Big dogs are actually an excellent source of home protection, actually. Dogs are a huge deterrent to burglars, whether you're home or not....
As far as handguns go, my sister was at VT, where they don't allow handguns. While she wasn't directly around the action, had a trained person been willing to carry the responsibility of protecting their peers been there that day, the death toll would certainly not have been as bad. Not only that, but if more of these Mass Murder/Suicide shooters were taken out quickly, I would speculate there would not be as many copy-cats.
When I read the story of the two girls shot at the mega-chuch, and the security lady popping him a few times before he offed himself, I realized that the cops can't be everywhere at once. I grew up around guns and even members of my family in the various military branches are in awe of my knowledge and shooting skills, being a civilian.
I decided to get my concealed carry permit 2 weeks ago. I now work nights and we just let go a guy who is very much a loner, pathological liar, listens to death metal, lives with mom, etc... and always talks about guns. I've been wearing my CZ-75B cocked and locked on my hip since we let him go.... I can't shake the feeling that he completely fits the bill of one of these guys.
I'm not saying everyone should have a gun, but I think if you're a responsible person and willing to accept that role, you should. The Good Samaritan Law is a great law, and I am greatly saddened by the state of this country, but I will not turn a blind eye to it and will do what I can to help the situation.
In my opinion banning guns to prevent gun crimes is as stupid as banning the internet to prevent cyber-sexual predators and identity theft.
Just my
