Will Texas Finally Pass an Open Carry Law for Concealed Carry Licensees

[the ringo kid]

Originally Posted by ChattanoogaPhil

Keith is right on target about the draconian gun control of the past, particularly in the South.

Some folks in the South like to boast about how how great (little) gun control there is compared to some of the northeastern states, as if this was some great cultural thing that is in the DNA of southerners and always has been. Nothing could be further from reality. Handgun carry laws here in Tennessee were among the worst of the worst until the later part of the 1980s. All this legal handgun carry freedom is recent history.

In context of this discussion, the notion that Texans are "different" as was alleged earlier in this thread is poppycock. They just have some screwed up gun laws yet to be repealed... as most all states still do. We're trying to get rid of some screwed up gun laws here too.

Right now,im just glad they let us vote as well as travel abroad.

[ladder13]

Originally Posted by ChattanoogaPhil

Keith is right on target about the draconian gun control of the past, particularly in the South.

Some folks in the South like to boast about how how great (little) gun control there is compared to some of the northeastern states, as if this was some great cultural thing that is in the DNA of southerners and always has been. Nothing could be further from reality. Handgun carry laws here in Tennessee were among the worst of the worst until the later part of the 1980s. All this legal handgun carry freedom is recent history.

In context of this discussion, the notion that Texans are "different" as was alleged earlier in this thread is poppycock. They just have some screwed up gun laws yet to be repealed... as most all states still do. We're trying to get rid of some screwed up gun laws here too.

Exactly, just look at this map, as an example.

[ladyT]

Originally Posted by Old TexMex

I suggest you come out and say what you mean.

I will let you in on a good rule of life:
Don't lie, and don't guess.

Another good rule is to not accuse someone of something they are not guilty of.

The first rule of gun ownership is that the Gun is always loaded.
The first rule of gun ownership is that the Gun is always loaded.
The first rule of gun ownership is that the Gun is always loaded.

Did I mention that the first rule of gun ownership is that the gun is always loaded. Doesn't matter if the trigger group is missing, the bolt group is missing or if the upper and lower parts are on different ends of a 20 foot long table. The gun is still loaded. Our First RULE. Failure to follow that rule makes the owner of that gun unsafe.


Now in the photo there is one AR with the selector switch on safe and another with the selector switch on FIRE. Mags in. Rifle leaning against a wall unsecured. Now understand my idea of a secured gun is that you have it in your hot little hands or its locked in a case that you have physical possession of, its locked in a safe or rack, mag removed, chamber flag in, trigger lock engaged and selector switch on safe. Not as displayed in the photo.

[ladyT]

Originally Posted by ladder13

I don't know about the guns being loaded, the pics seemed to have disappeared.
Anyways, do the guns, any maintained guns, fire on their own? 1 in a million, maybe?

Do you wish for a family member of yours to be that 1 in a million or other statement of odds. How would you feel if such an event occurred and being a gun person you learn that the firearm that went off and injured or killed someone was loaded, leaning on a wall with the safety switch on FIRE. Would you blow it off with its a 1 in a million chance or would you be mad at the failure of a fellow gun owner to not follow the basic rules of safety of gun ownership.

[ladyT]

Originally Posted by Old TexMex

They probably turned down your "help" because you are anti open carry. They, like you, have an agenda to work towards.
The silliness and panic is almost audible, particularly regarding the uncocked AR. Reminds me of the panic some show on seeing a 1911 holstered with the hammer back....
Chill.

Here I am offering them the ability to sit down with the Chair of the Committee that will receive the Bill they want passed. The failure to accept this chance to sit with the very Chair of the Committee that will receive your bill before going to floor to be voted on indicates that the attention of showing up carrying a weapon is the only goal of the group. All they want is attention and they got it.

