Packing Heat...and Ultrarunning

The Ultralist (a daily news group or user group by, about, and for the sport of Ultrarunning) is cyclical in nature regarding the topics discussed, as successive waves of Ultrarunner members come and go.

One thread that repeats at frequnet intervals is that of self-defense along the trail, specifically on whether to carry a weapon--read gun--while running.  While that need doesn't resonate with me, I kinda understand the desire to feel safe, protected, and self-sufficient.  I just think that on balance, packing heat is more likely to have unintended negative consequences than to save the day.

At any rate, blogger The Rude Pundit weighs in on the Colorado shootings and the peculiar hold that the National Rifle Association wields over our leaders.  He writes, on 6 Aug:

There is no reasoning with the NRA. It exists solely to advocate for reckless policies that are demonstrably harmful to the nation. If it was run by Muslims, calling for more firepower and ease with which to buy and carry guns and ammo, it would have been designated a terrorist organization.

That sums it up for me.  If you think about it, he's right.