Just caught up on this thread. You guys make very good points. Situational awareness and common sense goes a long way. I remember my first martial arts lesson about 20 years ago. " If you walk into a bar and feel like everyone is sizing you up, turn around and walk out". The point was that most fights could be avoided, if you are aware of your surroundings.
As far as weapons, I worked in a violent psych ward for a while (not too far from the wonderful Elmhurst) and one question we asked, is if the patient had access to guns. Not surprisingly, most of them either had their own or had someone to get one from. A large majority of these patients had an extensive criminal history or were gang members. Its kind of crazy to think what a law abiding NYer has to do, to get a limited permit. The amount of paperwork, money, interview and a 6 month wait, not including what you have to do to renew it. Since almost anything around here is considered a weapon, even carrying a knife for utility purposes is frowned upon.
I agree, that its mostly ignorant politicians (is that redundant?) and impressionable people that want it like that and not the average police officer. However, new officers- especially those in the city, tend to by the book and are looking to get their first collar can be more aggressively looking for that clip or bulge. A lot of the hate towards NY, is really the fault of our elected officials who are only looking out for themselves. NY is a beautiful state, I am one of those that love to get upstate to hike, camp and just to relax.