This open carry group has forced businesses that were neutral on the issue to firearms to make a decision and that decision was to move into the anti-gun camp. We lose when we force people to make decisions as they more often than not end up in the anti-gun camp. When people stay neutral that is a win for us. When we force them to choose we loose,

This open carry movement has now forced us to concentrate on protecting the gains we have made instead of working to expand them. As a result I have to ask if these folks (open carry) are really anti-gun forces working to undermine the very gains we have made or are they just a bunch of selfish people who only care about their single issue instead of the broad spectrum of issues of Gun Rights.

[Old TexMex]

Originally Posted by ladyT

Another good rule is to not accuse someone of something they are not guilty of.

The first rule of gun ownership is that the Gun is always loaded.
The first rule of gun ownership is that the Gun is always loaded.
The first rule of gun ownership is that the Gun is always loaded.

Did I mention that the first rule of gun ownership is that the gun is always loaded. Doesn't matter if the trigger group is missing, the bolt group is missing or if the upper and lower parts are on different ends of a 20 foot long table. The gun is still loaded. Our First RULE. Failure to follow that rule makes the owner of that gun unsafe.


Now in the photo there is one AR with the selector switch on safe and another with the selector switch on FIRE. Mags in. Rifle leaning against a wall unsecured. Now understand my idea of a secured gun is that you have it in your hot little hands or its locked in a case that you have physical possession of, its locked in a safe or rack, mag removed, chamber flag in, trigger lock engaged and selector switch on safe. Not as displayed in the photo.

If the shoe fits, wear it.
When you get smart with people, they might just not play.

I don't buy your story, that's all.

[Old TexMex]

Originally Posted by ladyT

Here I am offering them the ability to sit down with the Chair of the Committee that will receive the Bill they want passed. The failure to accept this chance to sit with the very Chair of the Committee that will receive your bill before going to floor to be voted on indicates that the attention of showing up carrying a weapon is the only goal of the group. All they want is attention and they got it.

This open carry group has forced businesses that were neutral on the issue to firearms to make a decision and that decision was to move into the anti-gun camp. We lose when we force people to make decisions as they more often than not end up in the anti-gun camp. When people stay neutral that is a win for us. When we force them to choose we loose,

This open carry movement has now forced us to concentrate on protecting the gains we have made instead of working to expand them. As a result I have to ask if these folks (open carry) are really anti-gun forces working to undermine the very gains we have made or are they just a bunch of selfish people who only care about their single issue instead of the broad spectrum of issues of Gun Rights.

Yes, we're just selfish.

You do realize numerous examples have been shown here to demonstrate that these occasional open carry activities ( all legal) have not harmed, but actually preceded the elimination of restrictive laws in many states, don't you.

Argue at me all you want, but apparently, you don't have history or proof current on your side.

[ladyT]

Originally Posted by Old TexMex

If the shoe fits, wear it.
When you get smart with people, they might just not play.

I don't buy your story, that's all.

I'm not selling anything so you have nothing to buy. This open carry nonsense has made our work much harder as we now have to defend what we have today. So instead of working to expand our rights we have to defend what we have today.

[Old TexMex]

Originally Posted by ladyT

I'm not selling anything so you have nothing to buy. This open carry nonsense has made our work much harder as we now have to defend what we have today. So instead of working to expand our rights we have to defend what we have today.

OUR work? Who do you represent?
How have these few open carry displays created such a burden on you and your.....group or whoever your "our" is?

I wonder if you actually understand about rights. We don't "expand" them. Rights are not "issued" by our government.

And how is your group defending our rights by condemning the exercise of them?

[GaryS]

Originally Posted by ladder13

Exactly, just look at this map, as an example.

I like to point to that map when people tell us that we are losing on the 2A issue. We're winning, but winning takes constant vigilance and constant fighting to keep the antis at bay.

The states where we are seeing increased restrictions are the states that were restrictive in the first place. CO and CT are exceptions to that rule, but it's generally true. There is a bill in the MA legislature that will make our restrictions even more restrictive. Which isn't much of a surprise. CA has made their laws more restrictive, again not a surprise and I think there is a bill in NJ waiting for Chris Christie to figure out which way the wind is blowing.

