Not like the Arthur Frommer's of the world would have you believe.

I support sensible and non-hysterical interpretations of the 2nd amendment as it applies to today's standards by our lawmakers and wish the NRA would stop whining when an automatic weapon is banned, then using it as a blanket accusation against NRA opponents, those "commie-pinko, patriotically challenged gun control liberals."

I do not hunt but I have friends who do and I support that right.

I believe in having some sort of firearm for personal protection – but reject the idea that it should be an automatic weapon, (I became quite familiar with them as a marine in Vietnam and believe me you do not want to go there).

I also believe only the police should be in possession of weapons in public places, handguns, assault weapons, etc. Didn't I just read about some homeowner getting shot by the police because he was brandishing a gun while protecting his home against an intruder?

My jury is still out on concealed weapons for protection of couriers, precious gem agents, etc, but anyone sporting a gun better be trained and ready to use it – without hesitation. It's a bitch getting shot with your own gun.

Come to Arizona folks, everything is fine here, beautiful scenery, fun activities, golf, fabulous spas and resorts, world-class restaurants, and friendly, genuine, southwestern hospitality. In the 25 years I have lived here no guns of any kind have been visible in bars and I have NEVER seen anyone walking around with an assault weapon. It was all a publicity stunt, orchestrated by someone to discredit the Obama Administration. Nice try but no sale!

Time for the Poll:

Safe To Vacation In Arizona

It works like this: Homepage of MSN.com today: Arizona says it's legal to bring guns into bars, which, by the very manner it's presented, is inflammatory, made to get us stirred up with outrageous indignation about guns and implanting an image in the readers brain of visiting Arizona and getting "called out" by a drunken cowboy at a bar.

The guy with a Colt Peacemaker at his side, who then proceeds to gun you down out on main street because you looked askance at his girl – the one with no teeth. Just like that movie, Westworld, anyone but me remember the gunfighter droid that ran amok (Yul Brenner) in that movie? Heck, I can't possibly be the first one to come up with this comparison, am I?

It's so ridiculous and it would be funny if people didn't actually pay attention to what guys like Arthur Frommer said. Anyone who has visited our wonderful state can tell you that it's perfectly safe to vacation here. Read my lips: virtually no bar owners in Arizona want guns in their bars. It has nothing to do with the second amendment, it's strictly economics folks: if you bring a firearm into an Arizona bar, guess what? You can't drink alcohol. Now what bar owner is his right mind wants a customer that can't drink? If you don't believe me check out what EJ Montini says about it in his Arizona Republic article; Restaurant Gun Law Changes Nothing

This is the article that you are taken to if you click on the link on MSN.com's homepage: Guns To Be Allowed In Arizona Bars and after giving it a read you should feel the need (like I did) to tell: the rest of the story, Loose talk that Paul Harvey would have nipped in the bud, first time he heard a guy like Arthur Frommer telling people not to come here cause it aint safe. That's nothing short of an irresponsible statement by a man who still has a voice in the travel industry. Paul Harvey LOVED Arizona and would have come to our rescue during these outrageous times. He is about the only one who had the creds to do it and not sound self-serving about it. But alas, dear Paul has gone to that great announcers booth in the sky. We miss him here in Arizona!

This all started with the idiot that appeared in the crowd with an assault weapon across his shoulder when the new president came to Phoenix. I wonder what special interest group put him up to it? But before I get in hot water with the gun crowd let me just say first that I am a former member and supporter of the NRA, (Charlton Heston) was one of my favorite movie stars. I am an advocate of the second amendment to the United States Constitution & US Bill of Rights, that which outlines the rights of the individual to keep and bear arms without infringement by the federal government. My opinion doesn't mean squat but it should come as no surprise to anyone that the American Bar Association has noted "there is more disagreement and less understanding about this right than of any other current issue regarding the Constitution."

Boy! You can say that again. Just look at what I am saying about guns and ME, just a nobody with an opinion. Am I an advocate of guns, an enemy of those against gun control of any kind or just someone who wants the state of Arizona to regain their rightful place in the USA as the Grand Canyon State and the epicenter of tourism in the Southwest? You decide.

Everyone talks about that one fabulous vacation they took where everything just fell into place, the travel, the food, the locals, the beaches, the nightlife, you name it.

A perfect vacation is the goal of every traveler but seasoned travelers know that Mr. Murphy lurks on every corner, they expect the unexpected and are even sometimes eager to deal with adversity, just to see how it gets handled.

Most people I know want things to go smoothly, all the time, on every trip but that might be a bit unrealistic. And that begs the question; where will you travel to where you think you will get the best experience, what destination and why.

How will you spend that precious week, two weeks or if you are lucky, even more, while away from the grind of work and your career? Our readers want to know your opinion.

Yep, the media and the NRA are lapping up the publicity and generating buzz among the unwashed about which Hollywood action producer is going to come here and start filming, Westworld II, The Sequel. All at the expense of lost tourism & convention dollars to my home state, Arizona. Sad, how a few ugly and misplaced opinions can impact the lives of the ones who can afford it least; the housekeepers, the spa attendants, the golf pro's, the wedding and meeting planners, the limo and taxi drivers, the bellmen, the travel agents, waiters, busboys, chefs, entertainers, bus drivers and the myriad of folks that depend on you coming to Arizona.

Go On A Vacation – Where?

Arizona, of course! it's just about as good as it gets for people needing a vacation. As a former travel professional, hotelier and golf packager I have brought thousands here from all over the world, in a career that spanned over 25 years in hospitality. I brought them to Scottsdale over the years to: play golf, have corporate meetings and retreats, bask in the mild-winter sunshine, hike it's unique landscape or enjoy the good life at one of Arizona's world-class resorts, hotels and spas. NEVER ONCE do I remember the safety of a visitor from out of state being in question that was attributable to our gun laws. Read the rest of this entry »

Here is a link to a great travel resource ; a complete and comprehensive checklist that will help you plan and stay organized for an extended trip or vacation to anywhere, not just abroad. It was provided by our friends at eHow.com