I also carry and also agree with you on why I do and what I am willing to do. No plans to be " A good guy with a gun".

Bringing something into your life that increases the risk of what you are afraid of.

I am a senior citizen. I frequent state parks, deep into the wilderness.

I play disc golf with my loved ones and grandchildren in places far from any traditional protection.

When you get out of your car and go into a store you will remember what I have said.

you and your family at a higher risk of inury. It's as simple as that.

I know it makes you feel good to have it but I'd remind you that cocain makes you feel good too.

I go about my business every day in high density urban areas and rural areas alike without the fear you obviously carry. It is a weight I am happy to be without.

I am a staunch Democrat.

We are on the same side.

and who is a "bad guy"? A lot of shooters believe that they are "good guys". That is part of the problem. Who defines a "good guy" vs a "bad guy" with a gun? Who defines the term, the gun owner or the gun shooter? Half of them think they are doing something good, for mankind, for God, for their country, blah, blah, blah.

And, I am so proud and thankful for you.

I am a SoCal dude. I am so fucking pissed off about what has happened to our country.

I am here and I am a Democrat.

That's easy, he's the one shooting at you.

re: "Who defines the term, the gun owner or the gun shooter? Half of them think they are doing something good, for mankind, for God, for their country, blah, blah, blah."

Vincible ignorance separates those doing morally good versus those doing apparent good.

See #10: https://www.democraticunderground.com/1172212753#post10

We are told over and over that the only way to stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun
It then follows that we should allow anyone who wants a gun to have that gun and to allow them to carry it in whatever way they want and in whatever place they want.

It is gun rights advocates that say gun owners should and will step up when a shooting occurs.

So yes it is sarcastic and its rhetorical cause we don't expect an answer. But its a nice strawman you got there.

Strawman back at you.

If you believe only a good guy with a gun is the way to stop a bad guy, that’s not my fault.

I don’t believe that.

I have made it known for some time I pack, and my womenfolk too.

Not for your protection, just ours.

Many like to sarcastically, or perhaps ignorantly point out a perceived failing of concealed, or open carriers of weapons, implying they should intervene in violent situations and shoot the “bad guy.”

possessing weapons.

I am trying to take that argument away from them by describing my reasons for owning firearms, I.e. not to be anyone’s Good Guy.

I candidly an honestly gave my reason for possessing a firearm.

I set up no Strawman, just the opposite, I exposed RW fallacies.

"Your number one Option for Personal Security is a lifelong commitment to avoidance, deterrence, and de-escalation."

I hope Americans who read DU and perhaps would be a Democratic voter if they would be accepted for deeply held beliefs, such as being able to possess weapons for protection of themselves or their loved ones.

And, for the record, I’m not talking so-called assault rifles. We don’t have them and don’t want them.

America is unique. We have freedoms so vast and loose that bad actors from all sectors have exploited our very freedoms Americans have fought and died for.

I will end by saying many Democrats are armed and take gun ownership as seriously as anybody else.

I am sure the Democratic Big Tent can welcome and accept responsible gun owners.