Even though I don't plan to open carry even if it's legal, I think that people who want to should be able to do so. My concern with the matter is with the "printing" issue. Open carry would solve that question once and for all.

[ChattanoogaPhil]

leaning on a wall with the safety switch on FIRE.

Maybe you fellers could help me out. I can't get this selector switch to move from Fire to Safe. Andy ideas as to why?

[keith44spl]

Originally Posted by ladyT
I'm not selling anything so you have nothing to buy. This open carry nonsense has made our work much harder as we now have to defend what we have today. So instead of working to expand our rights we have to defend what we have today.

Originally Posted by Old TexMex

OUR work? Who do you represent?
How have these few open carry displays created such a burden on you and your.....group or whoever your "our" is?

I wonder if you actually understand about rights. We don't "expand" them. Rights are not "issued" by our government.

And how is your group defending our rights by condemning the exercise of them?

Jimmy,

That just goes to show ya....Ya try to have a productive conversation about a near and dear subject...The hand-wringer and
naysayers show up jest to heckle those of us that are trying to come here and reason together....


It folks like that,

is the reason I've got parental block on that tv show 'The View'....

I don't care for all that guff myself.

Of course,

I'm a throw back to a time, when men were men...And women folk were damn proud of it!!!


It appears that there might be one or two here that might want
to consider staying in the shallow end....Of this here think tank....Jest sayin'
.

[Badquaker]

Originally Posted by ChattanoogaPhil

Maybe you fellers could help me out. I can't get this selector switch to move from Fire to Safe. Andy ideas as to why?

You can't put it on safe unless the hammer is cocked.

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Originally Posted by Badquaker

You can't put it on safe unless the hammer is cocked.

Boy you know how to spoil the fun, dontcha?

[hatt]

Originally Posted by ladyT

Here I am offering them the ability to sit down with the Chair of the Committee that will receive the Bill they want passed. The failure to accept this chance to sit with the very Chair of the Committee that will receive your bill before going to floor to be voted on indicates that the attention of showing up carrying a weapon is the only goal of the group. All they want is attention and they got it.

This open carry group has forced businesses that were neutral on the issue to firearms to make a decision and that decision was to move into the anti-gun camp. We lose when we force people to make decisions as they more often than not end up in the anti-gun camp. When people stay neutral that is a win for us. When we force them to choose we loose,

This open carry movement has now forced us to concentrate on protecting the gains we have made instead of working to expand them. As a result I have to ask if these folks (open carry) are really anti-gun forces working to undermine the very gains we have made or are they just a bunch of selfish people who only care about their single issue instead of the broad spectrum of issues of Gun Rights.

Just where are these places you're having to focus on protecting "gains?" And who is "us?"

[keith44spl]

Originally Posted by Badquaker
You can't put it on safe unless the hammer is cocked.

Originally Posted by ChattanoogaPhil

Boy you know how to spoil the fun, dontcha?

A feller comes here a lit'l fun and some man talk and see what happens!


Su Amigo,
Dave


.

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Originally Posted by hatt

I don't understand why the supposed pro gun folks are so against OC in the first place when so many gun unfriendly states have OC. It's truly bizarre. There has to be someone behind this. If only we could figure it out.

There's no ryhme nor reason for today that I can offer. Just like the example of Ohio earlier in the thread. Both Ohio and Texas are considered generally gun friendly by today's standards. Yet In Ohio it was legal to OC buy not CC. In Teaxs just the opposite. Other than historians, I doubt that many have an accurate understanding as to why exactly these restrictive laws are on the books to begin with. What's important is that these restrictive laws are repealed.

[ladyT]

An Email from TSRA:

Greetings!

Report on the Republican Convention

Last week, Mike Cox and I worked a TSRA booth at the Republican Convention in Fort Worth. During the first two days Republican House members and Senators dropped by to say hello. All commented that the gun-carrying demonstrations are doing more harm than good and not to expect much from the 2015 legislative session.

The complaints were fueled by a demonstration outside the Fort Worth Convention Center plus a handful of delegates who wore black powder handguns into the convention.

