[AllyOops!]

Originally Posted by Gemini Cricket

I found Ally's post interesting because my dad (police sargeant for 30 years or so) does not want me to get a gun. He has many, but doesn't think and of his kids should have them. Ralphie's father insisted upon us having them.

I should clarify a little bit more:

Both my dad and grandfather (my dad, a Deputy & my late grandfather, a former Reserve) are & were pro-gun ownership. Mainly, because they always needed to have one. My Dad still does. My Mom, also part of the Los Angeles Sheriff's Dept. is against them. Because I grew up with my Mom, we never had one in the house. They were totally forbidden. My boyfriend's dad is a Police Sergeant as well, and I'm interested to know his feelings, so I'll have to ask.

I once dated an Undercover Narcotics Detective who was and had to be packing at all times. It made me extremely uncomfotable. Silly as it may sound, I was afraid he would hug me too tight, the safety would pop-off and boo-ya! Goodnight, Ally. I could always feel the gun when he hugged me (which answers the age old question if he was really happy to see me ). If it wasn't his hidden badge, it was the gun. Nobody wants to feel that on their skin in any circumstance. Creepy, no?

Also, a main point- my Dad did not insist on the guns until a prowler was found on our property. He wanted to make sure that I was protected. I don't feel the need to have one. However, does it make me feel a bit safer knowing it's there? I'd be lying if I said "no".

Oddly, I also feel unsafe at times knowing it's there. I'm always panicked some sort of accident can happen. However, if I truly didn't want it, I could rid myself of it. It's there on a "just-in-case-but-I-PRAY-I NEVER-need-it-EVER basis. I mean, you won't find me polishing it and Wyatt Earping in front of the mirror. You'd never know I even had one. That's the way I want it. It's NOT a toy or a trophy.

Guns are a loaded issue (no pun intended). It's all about personal opinion. And of course, being a responsible and law-abiding gun owner. My Dad wouldn't have given me one if I would have been a hot-headed, act-on-impulse, troubled and reckless individual who thrived on bullying and fighting. He knows his daughter is a big ol' fraidy cat who doesn't like to kill household spiders. I prefer that they are "set free". Born free, as free as the wind blows, lil' fellas.