Kris Coward wrote:I'll readily admit that the vast majority of Canada's urban population (which is, in turn, the vast majority of Canada's population) does not regularly encounter risks which could be mitigated by having a gun, there's still plenty of folks in the rest of Canada that are made safer by the possession of guns (including handguns).The most explicit examples are professions or circumstances for which the government may issue an Authorization To Carry a handgun (ATC). Generally speaking, if you drive an armoured car, or you work in the wilderness then, as far as our statutes and regulations are concerned, you have a legitimate need for a handgun for self protection. REPLY Kris you present a curious perspective for a Canadian. The only thing you need a gun for protection in the wilderness is if you are stupid enough to tempt wildlife with food or the smell of food; or if you threaten their young. Somehow you managed to lump the need for couriers of lots of cash with wild animal deterrents. The wild animal scenario really has no equal in cruising. Armed guards for a Brinks truck carrying cash is perhaps a better comparison. For the past 30 odd years that I have read comments on the topic, every cruiser says the same thing. Do not cruise into poverty stricken areas while flaunting your wealth. For as long as I remember smart cruisers have advocated avoidance of areas known to be inhabited by sea going pirates and boat thieves. I think Lin and Larry Pardey were among the first whose writings made that point back when they first cruised on Serafyn.. Your comment that a gun is needed in the wilderness really strikes me as odd. The only time I have had any apprehensions has been when in the concrete jungle of down town. I moved out of the urban jungle to the wilderness for just that reason. The only time I was ever shot at was most likely by accident; but my wife has been pinned down by gunfire for several hours. The bullet mostly came from the SWAT team. And I have been detoured on a couple occasions - again by SWAT teams having live target practice. All in urban or sub-urban locations. As for wildlife encounters, I have the photos to prove I have been within twenty feed of bears on more than one occasion. Right now I am looking for the cougar reputed to be roaming in the neighborhood. First reaction is to reach for a camera not a gun. Nor am I stupid enough to think all wildlife is Bambi and friends. We have lost enough pets to cyotes and mountain lions, not to mention wild minks and who knows what else. As an aside, piracy in Somalia is now so bad the UN has dispatched naval ships to escort civilian vessel there because the Somali government is powerless to stop the pirates. Nothing like what is reputed to be happening in Venezuela. But wha tgood is a hand gun against multiple AK47, or RPG and shoulder launched missiles. Ken James is right. If you think there amight be pirates, then dont go there! Arild |
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