Should blind people be allowed to carry concealed?

[F-Trooper05]

Just saw a story on CNN where a blind guy was learning how to shoot so he could get his CCW, which I thought raised an interesting question. If you found yourself in the middle of the food court at your local mall where an active shooter suddenly started shooting people, would you feel more safe, or less safe knowing that the only person capable of shooting back was physically incapable of acquiring a sight picture?

[Tzed250]

Will said person be heading to the DMV to acquire a drivers license afterwards?

[kwelz]

Are we talking about someone who is legally blind or fully blind? It is an important distinction.

[Koshinn]

Yeah, what kwelz said. My Mom is legally blind if she doesn't wear contacts or glasses. When she does, she has roughly 20/20 vision of course.

[F-Trooper05]

Are we talking about someone who is legally blind or fully blind? It is an important distinction.

Blind like these guys...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWtEF65czq0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1s2Ppe_oFTA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFNce0X_8AA

[Eurodriver]

American citizens of sound mind.

Of course they do.

I'd hope a blind guy wouldn't start shooting into the sound of gunfire during an active shooter, but there are a lot of guys with 20/20 vision I wouldn't want doing that either.

Who are we to say they must submit to the will of a mugger because they can't see? Talk about being punished twice.

[Moltke]

Sure why not, what's the worst that could happen?

But really, yes they should have equal rights. They should also understand there is no free pass when they make a mistake and shoot the wrong person, or destroy property, or mistake a situation for something that its not and draw their gun in public unnecessarily. Equal rights will need to come with equal responsibility. Also to include qualifying with a pistol just like everyone else has to (if your state requires it).

By the way, if you're in a store and a blind person whips out a gun to "save the day", FOR GOD'S SAKE GET DOWN.

[montanadave]

Let's see. Those pesky "Four Rules."

And how many of them can a blind person effectively adhere to?

One out of three doesn't seem to bode well for either private or public safety.

This is just donkeyism.

[ST911]

Why limit the context of the poll response to whether or not the voter feels more or less safe? How about just a "yes" or "no", that allows encompassing all potential issues?

[Gutshot John]

I'm somewhat torn on this. I understand the obvious problems but while those are challenges, I do think they can be overcome with training. Their condition should NOT be an excuse to get away with a mistake.

You're talking about someone who is already physically vulnerable to an aggressive criminal, and the appearance of such vulnerability only serves to make them a greater target. Factor in older people who suffer from things like cataracts or macular degeneration, and I'm uncomfortable with making them targets.

Ultimately I'm not uncomfortable with blind/legally blind owning a firearm for protection, but that there should be a standard as to how that weapon is employed and that manner should be practiced and practiced and practiced.