Nobody said searching for muggers - but if I see a couple somewhat nefarious dudes hanging out on a stoop - I would keep my eye on them as I passed by. :)

Or better yet, Tomsd, carry a gun. Then if you think something's suspicious you can pull out the gun and shoot them. That's what our policeman visitor thinks is the best way to deal with it.

Precisely. We know there are places - unbelievably!!! - where people have the right to shoot persons minding their own business if they "feel threatened".

How do we know this joker - not used to a very diverse city like NYC - with the gun won't "feel threatened" if he sees someone wearing foreign dress, and speaking a foreign language. He could go blasting away at UN delegates - or one of the 50 million tourists we get from almost anywhere - if HE thinks they look suspicious.

Sometimes the old phrase about smug NYers comes to mind:

There is no wisdom west of the Hudson. :

Plus - I for one would take an experienced Policeman's hunch/observation - over both nytravelr and neop - both of whom seem to feel they have enlightened vision in NYC. :)

Hey - I keep an eye on anybody who looks like they could be a possible bad guy - here in San Diego, Paris, Costa Rica - you name it - and certainly in NYC - where they are just a subway ride away from wherever you feel "safe". :)

And I am not talkng about someone who looks like a tourist in the Big Apple. I am talking about the few you see - maybe not any on a walk - but sometimes you do see some dudes who definitely give you a bad vibe and they bear a little closer look see/observation.

That doesn't mean you punch them out - just keep an eye on them until you are a bit down the street.

Tomsd, I do not pretend to have an "enlightened" vision of NYC. Why on earth would you say that? But I think I do have an enlightened vision of off duty policeman who think it necessary to carry a loaded gun to tourist attractions -- in NYC or anywhere else.

>>> Carrying a gun so you can kill someone on a moments notice is like carrying an umbrella to protect you from the rain. Ok. I'll have to take your word for that. >>>


Hey, what's wrong with wanting to be prepared??

I carried a loaded gun/revolver - 38 special - as a Security Policeman when I was in the AF Reserves. Never had to draw it in a situation - and really thought about it much - as I grew up shooting/hunting. Sort of second nature.

For some - they think a loaded gun is just a time bomb - ready to shoot them between the eyes. :)

should read: never really thought about it much.

Sorry - IMHO guns do not belong in the hands of anyone except local law enforcement. There are too many opportunities for misunderstanding - which can happen even with local police - and someone from another part of the country with other standards is seven more likely to misconstrue situations and overreact.

Just much better overall if no person who is a civilian locally has access to a hidden firearm.

Well thankfully the Constitution says you have your right to have your opinion, and I have my right to carry my Bersa concealed weapon in most states. You call for the cops and wait around, I'll protect myself and my family then and there.

This is a very old thread.

And while you may be allowed to carry your gun many places you are not allowed to do so here. So we, at least, are safe from you.

And where do you live that you are so constantly terrified of being attacked? Perhaps you should move to a safer place?

Watch out, NYT -- Dave is a "Double-O", licensed to kill!