SANDCREEK
Regular Member
imported post
I have borrowed the gist of this from the observations & thoughts shared by an active dutymilitary policeman on aUSCCA forum post.I don't think he will mind my sharing it on this forum. This brief observation puts the "Why OC ?" question in a nutshell. (I paraphrase) - If our anti-gun/anti-2A opponents have gotten out their false message that open carry is "illegal" (when it is not), and we opt NOT to OC - BECAUSE it might cause some inconvenience to us when someone reports our open carry to the police -have we not allowed our RKBA to be stifled by an obstructive, small, venomous minority ? Either we can't carry ( CC or OC) because it is "illegal", or because people "think" it (primarily OC) is (or should be) illegal. Now, my own thoughts - When we do OC, in a restuarant for example, - we need to comport ourselves in a manner that does NOTHING to create the appearance of wreckless behavior, lack of sobriety, or careless disregard for the "peace" of others. This means situational awareness that other people are observing our behavior. The fringe "antis" are in the minority. There's little to stop them from creating a "911 moment" - other than a scolding by LEO's for improper use of 911 system.The vast majority of people we impact in public are probably indifferent about OC, or curious - and may be willing to accept OC as a common respectable practice that will benefit public safety for all. Myself , if the "ambient temperature" begins to get uncomfortable I may excuse myself, or excercise the CC option - to diffuse the tension. Kind of like getting used to the water - gradual exposure reduces the "shock" factor. We don't want to alienate potential allies in the OC movement by making a " common sense " case for OC to be prohibited. This transition back into an accepted OC environment will have to be gentle, tactful, and patient.
I have borrowed the gist of this from the observations & thoughts shared by an active dutymilitary policeman on aUSCCA forum post.I don't think he will mind my sharing it on this forum. This brief observation puts the "Why OC ?" question in a nutshell. (I paraphrase) - If our anti-gun/anti-2A opponents have gotten out their false message that open carry is "illegal" (when it is not), and we opt NOT to OC - BECAUSE it might cause some inconvenience to us when someone reports our open carry to the police -have we not allowed our RKBA to be stifled by an obstructive, small, venomous minority ? Either we can't carry ( CC or OC) because it is "illegal", or because people "think" it (primarily OC) is (or should be) illegal. Now, my own thoughts - When we do OC, in a restuarant for example, - we need to comport ourselves in a manner that does NOTHING to create the appearance of wreckless behavior, lack of sobriety, or careless disregard for the "peace" of others. This means situational awareness that other people are observing our behavior. The fringe "antis" are in the minority. There's little to stop them from creating a "911 moment" - other than a scolding by LEO's for improper use of 911 system.The vast majority of people we impact in public are probably indifferent about OC, or curious - and may be willing to accept OC as a common respectable practice that will benefit public safety for all. Myself , if the "ambient temperature" begins to get uncomfortable I may excuse myself, or excercise the CC option - to diffuse the tension. Kind of like getting used to the water - gradual exposure reduces the "shock" factor. We don't want to alienate potential allies in the OC movement by making a " common sense " case for OC to be prohibited. This transition back into an accepted OC environment will have to be gentle, tactful, and patient.