OzOne wrote:
On Wed, 01 Nov 2006 07:12:51 -0500, katy
scribbled thusly:

They base their opinions of us on what Hollywood presents...

Nope, I base my opinions on my time in the US.

That's funny, so do I. I think a couple of the differences between us
vis a vis the USA is, I *lived* there wasn't just a tourist, and I
spent most of my time in AZ & NM. Two of the most heavily armed states
of the USA, with the least restrictive gun laws.

Never had any problems. Saw people carrying quite frequently, from a
guy in his 70's coming from the opera to dinner (took his jacket off,
gun in shoulder holster) to young guys fishing in what passed for lakes
(puddles really) carrying revolvers on their hips.

I think I've told this one before but what the hell. Friend of mine,
5'1" female, was exploring parts of old Tucson at one point. She had
the feeling that she was being followed and after a while was convinced
she was, cos she kept spotting the same guy a block or so back on the
other side of the street. Since she was just noodling along, it was
distinctly odd that so was he, she thought. So she started worrying
about being mugged. A bit further along, she could see he was still
there so she put her hand on her fanny pack (where her money was) and
stared hard at him. At this point the guy turned around and disappeared
up the nearest side street.

What she didn't know was that fanny packs with inbuilt pistol holsters
are a common item. She wasn't carrying, but sufficient do that muggers
can't be sure. It all could have been completely harmless, of course.
Then again, maybe not. Anyway, it's an anecdote.

So - how many times *were* you mugged, threatened with a firearm or
otherwise traumatised while in the USA, Oz, and where did it happen?
You come across like an American worried about being eaten by crocs
when visiting the Territory....

I really haven't time for this ATM, too much work to do.... guess when
it boils down to it, I have more faith in the good sense and morality
of my fellow Aussies than you do. Got my doubts about our most recent
immigrants tho so keeping pistols out of their hands is a good thing
IMO. Pity the cops can't actually manage to do it. Shrug.

PDW