TexasCHLforum.com

Dudley wrote:

Liberty wrote:We all get to choose our battles, and decide war to spend our energy. Personally I will spend my efforts on other things that are important to me and the ones I love.

Some people benefit more from campus carry. Some people benefit more from open carry. Some people benefit more from bar carry. Each should spend their effort on things that are important to them and the ones they love.

I can't argue with taking care of yourself but I would suggest that we try to support as many pro-2A initiatives as we can even if the current one isn't our personal favorite. Why? Because when ALL pro-2A people get behind something, it is mighty hard to stop. If you divide us, you can conquer however. Campus carry will FAIL unless more than just those who will directly benefit support it. Same thing for parking lot carry, open carry, .50 BMG bans, shooting range noise restrictions, off limits areas, etc. My motto is that if it is pro-2A, I'm for it. Additional freedom is a blessing in its own right even if I don't enjoy it as much as others.

SA-TX

chamberc wrote:...
It is definitely up to the open carry folks though to gain support of the tried and true gun rights groups that have done so much for the 2nd amendment in our state. Their approach last session was not acceptable.

I agree. As a member of both this forum and OpenCarry.org, I spoke my mind in both places. I do think that some of the tactics used last time were over the top and counter-productive (such as threatening proven pro-gun members with defeat). On the other hand, OCDO raised money, got ads on the radio and on billboards, and was a major reason why the petition garnered as many signatures as it did. It was also quite a feat to get Land Commissioner Patterson, Governor Perry and others to comment publically on the issue (Patterson positively, Perry non-commital).

I completely agree that TSRA and CHL-holders generally need to better understand the issue and see how it affects them. That the issue is greater freedom of choice for the CHL-holder. The topic needs to be explored by looking at the issues -- or lack thereof -- in other states, particularly those such as our neighbors Louisiana and New Mexico. Why is it that they can be trusted but Texans can't? For this reason as well as for the other fine work they've done (mentioned above and with which I totally agree), I joined TSRA last year as a life member and I encourage others to do the same.

I really encourage all gun owners and CHL-holders to think broadly and consider more than your own interests. For example, I'm not a hunter but I'd never support restrictions on game land or leases that would be bad for sportsmen. I don't own any .50 caliber weapons, but I'm 100% against bans for them. I no longer go to college nor will I probably ever do so again, but I whole heartedly support campus carry. I believe that open carry falls into the same category. Divided by our own personal preferences, we fail. United as gun owners, we cannot be beat.

I'm hopeful that the 2010 elections will bring more friends of our into the Legislature as President Obama isn't on the ballot and it is likely that some who came out specifically to support him won't do so in an off-year election. That could mean easier sledding in the 2011 session for all pro-gun bills. Hopefully Speaker Strauss is now fully aware of what the house Dems are capable of and will structure the legislative calendar accordingly.

SA-TX

Back on point: I still think that "Open Carry" is a sleeping dog in Texas that should be let lie.

I repectfully disagree. If it passed in TX, you'd likely see -- or not see, actually -- the same thing here that you noticed out West: not much open carrying, but people have the choice. It is the freedom to choose for yourself that is key. It gets awfully hot here and concealing can be inconvenient. As a CHL-holder, the state (and FBI) have cleared me and I'm trusted to secretly carry a gun. Thus, I'm given permission to override other people's weapon preferences (if they knew I was carrying, they might choose to leave out of fear). Yet, I can't choose to carry it in a way that is easier for me? Same gun. Same guy. This makes no sense to me.

For others, it might be about showing off. It might be about pseudo-intimidation. I doubt that these are the motivations for many open carriers, but I'll admit that for a few it maybe true. Yet, by your own account, you've seen none of that in the other states. What makes you think that Texas would be any different?

As stated in my opening paragraph, if open carry passed in Texas I think you'd rarely see it, just as you rarely see it elsewhere. A few people would avail themselves of the new freedom, but even most CHL holders wouldn't. Yet, it is still worth doing even if few will exercise the right because open carry truly is what the 2nd Amendment is all about. It is also truth in advertising. Shouldn't the hopolophobe have the opportunity to move along if I have a gun and he's uncomfortable?

SA-TX