Posted on 06/03/2014 5:12:35 AM PDT by driftdiver
The National Rifle Association has issued a strongly-worded criticism of a fellow gun rights group, calling its practice of so-called "open carry" demonstrations "downright scary."
The criticisms of Open Carry Texas were noted in an unsigned post published Friday on the NRA's Institute for Legislative Action page. Open Carry Texas members have become known for gathering in public places, mostly notably restaurants, carrying large, high-powered rifles.
Most recently, Sonic, Chipotle, and Chili's joined Starbucks, Wendy's, Jack in the Box, and Applebee's in banning firearms from their premises after protests by Open Carry Texas.
"Let’s not mince words," the post on the NRA's site said, "not only is it rare, it’s downright weird and certainly not a practical way to go normally about your business while being prepared to defend yourself. To those who are not acquainted with the dubious practice of using public displays of firearms as a means to draw attention to oneself or one’s cause, it can be downright scary. It makes folks who might normally be perfectly open-minded about firearms feel uncomfortable and question the motives of pro-gun advocates.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
In California, starting in 2004, some people decided to "push the boundaries", with open-carry activists meeting up in places like Starbucks.
The result was the passage of California Assembly Bill 144, which starting in 2012 outlawed open carry of pistols, followed by laws which outlawed open carry of rifles and shotguns. Way to go, guys!
There are places where open carry can be done without alarming people, and places where open carry will freak people out. Freaking out the sheep WILL lead to laws against open carry.
Nope, not for long guns (ie rifles). For hand guns that is correct, except you can carry one on your person traveling to and from hunting. And it is very common to do so on private property, like on a ranch or farm. There are places for hand guns related to wildlife.
The prohibition of open carry of hand guns goes back to laws passed by Fed Supervised Reconstruction era Texas. Too many carpet baggers felt threatened by open carry, so they got the law changed.
It seems to me the 2A says we have the right to keep and BEAR arms. Frightening girls or girly men while bearing arms shouldn’t matter.
It is a pity when a former rapper Ice-T knows the reason for the Second Amendment and the NRA does not. It is not about hunting or any of the other liberal diversionary canards.
“Personally, I think open carry is just poor tactics.”
This is not about tactics. It is about establishing our rights under the second amendment.
I carry but concealed and agree with you about what good tactics are.
2nd Amendment, Use it Or Lose it
In this day and age of nutjobs walking into places and slaughtering innocent people, why in sam hell would you want to open carry in an establishment with lil kids around.
I understand what they are attempting to do, but this is just down right stupid.
It doesn’t help our cause.
Imagine if the homos would tell their people what you are doing is down right scary....................
In an ironic twist, there is truth in this... and liberals use this strategy to perfection. I personally cannot bring myself to encourage the protests that includes folks open carrying "assault rifles", but I won't condemn them either. Hell, it make me a little uncomfortable. But that is apparently the point. And I have to admit, it is working. Here is how...
It changes the sensitivities of people and affects social opinion. At one time our culture found the killing of babies (abortion) abhorent. Sucking the brains out of an unborn baby was a repugnant thought. Then the debate shifted to actually giving birth to a live baby and cutting it's spinal cord outside the womb (Late term abortion). To some extent, we have been desensitized to the original horror. There are many other examples; immigration, healthcare, taxes, gay rights, marriage.... I could expand on how we have been fooled into arguing details instead of premise based on liberal talking points and agendas.
In this case, folks are starting to be uncomfortable around folks with AR-15 strapped to their back at Star Bucks. They are far more comfortable with a clean cut citizen at Star Bucks open carrying a .45 on their belt.
I've been carrying concealed daily for about 8 years now. It's now like my wallet and keys. My holsters and weapons are part of my attire whether I'm dressed casually or formerly. I think this is the way it is for most. But to your point....
I never gave much thought to "who else" was carrying until about a year ago. My wife and I were meeting with another couple in a Pinerra Bread Restaurant. I happened to notice an elderly couple sitting a little ways from us enjoying their meal. The Gentlemen was sitting in a way that I noticed his concealed piece "printing". I had to grin a bit. From that point on, I started paying more attention and looking for tell tale signs on occasion when in public places. When you know what to look for, I think many people would be surprised how many folks are carrying concealed weapons.
I live in Indiana. I think Hoosiers, in general, are pretty comfortable with full knowledge that many unsuspecting folks are carrying weapons. At a Casino in Shelbyville, IN, I have had to stand in line to check my weapon in. They have a window for that.
My letter sent to the chicken NRA:
Dear NRA:
your
“Let’s not mince words,” the post on the NRA’s site said, “not only is it rare, it’s downright weird and certainly not a practical way to go normally about your business while being prepared to defend yourself. To those who are not acquainted with the dubious practice of using public displays of firearms as a means to draw attention to oneself or one’s cause, it can be downright scary. It makes folks who might normally be perfectly open-minded about firearms feel uncomfortable and question the motives of pro-gun advocates.
“Using guns merely to draw attention to yourself in public not only defies common
sense, it shows a lack of consideration and manners,” the NRA wrote.
“That’s not the Texas way. And that’s certainly not the NRA way.”
My humble opinion concerning your NRA`s apparent ignorance:
NRA should really read American history to learn about the Second Amendment and how my ancestors knew what it meant. You appear to be totally ignorant of the history of America or you would not appear to be uttering such preposterous nonsensical statements per above..
WEARING ARMS< BEARING ARMS
Volunteers#War of 1812
“Governor Synder, 1815- Our militia and volunteers were actually engage with the enemy..”p99 ...if we destroyed the militia system, we did not indeed take away the right of the people to bear arms, but we destroyed the inclination, the habit of WEARING ARMS; and such was not his [Gov. Snyder]sentiment as to what ought to be the condition of things in a country like ours. He believed that not only right, but the habit of WEARING ARMS was essential to freemen, and to the preservation of the liberty of freemen.
This was the principle inserted into the Constitution of the United States; and if we did away with this, the effect would be to destroy the principle and the feeling
altogether.” .100 p.105.
p.168 et alii pages are sourced from “Proceedings and Debates of the Convention of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania”, Vol. 4, by the Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention, 1837-8
Shape up or ship out.
Best regards,
I used to have that opinion but I have changed. By being afraid to open carry where its legal we’re allowing the enemy to dictate the battleground.
This is exactly what the left has been doing to further their agenda.
Do you swoon when you see a cop? Then you shouldn’t care about someone open carrying. In Florida 5% of the population has a CCW. So most likely there are already armed people in any restaurant. Should we swoon at the thought of someone carrying concealed?
I completely agree. There is even a literature on this subject (how public opinion gets shifted).You have made well the point that I was too lazy to type ;-)
I think it's counter productive to get a bunch of folks together and walk into an eatery with weapons exposed. Just freaks people out and pisses a bunch of dad's off when they are there with their kids.
How can this help the cause? Seriously, how can any law maker refuse to come to the aid of a parent just wanting to protect their child from some nutball with a gun?
I whole heartily support open carry and I wish the laws were more clear, but until that day there is no need to go about freaking parents out.
And how will you get those laws changed?
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