Keith B wrote:
And as he says, he is in a legal open carry state where it is OK to carry a HANDGUN, but if he had been carrying an AK-47 and trying to draw attention to himself, like these demonstrators are, it might be different. And, it is.
I can cite issues in OC states where merely exercising the right to OC a handgun (as allowed by law) often results in police detention and sometimes in arrest. OC will not solve the problem. To me, I support it because I'd like to conceal carry OWB and I don't feel comfortable doing that under current legislation.
Allowing OC won't change the public's tolerance for open carry of a firearm (without a badge). And it's not going to do anything for LEOs who think that we shouldn't be able to exercise that right.
I've personally got zero problem with exercising the 2nd amendment and constitutionally protected free speech via an Open Carry demonstration, as long as that demonstration follows the rules for typical political demonstrations and they notify the PD in advance that there of the intent. I don't consider this an "in-your-face tactic" - it's a political demonstration, that's all. It's exercising the free speech that we're all proud of in this country... And agree with or disagree with the message, most of us can support that we live in a country where we can have those differences.
I think the youtube videos work. I know of several circumstances they've resulted in "policy clarifications". They also show people the reality of the attitude towards firearms in public in Texas. They also have made me painfully aware of what might happen if I walk out my front door with a hunting rifle and I'm seen by the wrong passer-by.
I do have issues with carrying an AR into Starbucks unannounced. And I don't like what Grisham did - but by all accounts what he was doing was legal... However, a jury couldn't decide and I think that's a very dangerous indicator.