No it's not fighting fire with fire. Study after study in this country has shown that states or localities with easier access to concealed carry permits have lower crime rates than areas with more restrictive legislation. New York City and our nation's capitol have some the most draconian gun laws yet suffer from the worst crime stats. The premise is really pretty simple. Thugs don't want get shot so they don't fool around as much if their intended victim is likely to shoot back.

The notion of simply outlawing all guns is an overly simplistic view. By their very nature criminals would not surrender their guns, only the law abiding would. Since the population of victims is now unarmed crime would inevitably increase, in this country anyway. See paragraph 1. Besides, in this country it would be a case of locking the barn after the horse has bolted. There is absolutely no way that you could even begin to recover all of the guns that are out there legally.

Also, if you carefully read the post that started this sub-thread you'll note that just as many died in non-gun murders as gun murders. Those compelled to murder and mayhem will always find a way.

I was raised in the old school frame mind that says a man has a moral obligation to protect himself and his loved ones. In the end, though, it comes down to personal choice. You may carry a PSK or not, a SAK or not, a FAK or not, a gun or not. I choose to carry all four and accept the responsibilty, and occassional consequences, that goes with the use of each.

Ed