I just finished reading a story stating that Starbucks will stick to its guns in regards to letting customers carry within a Starbucks store. I commend the company’s stance. I am a staunch supporter of concealed carry as well as open carry.

I have my license and I think everyone who can get one should, unless you are totally nuts and have yet to be adjudicated as such. In that case do us all a favor and don’t purchase a gun either. Just so you know, those demons you always think are trying to consume your brain in the torrential flames of hell aren’t really demons, they are actually just house cats.

On the other hand, one has to wonder how many crazies have guns and/or their permits for whatever type of carry. I don’t think people should have to undergo some type of extensive psychological evaluation but I do think that there should be some kind of decision-making ability on the side of the instructors giving the course.

For those without a license the method is pretty straightforward and doesn’t even cost all that much. There are eight qualifications for being able to apply, they are:  You must be 21 years old, have a clean record, not be on drugs, not have a restraining order, you can’t be a psycho, must be eligible to purchase a handgun and last but not least not be delinquent in paying fines, child support, student loans or pretty much anything else that is state or federal in nature.

Your class will be fairly easy and the shooting portion is only there to show that you have at least a mild proficiency with a handgun. There is absolutely nothing to worry about when it comes to any of it. The entire course should take the good part of a day or at least some solid portions of a couple days.

I think one of the best things about the course is being confident that you will be able to protect your family, friends or anyone who may need protecting for that matter. There are a lot of people out there who say, “Well what about the police? Isn’t that what they are for?” Yes and no is the answer. The police are oftentimes at least a few minutes away and in a situation that only allows for seconds of contemplation and reaction, you can see where the ability to defend yourself is a welcome option.

The mere sight of a handgun in most situations will end an attack by most assailants. You add goodies like a laser sight, attached flashlight and a backup magazine and you now have a defense hobby kit.

And this isn’t just for the home, you can carry a handgun in most places with a proper license, there are of course exceptions and you must pay very close attention if you are going to carry because it can be anywhere from a misdemeanor to a felony.

 They only thing that will bar you from personal property with a concealed license is that of a 51 percent or 30.06 sign. The 51 percent sign lets you know a business makes more than 50 percent of its business from selling alcohol. The 30.06 sign is an official notice that you cannot carry on the premises. They are often on the front doors of places like hospitals and credit unions. You may or may not have ever even noticed before. The 51 percent sign is near the door of nightclubs and bars. Have a gander the next time you drop into one.

I guess what I’m getting at is that carrying a gun the legal way does not make you a maniac with your finger resting on a hair trigger all the time. The aspect of carrying isn’t about being able to kill or maim someone, it’s about being able to defend whatever may need defending. I don’t mind handing over some cash, nor do I really care if someone wants my credit cards, or do I? I hope that I never have to shoot someone, I really, really, really don’t want to kill anyone but it is something that someone with a concealed carry permit must consider and decide what they may be prepared to do or not do.

Carry may not be for everyone but it is one of our rights. I think that people should exercise that right or be prepared to lose it. Much like exercise for the body, you must utilize the rights you are given or they may be simply weakened to the point of failure or general atrophy. Let me just say this... the legal carrying of a firearm is not something to get all up in arms about, or is it?

Cody Edgerton is a copy editor for the Port Arthur News. He can be reached at cedgerton@panews.com