Group tours Boise zoo carrying handguns

Gun Pride. Gun rights. Silencers = death. They should have a gun "pride" parade too.

Im all for gun rights. Im an advocate for open carry laws.
But there's such a thing as discretion.
Theme parks, zoo's, circuses, places that for the most part focus on kids...why do you need to impress them. If anything I think youre giving them the wrong message.
If youre that afraid of going to the zoo.....dont go!

Our visit the Boise Zoo has seemed to create a little stir. For those who do not know, some people in various states carry their firearms concealed so there are some probably those walking around in the zoo, movie theaters, churches, grocery stores, restaurants, etc...Whether it is concealed or carried openly, I think it is still important to be able to carry a firearm for self-defense and exercise our rights. Some of our rights in this country have been limited or infringed upon since post-9/11 simply because people do not take the time of effort to stand up for them. We have become so dependent on our government to take care of us, it is no wonder our society has some of the problems it faces today with crime.
There are countless stories in the news in the last 5-10 years where innocent people have been shot in public places or women attacked and raped in their homes. They were not prepared to defend themselves.

Please know that I recently completed a course thru the county sheriff's office on concealed carry for firearms and am awaiting the processing of my permit. The police officer who taught the class, stated that if more responsible people who have gone thru firearms training would carry a firearm, it would make their job easier and it would definitely have an impact on violent crime. They encouraged all attendees to continue their training on a regular basis and be extremely familiar with the applicable laws in their respective states. My intent is to protect myself and family, not to chase down criminals. The police in this area are very supportive.

I would encourage anyone who has a position on this topic to do a google search for 'open carry' and read what is shown there under wikipedia.

Idaho Guy wrote:

My intent is to protect myself and family, not to chase down criminals.

I'm sure you put a big dent in crime at the zoo that day!

I agree that law abiding citizens should have the right and be able to carry firearms..........after all, the bad guys have them, and the good guys are like "sitting ducks" ..unable to defend themselves. By the time the Police arrive, it's way too late, as the crime has already been completed, and the victim is severely injured or killed. Criminals would think twice before they decide to prey on someone, IF they knew that someone might possibly be carrying a firearm. In short, there would be less crime including rapes, muggings, robberies, car jacking, purse snatching, etc etc etc.
What do you think ?

Bill wrote:

I agree that law abiding citizens should have the right and be able to carry firearms..........after all, the bad guys have them, and the good guys are like "sitting ducks" ..unable to defend themselves. By the time the Police arrive, it's way too late, as the crime has already been completed, and the victim is severely injured or killed. Criminals would think twice before they decide to prey on someone, IF they knew that someone might possibly be carrying a firearm. In short, there would be less crime including rapes, muggings, robberies, car jacking, purse snatching, etc etc etc.
What do you think ?

I agree with everyone arguments thus far...my only question is when was the last time a rape or murder occurred at the zoo.
I concur that the policeman's job would be infinitively easier if more legal citizens carried guns and thus prevented a crime by mearly doing so. Especially since the Supreme court recently ruled that it is not the job of the police to prevent a crime.
Still, I ask....when was the last time a crime of noteworthiness was committed at the zoo?

Idaho Guy wrote:

Please know that I recently completed a course thru the county sheriff's office on concealed carry for firearms and am awaiting the processing of my permit. The police officer who taught the class, stated that if more responsible people who have gone thru firearms training would carry a firearm, it would make their job easier and it would definitely have an impact on violent crime. They encouraged all attendees to continue their training on a regular basis and be extremely familiar with the applicable laws in their respective states. My intent is to protect myself and family, not to chase down criminals.

What did the training course teach you about firing your weapon in a crowded public area, say, like a zoo?

Don't get me wrong, while I'll never own a gun, I have no problem with the 2nd Amendment. But showboating events like this make you look foolish at best. Like the article said, there is legal and there is appropriate....

