Posted on 10/25/2009 1:33:08 PM PDT by AJKauf
I recently wrote an article for Shotgun News making the argument that while open carry of firearms is legal in many American cities, it may not be particularly wise. Open carry in a number of states is not just legal, but protected by the state constitution. But just because something is legal, even constitutionally protected, doesnt mean that it is wise.
Carrying a gun openly in a city can and does offend people who might not have a strong opinion one way or the other about gun control. Boise, Idaho, is about as pro-gun as any big city in the United States. But open carry advocates decided last year to go to the Boise Zoo with openly carried handguns. It was completely legal but the reaction of other patrons was distinctly negative.
We have a very reasonable concealed weapon permit law in Idaho (as with most states), and there are lots of Idahoans who are armed but carry their weapons concealed. Im sure that the other patrons of the Boise Zoo know that. Yes, it is somewhat illogical to be disconcerted by seeing something in public that you know may still be all around you, but concealed. But there are a lot of areas where human beings are illogical and pretending that you are Mr. Spock doesnt change that human beings often respond with emotions, not logic.
Handguns and our excretory organs have something in common: we know that they are very, very common, they are necessary, and many people have them under their clothes./....
(Excerpt) Read more at pajamasmedia.com ...
Way too many liberals would be wetting themselves and fouling the streets. In some areas of town they would need a street cleaner to suck up the pee < / s >
Sounds like an excellent reason to Open Carry!
More liberal arguments to push conservatives into the closet. The left offend all they want in order to normalize liberalism. At the same time, the right is told, don’t offend. Hogwash.
Some of us live in a state such as Maryland where we cannot carry concealed or otherwise.
It sucks. Highest taxes in the country. Democrat run legislature, Democrat tax and spend Governor, Steny Hoyer for a Congressman.
You need to fight for your Constitutional rights!
Criminals interviewed in prison report they LOVE open carry because it tells them who to Pop first when robbing a store or bank. Open carry folks are targets. An old Navy saying is ships are targets in a war while subs are the real threat because they can’t be seen. Open carry folks like to strut their egos brought upon by an exposed gun. Concealed carry folks go about life life cops off duty knowing they have the upper hand. Duh.
I think the author was arguing that instead of open-carry becoming normal and accepted, citizens who previously had no strong feelings for or against gun control might be inclined to support laws against open carry after seeing weapons legally on display at places like zoos.
His example was that the negative public reaction that ensued after the zoo incident could potentially damage RKBA rights. His point is not without some merit.
I understood his ideas (and it is a problem) but take the opposite view. He is simply wrong... Enough said...
Bottom line is, I'm a private person and like my privacy. Way too many people would ask stupid questions, call 911, point and act stupidity.
We have lost the public opinion war. Guns even in law abiding citizens SCARE people. Scared and ignorant people do stupid things.
Heh...Sorry to hear that you take the criminal’s take as your own... You and they are similar - always take the soft way out! For goodness sakes, don’t put up a fight or you might get hurt - you girly you...heh.
You are sooo... wrong that it is indecent to discuss!
if stores and businesses wish to restrict firearms, they should, by law, be required to post their terms prominently at the entrances to their property.
My only caveat is that by doing so, they take on the
responsibility for your safety. Same with court houses
and city hall.
If I have to disarm to enter, YOU are guaranteeing my safety. It’s a question I have long thought about, what if you leave your piece in the car to go into city hall or a store and are mugged on the way in, are they not libel for your safety , you were forced to go about defenseless, I could see it if you had a gun check in the lobby, but they don’t want that responsibility also.
I have to admit I’ve never tried to check my pistol at
city hall or court house but I’ve never SEEN any facilities
or notice that such WAS available.
Tet.
I don't have a problem with open carry.
That is such an excellent point! Now if those that are forced to disarm and the “business” fails to protect them are found at fault - well, then things might well change...
Historically, concealed carry equated to evil intent. Honest men carried guns openly. Then again, good defensive guns were large and hard to conceal anyway; walking around with a shotgun or a 7”-barreled pistol was no big deal.
Funny thing is, the whole leftist whining about the need for carry permits is “we need to know who is packing”; OK, so let me carry openly and you’ll know.
The ignorance of the public should be not be a reason I should not open carry. Many responsible gun owners like me have no problem educating the masses, even the police on OC law.
There are tons of people that have no idea that open carry is "legal" in my state of Indiana and its not really my problem they are SCARED when the see a weapon.
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I live in a state that is “may issue”. “May issue” in many areas equates to “no issue”. i.e. the Sheriff of our county doesn't consider “self defense” an adequate reason to issue a carry permit. There are Sheriffs in other counties in the state that actually proudly admit that they have never issued a CCW. Our border state is “no issue”, period.
As to being an idiot, I disagree. Misinformed, moron, half-insane maybe, but not an idiot.
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