As TSRA's lobbyist, I count votes and I begin counting votes long before bills are even filed. Wouldn't you? Every negative comment could be considered a "no vote" on any form of open carry.

[...]

Texans stand a chance this session if "our side" stops providing the "ammunition" being used by the press against us. I cannot find one single legislator who's happy about the demonstrations or rallies held in his or her district. These are the folks who matter, the folks who vote to change law.

As always,
Keep the faith.
Alice Tripp
Texas State Rifle Association
Legislative Director





BTW don't forget the 2/3 requirements in the Texas Senate. All thats needed to kill a bill are 11 Senators. Now go count how many possible no votes there are in the Texas Senate.

[ladyT]

From the Dallas Observer blogs
Open Carry Has a Good Shot of Passing in Texas, If Those AK-Toting Demonstrators Don't Screw it Up | Dallas Observer
Eric Nicholson

Neither Cotton nor Tripp is opposed to constitutional carry per se. They just think it's unrealistic. Licensed Texas gun owners have a two-decade track record of carrying firearms safely. Doing away with licenses is a leap most lawmakers probably won't take, particularly with what looks to be armed militias occupying the neighborhood Chipotle.

"I can't tell you about public opinion," Cotton says. "What I can tell you is the impact in Austin is 100 percent negative. It's across-the-board negative."

[saturner1]

Who cares about Austin??? It is already lost. Alice the people who matter are the voters that put the politicians in office. We made em and we can take them out. The voters are the people that matter. You might try working on your people skills a bit. It might help in Austin this Jan.

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Originally Posted by ladyT

From the Dallas Observer blogs
Open Carry Has a Good Shot of Passing in Texas, If Those AK-Toting Demonstrators Don't Screw it Up | Dallas Observer
Eric Nicholson
"

Interesting read. I'm curious what you think of it?

The reason I'm asking is that you've posted here that OC has no chance of passing, and that all efforts should be focused on unlicensed carry. However, the link indicates that OC has a chance of passing and that unlicensed carry is a loser.

Who is right....Alice Tripp or you?

---------------------------------

Neither Cotton nor Tripp is opposed to constitutional carry per se. They just think it's unrealistic

Tripp and her fellow gun-rights lobbyists will be doing something very similar (albeit with considerably less slapstick) when the Legislature convenes in January. For the first time ever, the main gun-rights groups in Austin -- the NRA, the TSRA, and the Texas Firearms Coalition -- will be making a concerted push for open-carry legislation, and they say it has a very good shot at passing if open carry demonstrators like the ones outside the GOP convention don't screw it up.

-------------------------------

Originally Posted by ladyT

Texas will not pass Open Carry. Won't happen. In fact this open carry issue most likely will scuttle the very progress we have made since the SCOTUS decision.

Originally Posted by ladyT

This OpenCarry stuff is nonsense. Every effort should be made to do away with a "license" for conceal carry..

[hatt]

Tell all those nameless/faceless politicians to stop chatting up special interest groups and come here and put their name on it. We had this exact same nonsense in FL a few years ago. All but had OC passed. Had the votes. Governor said he's sign. NRA/USF stepped in at the last minute to kill it so they could us it as a pawn to get money the next year. They blamed the OC "activists" too. This time they weren't packing ARs at Chipotle but I guess writing too many letters and blogs. I guess the only acceptable way to promote Freedom and Rights is to write checks to special interest groups. I'm onto the scheme.

[ladyT]

Originally Posted by ChattanoogaPhil

Interesting read. I'm curious what you think of it?

The reason I'm asking is that you've posted here that OC has no chance of passing, and that all efforts should be focused on unlicensed carry. However, the link indicates that OC has a chance of passing and that unlicensed carry is a loser.

Who is right....Alice Tripp or you?