All you need are recipe cards on the cages, and you got yourself some good eatin'

Leviticus wrote:

Gee! I guess all sexually repressed folk are in Seventh Heaven. Imagine placing a well lubed phallic shaped cartridge in a permanently inviting chamber chamber/vagina. Pull trigger immediate explosion/orgasm. Lucky folk with automatics get sting of guaranteed orgasms. Since we common folk cannot, by law, exhibit their male/female shooting arns in public, blessed are these folk who may parade about with there potencies for all to envy.

I think YOU are sexually repressed, you stupid idiot.

Leviticus wrote:

Gee! I guess all sexually repressed folk are in Seventh Heaven. Imagine placing a well lubed phallic shaped cartridge in a permanently inviting chamber chamber/vagina. Pull trigger immediate explosion/orgasm. Lucky folk with automatics get sting of guaranteed orgasms. Since we common folk cannot, by law, exhibit their male/female shooting arns in public, blessed are these folk who may parade about with there potencies for all to envy.

Not everything has a sexual connotation. Are you sure you're allowed to use the comuter unsupervised?

Leviticus wrote:

Gee! I guess all sexually repressed folk are in Seventh Heaven. Imagine placing a well lubed phallic shaped cartridge in a permanently inviting chamber chamber/vagina. Pull trigger immediate explosion/orgasm. Lucky folk with automatics get sting of guaranteed orgasms. Since we common folk cannot, by law, exhibit their male/female shooting arns in public, blessed are these folk who may parade about with there potencies for all to envy.

My gun is bigger than your gun!

LongHardRibbedPython wrote:

<quoted text>
I'm sure you put a big dent in crime at the zoo that day!

Good One!!!

I possess and carry a variety of firearms ranging from a .40 caliber semi-auto handgun to an M-4 tactical carbine. I graduated from a police academy, obtained licensure as a peace officer, and regularly complete extensive follow-up training -- including tactical firearms training. The mere completion of a concealed carry or equivalent course is not nearly sufficient in providing a citizen the necessary skills and judgment in using a firearm in a public setting.

My distinct impression is that most "open carry" advocates are wanna-be cops or cowboys who get a thrill from openly carrying a firearm in public. I'm the first to acknowledge that indeed there was a certain thrill in it at first, which soon gave way to a strong sense of responsibility and a need for both a constant awareness and split-second judgment in the use of a deadly weapon -- both of which are virtually impossible without extensive and ongoing training.

Citizens need to leave their weapons at home and be ready to protect their family and property.

Surf52 wrote:

<quoted text>
Not everything has a sexual connotation. Are you sure you're allowed to use the comuter unsupervised?

I thought "comuters" populated busses. Your Freudian slip is showing!

Surf52 wrote:

<quoted text>
Not everything has a sexual connotation. Are you sure you're allowed to use the comuter unsupervised?

Your witty reply was noted. Ad hominem attacks are rather feeble attacks

Crazy Stacey wrote:

<quoted text>I think YOU are sexually repressed, you stupid idiot.

Really impressive argumentation. I hear McCain needs a VP.

Hfox wrote:

Gun Pride. Gun rights. Silencers = death. They should have a gun "pride" parade too.

Ya maybe they will shoot each other up. LOL Play "Quick Draw McCraw" LOL

Leviticus wrote:

<quoted text>
I thought "comuters" populated busses. Your Freudian slip is showing!

Maybe I shouldn't use a computer unsupervised.

Leave the guns at home! Defend your own home and keep them out of the cars and public places.

Just what we need during the morning rush. A-holes with road rage and guns. Don't forget to shoot the purse snatchers in the back. Wait, the woman's gun would be in their purse.

I have several handguns but they will never leave my house... ever!

JazzKeyz wrote:

Im all for gun rights. Im an advocate for open carry laws.
But there's such a thing as discretion.
Theme parks, zoo's, circuses, places that for the most part focus on kids...why do you need to impress them. If anything I think youre giving them the wrong message.
If youre that afraid of going to the zoo.....dont go!

Yeah, because criminals avoid those places too, huh?