Angela wrote on February 23, 2008 07:47 PM: Nevada is a shall issue state and that's one of the reasons I've lived here so long.I like being free to carry anyway I want. As to the "too high" fee? Well, what price would you put on protecting yourself or your family?
As a law abiding citizen, I understand Debra's comments about the police as well and I partially agree with ionfields comments also. There are not enough police in this country of ours and never will be. Quite frankly, there NEVER has been. So how does one protect that which is dear to them from the criminal element? I choose to protect those I love with weapons of my own, but please let me be clear. This is a personal choice made by me with full knowledge of how to use them in any given situation, to defend that which is important to me, my children, my husband,my home and my country.
What I do not agree with is the statement that no police officer would take a bullet for a citizen. I have to state here, do your research. No it doesn't happen often, and for not only the reasons you state. I happen to know of several good men and women who would do everything within their power to keep you safe, up to and incuding taking a bullet. And they are police officers. I feel honored to be among the few they can truly call friend. I would like to see a day when certain factions of the public stop "putting down" our boys in blue and start backing them up instead.
Thanks for listening and I'm interested to hear what you have to say. And remember, look at the candiates who want to take your rights away.

ionfield wrote on February 23, 2008 03:10 PM: dwc wrote on Feb. 21: "The default for a non-felon legal resident in the country should be that you don't need any permit to carry a concealed weapon. If you've run afoul of the law, THEN you need the permit. And, of course, VIOLENT felons should never get a firarm."

I agree with dwc. Gun permits can lead to gun confiscation by "our government." Gun permit lists make for an easy means for a rogue government to find and take away guns from law abiding citizens.

An underlying motive for the Second Amendment to our Constitution was to provide the citizenry a means of protecting itself from our own government if it becomes despotic.

One of the first things a rogue government does is take away its citizen's guns to ensure their subserviency. Think it cannot happen here? Think again. Our Founding Fathers knew better from personal experience when they approved the Second Amendment.

ionfield wrote on February 23, 2008 02:43 PM: debra wrote regarding unfavorable remarks about police officers, protect and serve, and taking a bullet for citizens.

I generally agree with debra. Police officers have a difficult, and probably much unappreciated, job; however, in order to really protect us, there would have to be a cop standing guard at everybody's front door. Or at least, one on every street corner. That is not going to happen.

The police are unable to truly protect us. Unfortunately, their job pretty much ends up being a clean-up detail. Their response comes too late, coming after the crime has been committed, after the burglary, bodily harm, or murder has already occurred. This is, for the most part, no fault of police officers, it is the way the system works.

As for a police officer taking a bullet for us, I doubt you will find any officer willingly taking a bullet for anyone. Their first concern is for their own safety and the safety of other officers. After all, if they willingly jump in front of a bullet to protect a citizen, who is going to then protect any remaining citizens in that particular situation?

ionfield wrote on February 23, 2008 02:15 PM: Angela wrote: "Now to the person who made the comment 'everyone should get a CCW, (concealed carry weapon)". WRONG! These days it's very hard to get one as they do an intensive background check.

Yes, a background check is done, but Nevada is a "shall issue" state, which means that if you are 21 years of age or older you shall be issued a CCW unless you are a convicted felon, have a warrant out for your arrest, or fall into some other group in which you probably should not be allowed to have a gun in the first place. If you have a clean record and are mentally competent, you are to be issued a CCW permit. It is just a matter of paying a too high fee, getting your picture and fingerprints taken, and waiting for the permit to arrive.

