Without weapons or other tools

Like a good Boy Scout, I try to be prepared. Normally I keep a few things in my pockets. My key chain has a bit more than keys on it: bottle opener, Swedish Firesteel, and P 38 can opener. Then there's my handy dandy Leatherman tool. No sense having opposable thumbs if you don't have tools with you. Now I'm also in the habit of carrying my little Ruger LCP handgun. Better to have it and not need it and all that.

Last week I bumped into a sign at the local medical clinic. Wouldn't you know it, they have a policy against guns -even permitted concealed guns. As it turned out, I did happen to have my handgun with me. Went back to the truck to secure it there, then promised myself to never do business with that clinic.

Today I took my wife to a Social Security hearing. Social Security is serious about security -their security. I knew enough to keep all my tools out of the building, but ran afoul of rules I didn't expect. They don't allow any electronic devices. I've been reading an electronic book on my old Palm Pilot and had hoped to pass the time reading. So much for that idea.

Then there was the time the state called me for jury duty. Almost went there with a jacket pocket full of 9mm ammo. The jacket had been worn last at target practice. That would have been a big whoops. My guess is that the guards wouldn't have just laughed it off. No sense of humor those guys.

I've already vowed not to fly on airplanes, but it looks like that mentality has spread far beyond the airport.

Personally, I subscribe to Heinlein's philosophy: a well armed society is a polite society. Hey, I'm all for politeness.

-Sixbears