We would probably help ourselves not to resort to this by not watching so many movies and TV shows that depict the good guy as a testosterone-filled gunslinger. In my opinion, this is how the mindset is instilled in us. The boob tube turns out to be a nonstop training video, and we don't even realize it.Excaliber wrote:Folks who lawfully possess firearms need to develop the habits of restraint, self control, thinking before action, and controlling their speech so they always act in a manner consistent with what a reasonable person who is not looking for a fight would do under the circumstances. Doing otherwise risks turning minor confrontations into major ones, and creating situations where the innocence and lawfulness of the would be good guy can readily be brought into question. Acting in this manner may not be as immediately satisfying as chest thumping, name calling tactics, but it brings better results in the long run and has a much better chance of keeping one from hearing the jail cell door clanging closed behind him. The calm demeanor of a strong man who knows what he's doing also usually leaves a better impression on significant others than does cursing and screaming.
Ever since I received my CHL, I constantly remind myself that the real world is not what Hollywood says it is. I am not Dirty Harry, and the truth is that good guys are NOT to be of that mold. Particularly, legally-armed civilians. I have a huge responsibility riding on my hip or in my pocket, and I must be mindful of that at all times.
The reason I like this forum is that I always get a healthy dose of reality that keeps me grounded. Thanks, guys. Especially to Exacalibur and Steve Rothstein.
