Reader Kyle in Texas writes:
I’ve had my CHL for several years now, but only in the last several months have I started carrying every day. To be honest, I was a little tentative at the idea. It was uncomfortable. I was worried about revealing and printing, being able to practice and, most of all. I wasn’t convinced I was ready to do what was necessary in the event I actually needed to defend myself, a loved one or someone who cannot or chooses not to defend themselves. One of those SHTF moments . . .
What changed? My mindset. My determination to change my lifestyle.
Early on I started carrying in my house, but only with the idea to get comfortable with carrying. I got a new (expensive) belt, a better holster, better fitting pants…that’s a work in progress still. I’ve invested in practice. Because it’s not feasible to think that I can just buy a gun and be a proficient shooter. And it’s an investment; an investment in time, money, energy and the lifestyle. I’ve had a few friends poke fun at the fact that I carry. So what. I’m ready.
Recently, however, my thinking turned from occasional carry for comfort and confidence, to everyday carry for a purpose. I continue to see articles like this and this, encouraging everyday carry even at home. Even more eye opening? Articles like this and the It Should Have Been a Defensive Gun Use series show the importance of always being armed, everywhere.
Research like the CDC’s Priorities for Research to Reduce the Threat of Firearm-Related Violence offers in depth and far reaching looks into firearm violence. Go download the CDC’s PDF, it’s free and there is a lot of information in it. Read it. Jump to conclusions. Your mileage may vary.
But the most disconcerting news story so far is one I heard in the past few days. The Dallas Police Department is having trouble responding to emergency calls.
Under fire over out-of-control police response times, Dallas Police Chief David Brown ordered that more than 100 officers be returned to patrol to help answer calls through the end of October, News 8 has learned.
Records obtained by News 8 show that top-priority calls, such as murders and shootings, are taking more than 10 minutes on average to answer. The goal is eight minutes.The next-highest priority calls are taking an average of nearly 30 minutes. The goal is 12 minutes.
The chief attributed rising response times to new policies that direct officers to slow down, wait for cover, and to de-escalate situations, which requires them to take more time on calls. He also said the department has fewer officers than it did five years ago, as well as half the overtime money.
More than slightly unnerving. I’m sure Dallas isn’t alone, but it’s where I live. Eight, 10, 30 minutes? Granted certain ongoing events across the Metroplex have all police forces spread thin right now, but a lot can happen in that time. In my own “secured” apartment complex, two apartment B&E’s and one vehicle break-in have happened in the past 30 days. Luckily no one was hurt. But now, like Sara Tipton, I carry all the time. I sleep with my firearm next to my bed. Unfortunately my place of work doesn’t allow carry of any kind, even though there are no signs saying so. That’s a work in progress, too.
As has been said again and again, when seconds count, help is only minutes away. How long will you wait for help when your life is on the line?
I’ve made my decision.