---------------------------------

Neither Cotton nor Tripp is opposed to constitutional carry per se. They just think it's unrealistic

Tripp and her fellow gun-rights lobbyists will be doing something very similar (albeit with considerably less slapstick) when the Legislature convenes in January. For the first time ever, the main gun-rights groups in Austin -- the NRA, the TSRA, and the Texas Firearms Coalition -- will be making a concerted push for open-carry legislation, and they say it has a very good shot at passing if open carry demonstrators like the ones outside the GOP convention don't screw it up.

-------------------------------

I've tried to point out the detrimental effect that these open carry demonstrations are having. I produced the documents that show how legislators' republican legislators no less, feel about these open carry demonstrations. Support has been lost thereby you can just write open carry off in the 2015 Texas legislative session. The demonstrations have provided all of the firepower to stop an open carry bill from even getting out of committee.

Lets be honest Texas couldn't even get campus carry at a time when it should have breezed through the Texas Legislature when there were no demonstrations like we have seen from the open carry folks. Now the people who pass these bills have been turned off as a result of these demonstrations. Our opponents are not going to let the actions of the open carry people fade from memory. The end result will be any open carry bill introduced will be DOA.

[keith44spl]

Well, it looks like we're at logger-heads on this subject....

I truly respect the opinion of those that have been temper'd by experience.

But, those that just parrot the rhetoric of others...Carry
very little weight and are extremely short on merit, in my book.

There have been several of the season'd oldster to weigh-in here,
many of us have been there and done that and got the scares to remind us.

The majority of us don't need schooling on selector switch operation of Eugene Stoner's rifle........

This open carry in Texas, all I want out of it, is to be able to go about my business and
not have to hide my personal property, my personal defense sidearm, like I'm some kind of common criminal.

Times are a changing, Austin needs to yield to the will of the good citizens of Texas,
and not a bunch of whippier-snappers know-it-all naysayers.

To the legislators I say, "Free my people....My children, my grand-children and all of our generations to come.

Let the law biding honest folks of Texas live free.

We must move forward from the times of 'Reconstruction',
release us and our inalienable rights from the bondage of your grip! "


United we stand, divided we fall.......Take it or leave it.


God Bless Texas

Hook em Horns

.

[Old TexMex]

Originally Posted by ladyT

Lets be honest.....

Yes, let's.


And let's not condemn those who exercise a legal right while pretending to work on their behalf.

Arguing with a lobbyist (?) who is convinced that open carry will fail (on a generally revolver enthusiast forum with a lot of experienced gun owners, professional security, LEO and veterans)

when said lobbyist (?) eexpresses opinion seems based on a personally perceived standard of care shown by a tiny, tiny number of individuals in a photograph, yet displays ignorance at the manual at arms of the firearm used as an example of that standard of care,

is a waste of my time and contributors money.

The straw man argument is common amongst the anti gun ownership organizations, because the REAL issue can't be argued.

("Open carry must fail because some supporters have poor dental hygiene" "open carry must fail because "civilians" aren't properly trained" or similar nonsense)

Open carry isn't advanced when lobbyists don't know operating systems of firearms, and thus cannot argue FOR the demonstrators, but fall into the category of those who, when referring to legally owned firearms use terminology like " they are black and have the thing that goes up"


and it isn't a hill I choose to die on.

Open carry would have been useful at Ft. Hood. Twice.

[Old TexMex]

I've read the link that lady T posted, everyone should, and come away with a totally different point of view than lady T expresses.

As far as Madame Tripp referring to when she says "I can't predict if a handful of selfish, self-centered, egocentric folks keep doing what they're doing and dampening the chances, maybe we don't,"

egotistical, selfish etc individuals....I think she should be talking about those who have suppressed the citizens of Texas, and kept Texans in a tiny minority of states (6 of 50) not the advocates of individual rights who have begun to behave "uppity" and demand a seat at the front of the bus.

Time to decide: whose side are you really on, and if you fail, will you just continue to blame others...

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Originally Posted by ladyT

I've tried to point out the detrimental effect that these open carry demonstrations are having. I produced the documents that show how legislators' republican legislators no less, feel about these open carry demonstrations. Support has been lost thereby you can just write open carry off in the 2015 Texas legislative session. The demonstrations have provided all of the firepower to stop an open carry bill from even getting out of committee.

