Are you saying that we should not have the expectation of being left alone by the police if we are engaged in a legal activity? I don't personally carry a long gun but I also don't oppose others doing it. If I am not engaged in a crime, I certainly expect the police to leave me alone.
Could you clarify your last sentence. I don't get your point. If our rights are infringed upon do you suggest that we sit idly by and wait until we have nothing? A right unexercised is a right lost.
Because when you open carry a long gun its just like wearing a sign saying harass me! If you could give me any good reason why open carrying a rifle is necessary, other than "its my right", and ill stick my foot in my mouth. I open carry, I'm anti cop harassment, I'm 100% for our rights but if i saw a guy with a rifle I'd worry a little. I had lots of friends at the tacoma mall some years back when that kid came through blowing peoples heads off. Not all but MOST crazy shooting sprees involve long guns and even as someone who carries a firearm everyday that'd be the first thing I thought if I saw someone walking into a public place with a rifle.
The goal of 2a supporters is to educate and promote open carry correct? So then how does it help when people walk around with rifles to bring attention to themselves, then when they get the attention they run to the internet and post videos saying cops hate OC and if you OC you'll be harassed? Most people who open carry and simply go out and mind their own business don't get harassed, but there's hundreds of thousands out there wanting to carry but are to afraid because this picture is painted that if you carry a gun the cops will come.
Like I said I get the education part of it. For example the medford guy recently I understand the reasoning for the rifle as a demonstration outside on the streets, but going into public places is only going to tick people off and they'll all start throwing up their no gun signs.