Gosh Brian, Hope you didn't have to type that all out! Interesting to see how this has taken on a life of it's own. As I pointed out earlier, people in general a uncomfortable with the idea of fire arms, hence forth I normally don't discuss them nor prominently display any that I might have. It's either one of those subjects people understand or they don't and it a personal preference. I also consider that they are far more hazardous to the untrained than having nothing at all. As a forth generation native and a descendant of Arizona cowboys a side arm was always a tool available. As a pilot it was part of the survival gear should one be forced down a fair piece from civilization. As a wanderer in the wilderness it was security as there would most likely be nobody around if one was "unlucky" and sometimes it how we got lunch. If in a bad straight being ask for my wallet or having myself carjacked, they can have my wallet or my car as it's not a capital offence nor is it worth the drama on my life or theirs. We have a general rule (suggestion?) that we never observe alone, I followed it. Stan shared his concern for my safety, I shared my observations as to why I didn't think it was overly threatening and even if it was I was not without means of protection. If there had been a couple of us out there I may have walked over to the bush and said "Hi". In this case I chose not to escalate anything and mind my business as he was probably making sure his land (BLM?) was safe. I have always pointed out the safety of groups and the provability of any threat to a group is practically "Nil". When at a star party I feel as safe there as I do in my own bed. In fact any "artillery" is locked away as it is considered unnecessary. As well as most other times in my travels. Next time I'll probably share something a little safer, like politics or religion ;-) Is there anyone doing any observing out there or did I accidentally wind up on the "NRA" list :-) Jimmy Ray -----Original Message----- From: az-observing-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:az-observing-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Brian Skiff Sent: Saturday, April 14, 2007 8:57 PM To: az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [AZ-Observing] Re: Cherry Rd -Friday Night Although Bill F has rather conclusively cited the statistics that are not on the guns' side (except for having removed mountain lions from our midst), and though this argument will not be settled here, I offer this perspective on the subject from Peter Fleming. He was the brother of the Bond novelist, Ian. Peter spent his youth (circa 1930) travelling in rather rough circumstances in exotic locales. -- See message header for info on list archives or unsubscribing, and please send personal replies to the author, not the list.