Positive OC Experience
Howdy Folks!
Well, it hadda happen! My radiator blew up and I ended up needing my car towed to a repair facility. I was not carrying my sidearm at the time. The car was repaired and they sent a utility driver to fetch me to pick up my car from the shop.
The driver never said anything about my sidearm, and we rode to the shop in his car with me evidently more intimidated by the way that guy drove than he was of my weapon. I'm pretty sure I darn near put my foot through his floorboard by repeatedly smashing down on the invisible brake pedal on the passenger side. I don't get alarmed easily, but this guy's driving had me ready to get out and walk!
Anyhow, we somehow survived the trip over to Englewood and I walked in to speak with the man running the show at the shop. We looked at the damaged radiator, then walked back to look at the car. Then we moved back to the office area where we settled up on the bill. After about 30 minutes, he finally noticed the pistol holstered on my hip. He was surprised he hadn't noticed it earlier. I laughed and told him that most people don't notice it. We had a great discussion on OC and firearms in general before I finally left to drive myself home.
So the following day, I drove up to Brighton for work and stopped by my insurance agency to get paid for the tow bill (have towing insurance on my cars). Two of the agents were busy with other customers while the 3rd was busy on the phone. I stood to wait my turn and when it came, the gal waved me over as she hung up the phone. As I took my seat, she noticed my pistol and asked "What is that for?" I replied "For my protection, and the defense of my family and citizens around me."
We got busy with the bill, but she asked why I feel the need to carry a weapon. This gave me the opportunity to explain that the police have no duty or obligation to protect or defend the citizen in peril. I told her that was the effect of the Warren v. Disctrict of Columbia SCOTUS decision. Being discrete, I gave her some details of how the case developed and what the decision means for citizens... basically... when it comes to self defense, you are responsible for taking care of yourself! I also told her that average police response time runs from 6 to 8 minutes. (don't know where I read that stat, but it stuck in my neural net somewhere!) With that fact in mind, relayed how 6 to 8 minutes are an eternity when confronted with a felon.
She completed my transaction and handed me a check and asked if I had a permit for the handgun. This gave me the chance to explain that open carry is lawful here, and that my wife and I will be taking CCW classes this weekend. Around that time, her boss was in the front office and listening to the discussion. He told me he 'used to' carry a handgun openly because he frequently would have several thousand dollars in his possession. He also said he was planning a trip soon, and wondered if he should bring along his weapon. I told him he should have his gun available, maybe get that CCW permit too. "It is better to have a weapon and not need it, than to need it but not have it when your life is on the line!" He seemed to agree with that.
I also told them of the Texas legislator Dr. Suzanne Gratia who watched as her mother and father were shot dead in a restaurant in Killeen. She had a handgun but it was locked in her car in accord with existing Texas law. 22 people died in what became known as the Killeen Masacre, while her ability to defend the lives of her parents was hobbled by what she called "a bad law".
After a pleasant discussion of this sort, I left feeling like they understood why I open carry, and why I believe that honest and law abiding citizens deserve the right to self defense. Somewhere along the line, I also pointed out how gun free zones are hazardous to your health. After all, mass killings (such as Columbine or Post offices) happen at gun free zones. You don't get those at gun shows or NRA conventions. Bad guys don't go on the attack where people can shoot back!
As I drove off to work that day, I felt I'd changed a couple of minds about firearms and carry for self defense. If nothing else, I believe those folks were better informed about the rights of a citizen to own and carry a firearm.
All in all, a couple of real positive OC experiences.
Blessings,
M-Taliesin