MamaLiberty
Regular Member
imported post
I had a very satisfying OC experience this Saturday, though parts of it still have me scratching my head...
My sister and niece were here visiting from California. They are not liberal government lovers, by any means, and my sister used to carry when she was a city council member, but she no longer wants to be bothered with it... whole 'nother story.
Anyway, we went to see Devil's Tower and had pulled off the road to take pictures. The NE part of Wyoming is still eyeball deep in bikers of all kinds, and we happened to be parked fairly near a small group of them on that turnout.
As I walked past them, one nice looking young man asked if I would take a picture of the group together and I was happy to do so. As soon as he handed me the camera (and I don't think before), he noticed the XD .45 at my hip and voiced mild astonishment, asking if a "permit" was required to OC in Wyoming.
Of course, I told him the law here and introduced myself as a certified handgun instructor, etc., giving him my card. He then identified himself and the others as off duty cops from the Chicago area!!!
But they were all enthusiastic about the idea of ordinary citizens carrying, as well as teaching others to defend themselves. I know I planted a big seed as we talked about "permits" and how they serve no logical function except to increase government control over the law abiding - since criminals don't care. He seemed to see the light go on when I mentioned Vermont and Alaska... and their incredibly low crime rates compared to places with the tightest controls.
They were some of the nicest, most polite and interesting people we met all day!
I may have to think over some of my preconceived notions of cops....
I was bummed out totally at having to disarm to go into the Devil's Tower "park." I'll get over it, but I don't intend to go back either - or any other such "park."
Rearmed and at lunch down the road, I fielded quite a few questions from people (Wyomingites and visitors from all over) and handed out a stack of cards, so it was a very good OC day all in all.
I had a very satisfying OC experience this Saturday, though parts of it still have me scratching my head...
My sister and niece were here visiting from California. They are not liberal government lovers, by any means, and my sister used to carry when she was a city council member, but she no longer wants to be bothered with it... whole 'nother story.
Anyway, we went to see Devil's Tower and had pulled off the road to take pictures. The NE part of Wyoming is still eyeball deep in bikers of all kinds, and we happened to be parked fairly near a small group of them on that turnout.
As I walked past them, one nice looking young man asked if I would take a picture of the group together and I was happy to do so. As soon as he handed me the camera (and I don't think before), he noticed the XD .45 at my hip and voiced mild astonishment, asking if a "permit" was required to OC in Wyoming.
Of course, I told him the law here and introduced myself as a certified handgun instructor, etc., giving him my card. He then identified himself and the others as off duty cops from the Chicago area!!!
But they were all enthusiastic about the idea of ordinary citizens carrying, as well as teaching others to defend themselves. I know I planted a big seed as we talked about "permits" and how they serve no logical function except to increase government control over the law abiding - since criminals don't care. He seemed to see the light go on when I mentioned Vermont and Alaska... and their incredibly low crime rates compared to places with the tightest controls.
They were some of the nicest, most polite and interesting people we met all day!
I may have to think over some of my preconceived notions of cops....
I was bummed out totally at having to disarm to go into the Devil's Tower "park." I'll get over it, but I don't intend to go back either - or any other such "park."
Rearmed and at lunch down the road, I fielded quite a few questions from people (Wyomingites and visitors from all over) and handed out a stack of cards, so it was a very good OC day all in all.