debra wrote on February 23, 2008 08:40 AM: Just a short one here I hope, for all of those that are making these unfavorable remarks about our boys in blue, the police. Granted, there are some police in every city and town across this great country of ours that have what I like to call, the 40 pound badge syndrome. I've run into a few in my time and you're right, they are what you say. Bad cops, just in it for the great money and bennies.
But I've found, that for the most part, they are caring, concerned individuals who want to make a difference in our communities, wherever that may be.
And if you still think our cops are the bad guys, do some ride-a-longs. Almost evey police or sheriff's office has a program where normal everyday citizens can ride in their mobile "offices" and see just what a cop has to do every shift. I've done it several times and my respect for them has only grown.
And you might want to stop the belittling of our police force in any form. We all know there are bad ones and great ones and in-between ones. But did you ever stop to consider that with all the disrespect shown to them in the written and spoken word, that they too can become dilliusioned with who they are supposed to protect and serve? Please, remember, they don't know who or what is going to be on the other side of a radio call. It might be you in trouble or a family member. Then again, it could be death come a-callin. Ask yourself something the next time you want to "put down" a cop. Would you take a bullet for anyone else who isn't an immediate member of your family? Or even, one who is?
I didn't think so.

Angela wrote on February 23, 2008 08:22 AM: What happened is a tragedy and the saddest thing of all is in thinking that any one race is responsible for these types of crimes, or any crime at all. I understand the need society has to blame someone else for their problems,but I believe the problems arise solely from our government. Look at the 'family' situation in our country today. Families have always been the strongest protection against 'bad things' happening, because we all looked out for each other. But no longer! The govt. has allowed the family unit to completely be disregarded as an important part of today's safety management, and if you don't believe me, just do some research on the laws in the last 50 years or so.
Now to the person who made the comment 'everyone should get a CCW, (concealed carry weapon)". WRONG! These days it's very hard to get one as they do an intensive background check. I myself am licensed to carry in 32 states and have undergone these background checks to the satisfaction of our government,in whom rests the final say. But have you read our wonderful Constitution lately? It gives everyone the right to carry non-concealed. So if you are one of those that worries, go get WELL trained, purchase and then don't be hesitant to use a weapon when you find yourself in a life threatening situation.I keep a loaded weapon in every room in my house, I carry when I'm out and when I'm in. For those of you who worry about my children? Don't. They're as good a shot as I am.
And one last thing, really look at your candidates up for president. Do you really want someone in office who wants to take away your right to carry a weapon? I don't.

Nope wrote on February 22, 2008 05:24 PM: Who cares what race he was? It isn't really about the victims so much as the criminals. There are more black victims by far, it's the criminals who, unfortunately, are quite predictable. There is a major problem with the black youth in America.

anonymous wrote on February 22, 2008 04:22 PM: I think this discussion is interesting.
As far as I can tell, most who have commented on this story assumed the victim was white.
The truth is, he was black. And was a local rapper.

I wonder if that will make a difference to anyone.

Jim wrote on February 22, 2008 06:23 AM: As most of you know this isn't new to Vegas. This is a consequence of Sin-City. Yes, it is sin city and shit town does in fact attract flies. The Police are very limited in their ability to protect you, especially after rodney "the criminal" king incident. To bad, the "thin blue line" metephor is no longer. If the Police take care of business, they're in trouble so, that's no longer an option. That leaves the home owner to defend themselves, and that you should. If you can legally carry a firearm, know how to use it, and have the will to do so, your a fool if you don't. I left vegas a few years ago, one reason is because of the thousands of incidents which occur like this all the time, and the fact that I wouldn't raise my kids there. I kept a .40 caliber on me, and near me when I slept to protect my family. And good citizens, if you have half a brain should do the same. When garbage like this comes to your door and crosses the threshold, shoot until your firearm is empty, and make sure you kill them. That way they're no longer a burden on society. Where's the pimps jackson and sharpton now? Where's the outrage when a non-black is the victim? Makes me sick. Protect yourself vegans..when homey comes knockin' ..you do the rockin' with trigger control, and good sight alignment.

D. wrote on February 21, 2008 11:47 PM: Okay, so I live in this neighborhood. Where are any patrols? There seems to be a pattern here during the "midnight" hour, but I have yet to see even one patrol car out looking for these guys. Where's the police involvement?

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