Lets be honest Texas couldn't even get campus carry at a time when it should have breezed through the Texas Legislature when there were no demonstrations like we have seen from the open carry folks. Now the people who pass these bills have been turned off as a result of these demonstrations. Our opponents are not going to let the actions of the open carry people fade from memory. The end result will be any open carry bill introduced will be DOA.

Citing these people when they happen to agree with you on an item and then dismissing everything else they say on the same subject isn't very convincing. Sorry.

[Old TexMex]

Originally Posted by ChattanoogaPhil

Maybe you fellers could help me out. I can't get this selector switch to move from Fire to Safe. Andy ideas as to why?

And even better....
Who would walk into a simple, obvious mudhole like that, then pretend it never happened,
With mud clearly all over their face?

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Originally Posted by Old TexMex

I've read the link that lady T posted, everyone should, and come away with a totally different point of view than lady T expresses.

As far as Madame Tripp referring to when she says "I can't predict if a handful of selfish, self-centered, egocentric folks keep doing what they're doing and dampening the chances, maybe we don't,"

egotistical, selfish etc individuals....I think she should be talking about those who have suppressed the citizens of Texas, and kept Texans in a tiny minority of states (6 of 50) not the advocates of individual rights who have begun to behave "uppity" and demand a seat at the front of the bus.

Yes, it was a different point of view in many regards.

As far as Alice Tripp running her mouth with derragatory insulting remarks... She might do well to take notes from what Chris Cox said last week following his apology-- "Our job is not to criticize the lawful behavior of fellow gun owners."

Chris Cox also talked about how the NRA supports OC in Texas, has been working on it for years and are getting close to success.

Will OC pass this time around? That remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain- If everyone had the negative defeatist attitude that some have expressed... it will never pass.

Life is full of less than perfect choices. If I was asked which group I would stand with, the OC advocates with ARs on their shoulder or those preaching negativity and defeat... I know what my choice would be even though I don't think much of the idea of carrying around an AR at Kmart... I got a new sling.

[the ringo kid]

Originally Posted by keith44spl

Well, it looks like we're at logger-heads on this subject....

I truly respect the opinion of those that have been temper'd by experience.

But, those that just parrot the rhetoric of others...Carry
very little weight and are extremely short on merit, in my book.

There have been several of the season'd oldster to weigh-in here,
many of us have been there and done that and got the scares to remind us.

The majority of us don't need schooling on selector switch operation of Eugene Stoner's rifle........

This open carry in Texas, all I want out of it, is to be able to go about my business and
not have to hide my personal property, my personal defense sidearm, like I'm some kind of common criminal.

Times are a changing, Austin needs to yield to the will of the good citizens of Texas,
and not a bunch of whippier-snappers know-it-all naysayers.

To the legislators I say, "Free my people....My children, my grand-children and all of our generations to come.

Let the law biding honest folks of Texas live free.

We must move forward from the times of 'Reconstruction',
release us and our inalienable rights from the bondage of your grip! "


United we stand, divided we fall.......Take it or leave it.


God Bless Texas

Hook em Horns

.

Sir, Moses (aka) Charlton Heston, couldn't have said this better. :-))

[the ringo kid]

Several months ago here in Corpus, there was an open carry rally attended to by some 400 people. The three local ""news"" channels, showed that there was only a "large" group of about 12-15. These people came from all walks of life, there were several ethnicities involved-all age groups, both sexes.

They did their rally on Ocean Drive--had several police in attendance--the Police Chief was there-no troubles of any kind. Im not sure how long the rally was? but there were some 400 folks in it. Weeks after that, they had a huge rally at the Alamo in San Antonio. The worst thing that happened there-was when Alex Jones (mOrOn) flapped his gums off detaining the Police Chief-HE alone--made the rally look stupid. There were less than 10 anti-gunners there. They sold--Lemon Aid, Kool Aid-Water and didn't garner much attention. Nobody got hurt-died accidentally fired a few shots--nada. Like I said, the worst thing about that rally--is Alex Jones showing up and being his normal stupid self.

