Armed citizens say personal safety is a personal responsibility

Armed citizens say personal safety is a personal responsibility:

Increasing numbers of American citizens, including more than 340,000 here in Washington, have armed themselves and are swelling the ranks of those officially licensed to carry because they understand that their safety is ultimately their personal responsibility.

That is the overwhelming sentiment in an admittedly unscientific poll, with responses still coming in.

Yesterday, this column invited readers to explain why they carry, and they have in large numbers, via private e-mails, several chat lists and on five popular gun rights forums, including Defensive Carry, Seattle Guns, Hunting-Washington, Northwest Firearms, Open Carry and Gun Rights Media. Many of the stories are compelling.

Responses included accounts of criminal victimization, police inability to quickly respond, and the realization that in life-or-death situations, it is rare that anyone will come to the rescue in the nick of time.

While thoughtful gun owners are continuing to weigh in, the anti-gun Mayors Against Illegal Guns (MAIG) has gone on the warpath against federal legislation that would allow citizens licensed in one state to carry in all states, under the laws of that state. This national recognition/reciprocity legislation has gun prohibitionists terrified, as evident by the rhetoric being mounted against it.

(Excerpt) Read more at examiner.com ...