It’s interesting that few of the comments have addressed the writer’s actual point, which is that the demonstrations have been detrimental to the gun rights movement. This seems to me self-evident.
It is entirely possible for an action to be legal and constitutional and still be politically disastrous.
I support the right of the open carry guys to do what they do. I just wish they wouldn’t do it.
I’m with you.
Let's see. The last couple years, we've gained Constitutional Carry in AZ, Firearms Freedom in 7 states, Shall Issue in Iowa, and CCW in national parks, not to mention recent Castle Doctrine laws in states. Oh, right - and Heller vs. DC.
So... detrimental to the gun rights movement how?
“This seems to me self-evident”
How so? It seems to me gun rights are one of the only bright spots for conservatives these days.
So where’s the backlash you claim?
I agree, its one thing to open carry out in the woods or in rural areas but in suburban or urban areas it’s a really bad idea. Just think how we would react to a bunch of gang bangers standing around on a corner with open carried weapons.
As a tactual matter its foolish to open carry as you are giving up your best advantage. Surprise and violence of action, without it’s going to be a fair fight and when it comes to defending my life I never want to fight fair as in some mythical Hollywood western.