I hate to say it, but I think the wait is actually good.

[THE ENGINEER]

I'm not the type of guy who likes to wait for anything, but I have to admit that I believe this wait is a good thing. It gives new CHL pursuers the time I think is necessary to really think through the decision they have made. This is a time when we get to decide how, when, where, and why we will carry, as well as ponder the millions of difference scenarios we may possibly face and how we will handle them. Carrying a weapon is not something that is trivial. A split second decision can change the course of any one of our lives forever, as well as the lives of others. I think this is a good time for us to draw where the hardlines are when we will draw, and when we won't. For me personally, it is for the preservation of human life only. Don't get me wrong, I hate thieves more than most as I have had many things stolen from me including a motorcycle that I put more money and time into than I probably should have. And I will admit, at the time I would have liked nothing more that to put a bullet in the SOBs that stole from me. But you know what, more than 15 years ago I was one of those little [abbreviated profanity deleted.] kids that stole petty crap from peoples cars. I hung around with the wrong guys and got caught up doing things that I really did not want to do, but felt pressured into doing at the time. I sure am glad no one ever shot me over any of that. Especially since that wasn't the path I wanted to head down. I finally gained the courage and got away from that crap and finished high school, graduated college, and have been working as an engineer for one of the largest civil defense contractors around, working hard to develop and maintain products to protect our troops and our country. I guess what I am trying to say is that there is more to consider than just the legal ramifications when justifying a shooting. I personally think the only time to take a life is to save the life of an innocent person, be it yourself, a family, friend, or stranger. Of course there is more to it than that. The line is not alway clear cut as to when one is in eminent danger. This is something we will each have to decide. I hope this tired rambling is of some use to someone.

[Sangiovese]

I agree that making the decision to carry is something that needs to be carefully considered.

Personally, I did all my soul searching before I spent $300 on a class and application fee

[JadeFire]

Engineer-

I agree that it is a complex and important decision to make. However, Sangiovese put it best. If one is still worried about whether they really should get/ have the constitution to use a CHL... why take the class? Personally, the financial aspect of it was, for me, a statement of my commitment to carry and to use if necessary.

Borrowing a bit from the 160th SOAR, obtaining a CHL is saying the following: "Also I heard the voice of the Lord saying who shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, here am I, send me."

From Isiah, I think. By obtaining a CHL, we are saying, Here am I, send me.

[glock19springtx]

Engineer,

I agree with you. Taking a class and even making financial commitments to a handgun, holsters etc does not mean you have to carry or use a firearm. Your life will change dramatically if you use your firearm. For me the decision is made, if the BG makes his decision to alter my life I’m going to defend myself or my family members from being killed. Property protection is not the issue and petty punk kids lifting your ipod from your car is not justified use. You might read the book “The Ayoob Files: The Book� if you have not done so. This book will cause you to seriously consider the issue of self defense. Good luck!

I pray none of us is ever in a situation to use force.

[glock19springtx]

Borrowing a bit from the 160th SOAR, obtaining a CHL is saying the following: "Also I heard the voice of the Lord saying who shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, here am I, send me."

From Isiah, I think. By obtaining a CHL, we are saying, Here am I, send me.

Isaiah 6:8

.

[RPBrown]

Engineer,

I agree with you. Taking a class and even making financial commitments to a handgun, holsters etc does not mean you have to carry or use a firearm. Your life will change dramatically if you use your firearm. For me the decision is made, if the BG makes his decision to alter my life I’m going to defend myself or my family members from being killed. Property protection is not the issue and petty punk kids lifting your ipod from your car is not justified use. You might read the book “The Ayoob Files: The Book� if you have not done so. This book will cause you to seriously consider the issue of self defense. Good luck!

I pray none of us is ever in a situation to use force.

Venus Pax has as her signature line-"if a man breaks into your house, he ain't there for tea". I can't think of a more true statement.

As for breaking into my vehicle, depends on what else transpires. I will confront them and I will be armed as I do so.