Who knows that you carry? Although I trust and adore my family members, I tell no one that I carry for fear that:
a) the left wing nazis will find out, even though it's legal per MA law and, more importantly, the US Constitution, and they will prosecute for no apparent reason
b) if God forbid we get in a "situation", however unlikely it may be, I'm afraid that my family members might give me a look, or say something, to tip off the scumbag and compromise any defensive advantage I might have and jeopardize all of us (w/o malice, of course)
I guess it has a lot do do with where you live and the circles you travel in, but most of the people I know, personally and professionally, carry or own firearms. I live in a very green town where most of the homeowners own at least one firearm. Of course, I do not advertise it to people I don't know or just met, but by the same token, I am not hiding or living in fear or shame.
As far as unlawful prosecution, I have insurance for that. Well worth it.
As far as "tipping off a scumbag", I am 6'1"- 250lb white guy with cop hair. I am not a cop but everyone that meets me thinks I am. I was an 03 Marine and everything about me screams that I am probably the guy in the group that is packing. There is nothing I can do about it, so you deal with it. Like you,I am sure, I avoid dangerous paces and situations as best I can, but even in everyday situations, take steps that increase my chances, heaven forbid.
For example, my entire family knows that if we go out to dinner, I will take the seat facing the entrance, on the outside of the table, with my dominate hand free. The first thing I do is make note of the exits and emergency exits, entrance to the kitchen etc. My wife and kids know this and it is unspoken. I am not looking to engage, just GTFO.
The bottom line is, I refuse to live in fear for engaging in a legal activity and know I am in the right. I go out of my way to avoid conflict in public, on the road or in church. I also try to avoid the places that I am not legally allowed to carry. I try not to draw attention to my concealed firearm, and ensure that I am proficient in it's use, but have resigned myself to the notion that it is not leaving it's holster unless I truly believe myself or a loved one is in grave danger. Simply put, don't start nothing, won't be nothing. But if some fool does start something, they better bring their A game, because I will. Consequences be damned.
Oh, and if I lived someplace that I was constantly surrounded by left wing nazi's, I would move. Not even kidding.
