I agree.. A right that isn’t allowed to be exercised is not a right at all. When people see guns openly carried in public, especially in a very liberal area, they freak out. I don’t even think many of the people realize it is perfectly legal to open carry in certain states.
When something is forced to remain hidden, such as guns and gun rights, it becomes much easier to defame it and spread disinformation or prevent proper education. Over many years in many parts of this country guns have become scary and evil things to many people due to lack of proper education and familiarity with firearms. Exposing people to guns consistently can in itself create an environment where guns are more acceptable. Most of these people freak out because they don’t own guns, never see guns, are uneducated about guns, and have become brainwashed by the media and politicians. Educating and familiarizing people with guns and gun rights would go a long long way to reverse the stigma that has been attached.
This is just my opinion and yes, this is my first post! :)
Great first post!
Great first post, Render. Welcome to Free Republic.
Good post and welcome. I was going to write something more, but not sure if now was the time or place. I’ll check on the wording in the First Amendment and I may or may not get back to you.