@maporsche,
As a teacher who teaches developmental English, I have no idea what you wrote.
Let me break it down to one topic and one topic only: that there is some sort of generalized threat. . . that my safety is imperiled each time I leave my home. That seems to be what you and David are arguing: that the world is indeed a jungle.
Well, it is not.
I was once a social worker in the city of Detroit. I was never afraid although I did carry the state issued navy blue brief case that identified me.
As a young woman, I lived in the inner city of Detroit along with hundreds of educated Black and White people who were determined to turn the city around. So, we failed, but, we tried.
When I lived in ex-urban MA, I would take my kids into Boston frequently to the horror of my next door neighbor who just felt I was running some sort of risk. Paranoia like that is its own reward. And, if your personal solution to your paranoia is to carry a gun, then you are only providing a means of:
1.) escalating a problem that may exist;
2.) possibly creating a problem.
When I lived in suburban Boston, I went to the local Starbucks as it afforded me an opportunity to meet new people. Let's face it: people do not approach you in a restaurant if you are eating a sandwich at a table. They will sit with you in a place like Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts because those are social places.
Now, I eschew Starbucks in favor of two independently owned cafes. I will not support a national chain if I don't have to. Guess what? I meet people!
It would be difficult for me to conceal a weapon as a woman, although I wear a blazer to work most of the time. Can you imagine the search I would have to go through were I to put a gun in my purse! Jeez louise! It is difficult enough to find my cell phone before it stops ringing.
I have to ask both David and Maporsche: do you frequent cafes for coffee? Do you talk to people or is your fear so intense that you are prevented from having a conversation?
