...
I’ve been in jam packed subways.
As far as I’m concerned, any law abiding person should have the right to carry. I don’t think the commuters would start shooting at each other if someone brushed into them. No more than people up here would start shooting in a road rage incident, or if someone stole their parking space, etc. People who go thru the trouble to get the CCW are not the ones I worry about, and some of the criminals on the subways are already carrying. Besides, not everyone would choose to carry, probably only a minority, just like in “shall issue” states.
I rode the LIRR too, when Colin Ferguson had his little racist shooting fit. I bet lives would have been saved if there were a few people who had carry permits.
I understand your point, but I think the argument goes both ways.
I and many other concealed carriers have spent a fair amount of time in crowds without feeling the need to start shooting.
As a NY refugee, I've seen a tendancy in other Northeastern city folk to feel that the simple act of strapping on a weapon magically turns a good citizen into a bloodthirsty killer. I hope you don't think that New Yorkers lack the impulse control necessary to legally carry a firearm.
The truth as I've seen it is quite the opposite: legal carriers tend to steer clear of sketchy places and walk away from silly confrontations rather than escalate a problem. The weight you feel on your belt all day long is a reminder of the extra responsibilities you carry.