I actually think we know what others are thinking. The way this issue of carrying a gun in public (concealed or otherwise) is being interpreted (by the courts, public opinion to a great extent, lawmakers, etc.) is it's a privilege. I'm not opposed to Open Carry, but I am content to carry concealed with my CHL. I probably wouldn't open carry. I do fear some unintended consequences of Open Carry with more places being off limits to carry of any kind though. Hope we don't see that if it passes.mojo84 wrote:premedit8ed wrote:Then why not just get a chl and be done with it. Carrying a handgun Is a privilege not a right. So why does open carry matter to people so much when they can just get a chl.... because they want to be seen with a gun on their hipRoyGBiv wrote:Um. Not really.premedit8ed wrote:All open carry really has to do with is people wanting to look "cool" walking around with a gun on their hip.
Where do you get that it is a privilege and not a right? How do you know what others are thinking?
What really confuses me about Texas is that this is an issue at all. My best State comparison reference point is PA. I spend a lot of time in PA (also have a PA LTC), and Open Carry is allowed. They don't have the obsession with carrying where alcohol is sold/served (no distinction between sold/served % on premise) or sporting events. They don't have a special sign that can be posted excluding gun carriers. I rarely see any sort of No Guns sign. I don't see much open carry, but my brother a LEO said it's not uncommon -- and it's not a problem either. Gun issues are seemingly just not discussed the same way they are discussed in TX. Ironically it's much easier/cheaper to get a PA LTC than a TX CHL (I got my PA LTC in 10 mins for $20 at a courthouse this past summer), but folks in PA seem to accept that "yup, he's got a LTC, he's good to go.' My friends and family in PA always comment about the prevalence of guns in TX, gun culture, etc… But it pains me to inform to them that their gun laws/culture in PA are more accommodating than TX.