I had a very interesting experience delivering pizzas last night.
Since the demise of my decent-paying job back in 2002 (Thank You GOP), I have been, like millions of others, scraping to keep my house and bill payments current, as well as make some semblence of a plan for the future, however bleak it may be. It is just a rough way to go now.
I have 2 jobs now, 1 a decent job with crappy pay but real health and dental benefits; the other is pizza delivery. It's n ot a great job by any stretch of the imagination but it keeps me in pocket money - I never have to go to the ATM.
I deliver near my home, which is in the "bad areas" of south Atlanta. The particlular shop delivers to both airport-area hotels (good tips) and bad neighborhoods (usually no tips).
Last night I was delivering a set of pizzas to a family in a very bad area and encountered a huge police roadblock. At least 8 cars blocking off the entrance to a long dead-end 2 lane street. Lights flashing, many cops, flashlights: the works.
I was stopped and told to show my driver's licence. The policeman shined his light all through my truck and looked into my wallet as I fished for the right plastic card. Since my papers were in order all was well, but he saw fit to ask me if I carried a gun.
"No, officer, I don't even own a gun"
"Really? why not? It's a dangerous job."
"Well I just don't want a gun. I don't think I need one"
"Well this is a bad area. You need to be very careful. Hide your wallet in your care. Be careful when you get out" etc...
"I am careful sir."
"Well If I was doing this, Id own a fucking gun".
"Are you encouraging me to break the law, sir?"
"No. You can apply for a concealed weapons permit. You can keep a gun in your truck loaded with a round chambered". "I keep a .22 handgun with me at all times"
Finally I told him "I pursue a very peaceful path in life. I have no money. What money I do have when driving pizza robbers can have. The truck is insured (something else the cops here pull roadblocks for - to make sure we have given insurance companies the outrageous fees they charge). I just don't see the need for a gun.
I just thought it was a strange interaction.
I live relatively simple, I stay out of trouble; I do not mess with people or rip them off. It works well for me.
Only once in the last 12 years have I even been in a real fight - I saw a man beating up a woman late one night and intervened. I prevailed with empty hands.
I know my buddy cannon is a staunch gun advocate and I have no problem with people owning guns. Gun control is simply gun prohibition and if you think drug prohibition creates a lot of problems, gun prohibition would be a nightmare.
And it's not that I dislike guns: I grew up being taught how to shoot , so I respect them.
I just think it was odd for a policeman to "counsel" and advise me to get one.
Was it odd, or good advice?
Doc