[Calaveras Slim]

Originally Posted by ladyT

I'm not selling anything so you have nothing to buy. This open carry nonsense has made our work much harder as we now have to defend what we have today. So instead of working to expand our rights we have to defend what we have today.

LadyT, I have read some of your comments and, by now, you can guess I don't generally agree with you. No big deal as we have opinions which oft times conflict. I respect your right to agree or disagree with what's said.

My questions are what part of Texas are you located? It sounds like your a politician or close to one and I have an itchy feeling that, for some reason, I shouldn't trust you.

If I'm wrong, please accept my apology. There is an old saying something about a duck.

Just a nagging feeling....

[Calaveras Slim]

Originally Posted by the ringo kid

Several months ago here in Corpus, there was an open carry rally attended to by some 400 people. The three local ""news"" channels, showed that there was only a "large" group of about 12-15. These people came from all walks of life, there were several ethnicities involved-all age groups, both sexes.

They did their rally on Ocean Drive--had several police in attendance--the Police Chief was there-no troubles of any kind. Im not sure how long the rally was? but there were some 400 folks in it. Weeks after that, they had a huge rally at the Alamo in San Antonio. The worst thing that happened there-was when Alex Jones (mOrOn) flapped his gums off detaining the Police Chief-HE alone--made the rally look stupid. There were less than 10 anti-gunners there. They sold--Lemon Aid, Kool Aid-Water and didn't garner much attention. Nobody got hurt-died accidentally fired a few shots--nada. Like I said, the worst thing about that rally--is Alex Jones showing up and being his normal stupid self.

Been there, dun that, got the t-shirt

[keith44spl]

I truly don't know what the fuss is all about..........

Now you see it, Now ya don't!




What's the big deal, same man, with the same values.


.

* No Texas statutes were violated in the capturing of these images...
Location was across the Red River in one of the forty something free states.

.

[hatt]

Originally Posted by keith44spl

I truly don't know what the fuss is all about..........

Now you see it, Now ya don't!




What's the big deal, same man, with the same values.



.

And I thought I liked to antagonize the anti-gun-gun-folks. Bravo.

[keith44spl]

Hatt,

There's a few fanatical folks on each side of every issue.....

I'm just one of many, 'Holding the Line' on the middle ground.





It's not for myself that I am concerned....

It's for my children, their children and every American child
for generations to come........That they might be freed from this kind of oppression,
of all of the legislation that stifles their inalienable God given rights.

.

[hatt]

Who are the fanatics on the OC side of things? The guys carrying long guns into restaurants they were invited into were simply following the law. Following the law is the definition of a regular ol guy. People attacking folks for following the law and staging peaceful protests are the fanatics.

[keith44spl]

Originally Posted by hatt

Who are the fanatics on the OC side of things? The guys carrying long guns into restaurants they were invited into were simply following the law. Following the law is the definition of a regular ol guy. People attacking folks for following the law and staging peaceful protests are the fanatics.

Well since you ask, the way I see it from here,

I believe those OCT folks to be exercising their rights in a lawful manner.
As with any group or cause, there are a few that we would rather not have represent us as a whole.

In light of resent events of gun violence around the country where long guns were the instrument of said violence...

I can see where it could makes folks that are not 'firearms people' uneasy at first sight.

But, when presented in a non-threating manner, I see no harm in it.

I personally would not carry a long gun into a eatery, but I don't mind if others do...As long as they behave themselves.

This week, I'm back in the Bluegrass where open carry is lawful for all citizens (no felons) above the age of 18 years...Permission from the gov't is not necessary.

Jest yesterday, saw a young man carrying what look every bit like a M21 Glock with his family at a family eatery,
No one panicked, No one raised a stink about it...No one minded.

