[edn88]

Even though there are some good reasons not to allow concealed weapons (see below) I think if we were allowed to carry a concealed weapon in Canada, then I would likely carry one. If all the crazy's out there have a gun, I want one too.

I would do so in as safe a manner possible - decent, well maintained weapon in a good shoulder strap. If I needed to use it, I would use it.

In my house, it would be stored safely and securely. I would educate my child as to the purpose of the weapon (much like my father did with me when I was a child for guns in our farm house).

A very good book to read is Freakonomics by Steven Levitt talks about number of deaths by firearms vs number of deaths in pools (but I believe he also shows that concealed weapons does not cut down on crime).

I think it goes like this - if someone is going to commit a crime, they are going to do it. If you have a gun or not, it won't stop the crime from being committed, having may however, put you into a situation where some one (or some people) are going to get hurt. I think that for many people having a gun, makes them feel more safe, even though in fact it may be less so.

As for crimes of passion being made easier by having a gun in the house, I suppose that is true, but those same people that would use a gun, are also as apt to stab or bludgeon their spouse. And unbalanced folks are going to find a way to harm you if you do something to **** them off (like ram their car into you, or chase you down and beat you up).

Guns and alcohol (or drugs) don't mix though, so guns in clubs kind of freaks me out.