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I am probably going to get hammered for this but I am going to throw it out here anyway.

Over the years I have often asked myself about the legalities of carrying, and/or possessing firearms in certain areas and conditions. I have finally started looking at these in this manner. First I consider that most laws regardless of how much sense they make are written to protect the innocent and punish the guilty. In other words they are there to try and prevent the BG's from committing crimes against the good guys. An example of how this has worked for me is that in the 70's I was employeed in a managment role by a large drug store/pharmacy chain. I was working at a location in south Dallas at the time and was required to meet LEO's at the store during the night when alarms would trip. I got in the habit of carrying my little 32 auto loader in my back pocket along with our doberman in the car with me during these nightime adventures. Once I happened to exit the car without removing the pistol and as I was unlocking the door one of the LEO's asked, "what is that in your pocket" at which I relpied protection. After giving this some thought his only comment was, I guess I can't blame you for that. Nothing else was mentioned.

During my time as an LEO latter in life, I found that I was less concerned with little things that were being done by good people. Do not get me wrong I was very careful and did my diligence when working but when plates and license came back clean I would not push the small stuff. Most NOT ALL LEO's are like this. If you want proof take a look at reports from CHL holders and LEO's during traffic stops. If I were currently working the road I think I would enjoy seeing that CHL along with the DL. I would know that there was little chance I had a BG after seeing the CHL.

So remember this, if you are ever caught on that thin line of is it legal or illegal, you are the good guy. Act like it, be nice, show your permit, be confident. Do not indicate that you may be wrong. I have seen this so do not laugh, it is like making a u-turn and getting stopped. Some driver's first words are "I thought it was legal" do not doubt what you have done, that will cause the LEO who may not be sure to assume doubt as well. Again I will use the phrase Most NOT ALL LEO's are going to be reasonable. If questions come up keep cool and discuss your enterputation of the laws and here theirs, chances are most of this type of confirtation will go your way. If the LEO says something like, well I am not sure you should probably leave, my response would be. I am going to research this and would like you to get clarification from the department as well, when can we meet and get a resolution. You will be surprised at how easily you can start communication such as this with your local department. Again MOST NOT ALL LEO's are interested in meeting and knowing the more upstanding citizens that they have in the area. Having a CHL does place you in that category. If I were still out there on the streets I would sure like to know who was legally armed for more reasons than one. You have passed the background check and believe me that is not has easy as some may think in this day and age.

Always remember you are the good guy.