That being said, I've developed very strong feelings about 2A issues. Up until Jan 1, I felt like we were very cohesive group and knew what we wanted to accomplish. There was a definite feeling of apprehension in regard to some other groups because of their antics related to 2A issues, however, by and large, this community was very united. While I believe that we are still united, however I worry that this cohesiveness is being threatened by some of our feelings about the results of Open Carry being passed. One definite thing that we can take from everything now is that there have been no issues related to open carry that I'm aware of so far. We're only a week and a half in, but still, no issues is something worth celebrating when those who were against it were clamouring about wild west shootouts. We knew that wouldn't be the case, and thus far it has been shown to not be the case.
Let me start out by saying that being someone who is a state employee, working on a campus of higher ed, I can say without a doubt that I know *exactly* how everyone feels who is being effected by 30.06 signs that are going up. (I am leaving 30.07 signs out on purpose because this type of restriction does not effect a licensed carriers ability to defend themselves if the need arises. 30.06 specifically does.) I've spent my entire professional life disarmed. Every day, on the way to work, on the way home, and if there are any errands that need to be ran in between, I am vulnerable if something horrible happens. I do not leave my weapon in my vehicle at work, as I believe this leaves it vulnerable to be lost in a vehicular burglary. (My choice, I am not preaching here.) So, I 100%, fully, completely, understand the frustration presented by HPB, Grapevine Mills Mall, etc, posting 30.06 signs. I also understand the frustration of a place of employment posting these signs.
I know everyone is frustrated, but I will not try to directly relate my frustration to the frustration of those who have been here working for decades. I applaud your work and patience, and I can't directly compare my feelings to yours simply because I am new to the game. That being said, I do believe that we need to begin taking all of these feelings and emotions and funnelling them into something productive. Arguing on the forum, for everyone -- including MDA, OCT, etc -- to see is not going to do a bit of good for our cause. I think it's safe to say that there's not any "Anti-OC" people on this forum -- there are simply those who prefer not to. I don't believe that *anyone* on this forum would campaign against any, and I mean *ANY*, legislation that would further 2A causes.
We need to begin campaigning for our cause -- shed light on the issue with truth, not raw emotion, half truths or lies, like some of the other groups for and against 2A causes do. We have just about a year until the 2017 legislative session starts, lets not fight with each other. We know that those Anti-2A groups actively campaign -- heck, unconfirmed rumour has it they might even put up 30.06 signs without owner's consent. So how could we campaign our cause? I know that everyone will talk to their boss or to employees of stores they frequent, and the one-on-one work is fantastic. By no means am I saying we should reduce that. How can we reach a broader audience? Not only should we try to interact with those businesses/churches/etc that are posting 30.06 signs, but we need to tell those businesses that are actively supporting the 2nd amendment that they have our support as well.
Could we put together a small website whose sole purpose was to get the facts about licensees and other facts about guns in Texas out in a form that's quick to digest (infographic style)? I am willing to beer bet that most of the signs going up are because people simply don't know the facts. I can scream all day in my office, on my Twitter, or on my Facebook about how ridiculously well behaved we are, but will the manager of the AMC hear me? What about the corporate office of HPB? I'm thinking something like http://americangunfacts.com/ that's specific to Texas. Short, sweet, visually appealing, and FACTUAL. (I just found this with a quick google on 'gun facts') This, coupled with the cards that TSRA has available would be easy to drop at businesses, and with a simple link, people reading the cards could get even more facts.
I know that CHLs United was a very short lived push last year, and it was suspended literally days before I could donate -- Can we bring that back to the table? Even if participation is low, it's something. I know there are those of us here who would support it. I would be willing to put my personal time in on this as well, as much as is allowed during a house remodel + full time job.
I know that everyone is extremely frustrated. I get it, I really do. I am not trying to discount any of that. I sincerely want us to be able to push for more rights in the legislature. I want us to be able to educate people who are just afraid of the piece of metal, and put little to no thought to the person who carries it. I strongly believe that we can accomplish both of these goals. I'm just throwing spaghetti at the wall and seeing what sticks with my ideas, they might all suck. But I do want to start the spark to think about how we can focus these feelings constructively, instead of arguing.
If you read all the way to here -- thanks.
