USCCA Asks: Dear America, Why Do You CCW?
Last updated: December 5, 2019 · Originally published: December 4, 2019
Why do you carry concealed? Every time someone asks me that question, I go straight to my handy-dandy list of flippant comments:
- It’s because I can’t fit a cop in my pocket.
- It’s because when seconds count, the police are only minutes away.
- It’s because it’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
Fact is, those are all true–but the flippant answers are really more of a politeness to the person asking than they (sometimes) deserve. Sadly, a lot of the time the reason a person carries concealed is deeply personal, frightening to hear, and difficult to talk about. Even more sadly, we gun owners and Second Amendment supporters need to talk about it now more than ever, with a make-or-break election on the horizon and the voices of the anti-gunners getting louder every day the election gets closer. The U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) is starting that conversation in a 10-part series of YouTube videos that all ask the same question: “America, why do you carry concealed?”
“Every day, more and more Americans are choosing to not only protect themselves, but also their families, friends, neighbors and communities,” USCCA President and Founder Tim Schmidt said. “This series not only highlights the diversity of our growing community but also what motivates millions of individuals across our country to become empowered protectors for themselves and their loved ones. We hope this free, accessible series continues to inspire more and more law-abiding citizens to exercise their right to self-defense.”
Last year, the USCCA noted that the spike in concealed carry permits follows a national trend that transcends political affiliation, gender and race. Despite the national debate about gun control, an increasing number of law-abiding Americans are choosing to carry firearms to defend themselves and their loved ones. Although you, dear GGD reader, already know exactly why you carry concealed, you may find these informative and gently worded videos very worthwhile to show someone who asks you why you carry concealed. Better still, they just might help open an “anti’s” mind.
To watch the full series, CLICK HERE.
I am also a CCW who formerly served in Law Enforcement. I still consider it my responsibility to protect those who cannot protect themselves. The scripture you cited above however, is indeed BEFORE our Lord and Savior was tried, crucified, and rose again in victory over death and satan.
Because of all these good reasons. Thats why I carry. Thanks to all those who have served, and keep serving
Same reason I have fire insurance; because even though the chances that I will ever need it are, hopefully, slim, the thought of needing it and not having it is inconceivable. The damage that could occur is too disastrous to take a chance on.
The only valid reason for me is to not advertise. That way I am not the first target the perps will engage.
I usually just ignore the question, but if pressed I ask them, “can you guarantee me, I won’t need a weapon today?”
I don’t train my begging, so I could not be counted on to effectively beg for my life, or the lives of those I protect.
‘Cause a pistol is easier to carry than either a cop or a lawyer.
The human condition guarantees that there will always be evil in the world just as there has been since man evolved. I see being armed whenever possible as my responsibility and an obligation. If my family or others were harmed when I could have tried to protect them and I did not, that would be tough to live with.
No one can guarantee my efforts will succeed if needed, but not trying would be the biggest sin of all.
Bravo! Well said. Most people seem to think they live in some sort of invisible shield where no harm can come to them-until it does.
As a retired police officer I have personally witnessed “man’s inhumanity to man”. It seems to me the number of evil human beings are increasing daily. As an American citizen I believe it is my right and duty to protect myself and my loved ones from evil.
1. The Democratic Party
2. The hatred toward heterosexuals
3. The hatred towards Christians
4. The hatred towards traditional marriage.
5. The drug cartels
6. The snowballing of government overreach.
7. The advancement of Islam.
8. The ignominy of this country’s Constitution.
9. The ignominy of this country’s Sovereignty.
10. The demonization of Law Abiding Americans
These are just ten off the top of my head.
Member – USCCA – Former USAF
1) DEFINITION : A gun, like any other source of power, is a force for either GOOD or EVIL, being neither in and of itself, but dependent upon those who possess it. (author unknown).
2) Every responsible gun owner with a CCW license knows that the weapon is a LAST line of defense in any altercation.
3) Referring to Mort Leith’s comment – Peter carried a sword (weapon of choice at that time) during the time of Jesus’ ministry. Apparently, Jesus had no issues with someone carrying a weapon. Following His resurrection and prior to His departure, Jesus instructed His disciples what to take with them on their journey/ministry, which included “purchasing a sword” if they did not have one; Luke 22:35 & 36. A little known fact in Christianity as a whole.
4) Blessings to all who have served, are serving and will serve this nation.
Because I shop at Walmart!
It is better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardner in a war…
If you take the time to get in that position in the photo the chances are you will be shot first.
I carry because, as a wise man once said, “I’m too young to die and too old to take an ass whopping”.
I carry partly because I want to protect my family, partly because I want to protect innocent people around me, and partly because I refuse to be a victim.
Better question is why people don’t carry
1. They don’t need to compensate for anything
2. They are bulletproof
3. They can take on a weapon weilding gang of thugs by themselves
4. Because all their hero’s (who have bodyguards) say it isn’t necessary
5 because criminals and drug addicts always obey the law (my personal favorite)
6. because in liberals we trust
Jesus said “there is evil in the world”
I believe Him
Because I have been in five civil wars during my three decades of service in the Marine Corps. I know the sight, sound and smell of civil war. Our civil society is collapsing. I simply refuse to be a casualty. That is why. Semper Fi.
Thanks Marine
It’s good to know you are there!
Thank you, Sir or Ma’am.
WRM, MSgt, USAF(Ret.)