[pct-l] GUNS: KEEP THEM AT HOME

[dnlcyclone at aol.com]

Can't wait to get out on the trail and meet you all, but... PLEASE KEEP YOUR GUNS AT HOME.  Please.  HYOH does not apply here.  "Packing a gun" will undoubtedly make all of us LESS safe than if you carry one.  The only people who have ever asked me if I should bring a gun on the trail are people who have never ventured past their property boundaries, boundaries which are pasted over with thousands of DO NOT TRESPASS: PRIVATE PROPERTY signs.  People have the right to protect themselves, but bringing a gun is complete overkill; I don't mean to lecture, but I have a serious concern for public safety of all of the class of 2011 (my family included) if we have several people packing handguns.  The recent thread about "illegal" paranoia is also cause for concern; why is it that only people who come from Mexico would be a threat?  Why couldn't there be a down-and-out local who knows people will be on the trail that terrorizes all of us in our tents?  This fear/paranoia/craze is really ridiculous.  I just feel that this thread has gone a tad too far.  Federal statistics show that privately owned guns at home are 43 times more likely to kill a family member than they are to kill an intruder; I don't like those stats when converted to the trail.  I love the forum and its diversity of opinions, however, this gun issue affects all of us, not just the person carrying the gun.  It only takes one accident.  Bear spray and a good knife should be and have been good enough for most of us.  I hope everyone is having fun getting ready for the hike, but please...LEAVE THE GUNS AT HOME.




Cheers,


David Liechty