Some may have felt better knowing someone was armed, if the need were to arise.


*
On the other side of the issue,

Some folks have the idea that they know what's best for the rest of society,
an seek to shove it down our throats by any means possible,
fear mongering, demeaning overtures and openly criticizing those that would peaceable assemble...



So in a nut shell,

As Roseanna Roseannadanna would say, "It's always Sumthing!"


.

[hatt]

I can see where it could makes folks that are not 'firearms people' uneasy at first sight.

That's a big benefit of open carry. If people are scared of the unfamiliar, make it familiar.

The people carrying the long guns most likely wouldn't be carrying long guns if it were legal to open carry handguns. They may not even open carry handguns if there wasn't a stink about the whole thing. One of the anti-OC talking points is that where OC is legal people don't OC. "So we don't need OC here and have all the OCers running around everywhere scaring the soccer moms."

[the ringo kid]

Originally Posted by Calaveras Slim

Been there, dun that, got the t-shirt

Speaking of T's. Im looking for a good image of both Charlton Heston holding a rifle-as well as a great one with Robert Taylor in: Ambush. Those will make a silent statement. :-)) Hopefully what I want will be found before cold weather arrives.

[the ringo kid]

Now THIS, is what I like to call the ultimate in lawful open carry:






And finally:

Id like to find a color version of this image:



But back on topic. I see no problem with folks carrying firearms in public. I grew up with it as a natural thing and I would love to see things return that way.

[keith44spl]

Originally Posted by hatt

That's a big benefit of open carry. If people are scared of the unfamiliar, make it familiar.

The people carrying the long guns most likely wouldn't be carrying long guns if it were legal to open carry handguns. They may not even open carry handguns if there wasn't a stink about the whole thing. One of the anti-OC talking points is that where OC is legal people don't OC. "So we don't need OC here and have all the OCers running around everywhere scaring the soccer moms."

That's the thing, I find it here in the Commonwealth....As an over-all, it is not un-common to see someone wearing a side arm, be it a off duty leo sans badge (not all wear a badge on their belt), or anyone of another profession.

It's a familiar sight, if there have been incidents of anyone get twisted outta shape over the sight of a sidearm,
I have never witnessed it or even hear tell of it.

Of course, I'll say it is far more common to see someone with a holstered handgun out on the rural route.

Just men and women, plain hard workin honest folks going about their business un-hindered by any gov't over reach.


Edited for one more thing....

We all know, or should know criminals and villains don't wear their guns out in the open....

I attended a training host by the U.S. Attorney's Office and the ATF on that very subject.

It was like a 'How to Spot the Hidden or Concealed Firearm(s)' on different subjects or suspects.
.

[hatt]

The citizen fear is way overblown by the anti-gun-gun folks for sure. We don't see any OC around here since it's illegal in FL. A few months ago I did see a guy on a motorcycle with a Glock on his hip. He didn't look anything like a cop. And no badge. I remember thinking "look at that guy" and went on about my business.

[Dvan34]

I kind of think of it like my doctors visit last week. He now has an unarmed, uniformed guard in the waiting room. If I wanted to do something illegal, he wouldn't deter me more than anyone else. If he were armed, however, I'd think twice. Of course, I know there are many ways to look at open versus concealed carry. I believe the main thing was said above, let's support everyone's right to carry as they feel comfortable.[/QUOTE]

He's probably there as a 'monitor' to advise you if someone assaults you.

[Watchdog]

On June 13, 2015, Texas Governor Greg Abbot signed Texas HB 910 into law, making Texas the 45th state to recognize the right to openly carry a modern handgun.

Appropriately enough, the governor signed the bill at Red’s Indoor Range, a gun store and shooting range in Pflugerville, Texas.

On signing the bill into law, the governor is quoted as saying, “There is nothing more important in democracy than the voice of the people stepping up and saying ‘We expect the Constitution of the United States of America to be our guiding doctrine.’”

The law became effective on January 1, 2016.

Forum members interested in reading more about open carry in Texas may do so by clicking here.