Baldeagle wrote:
What in the world does this mean?
Well Sir, I will tell you exactly what it means. It is a comment directed at those who are happy to leave things alone (as concerns CC and OC). The “out of sight, out of mind” mind group, who are willing to ride in the “back of the bus”. To be considered “Social Lepers” because they choose to arm themselves for the purposes of self defense.
Some are satisfied that we have managed to gain (in a quite provisional way) a “privilege” to replace a lost RIGHT (the lawful carry of a weapon in any manner you choose). They are not willing to fight to reinstate that RIGHT, but instead accept conditions as they are now…because it doesn’t involve any work or risk….and they wouldn’t OC anyway.
To be forced to “hide” your weapon (even though we are one of only seven States to require that), is to suggest that the majority of the public (and businesses) would have a negative reaction to it. I think this notion….sells the public short. If I am wrong….then we are indeed already “in the back of the bus” and relegated there until public perception is changed.
Currently….less than 2% of the State’s population possess a CHL. Less than that… carry on a regular basis. Fewer still…would opt to open carry, so it would remain a rarity (as is Concealed Carry). Yet we are to believe that this small segment of the population (spread across the State) will result in Soccer Moms fainting in the streets.... and businesses rushing to get up signs, etc…
I just don’t believe that. I think that careful preparation and a large scale effort to educate the public (prior to a bill being introduced) would be effective….even against a liberal media.
It has been rightly stated that 2% of the population does not represent a significant number to a Politian and that no inroads can be made… without some form of heavy lobbying. I agree, but I think that number ….is not the whole story.
That 2% figure completely ignores the rest of the population (98%)…..among whose numbers would be some percentage of supporters. It is wrong…to present the issue of OC as one that is a 2% vs. 98% contest. To claim otherwise is to say that the majority of Texans (and by default…businesses) have grave concerns over OC ( and probably CC except we hide it). If this is true, then we are most certainly “in the back of the bus” again.
No one is preventing you from carrying a weapon for self defense –
Correct, however my MODE of carry is clearly being dictated and restricted. Why would you NOT want choices? Why would you NOT want a lost right restored? Why would any gun owner NOT want to seek out as many pro-gun laws as we can get?
Unless such endeavors would be injurious to other laws (and shown to have a large degree of certainty) then WHY wouldn’t all gun owners be in support of something that strengthens our position and rights?
unless you don't qualify under the law - and if that's the case, OC isn't going to change a thing for you
.
I’m guessing “you” is used in its plural form here…..and not directed expressly at “me” since I have had my CHL since early 1996 and have a record as “squeaky clean” as anyone here, if not more so.
So, now that we have established that I am “qualified”, OC just might change things for me. Not the least of which would be the restoration of a long lost right in this State…. and an example for others to follow.
Thank you for your input….and if you need clarification on anything I’ve said here, please let me know, I am happy to discuss it.
Flint.