Well, from a “legislative bill being introduced this session” standpoint I would have to agree the vital signs are not good. However, I hope the issue of open-carry remains alive so that it can continue to be discussed in order to educate and alleviate anxiety and fears that others may have; and hopefully to reconcile any differences on the issue.
Though like SA-TX I believe OC will be much less of an issue than Charles or others have opinioned (just like CC was); I do appreciate Charles’ concerns after he explained his rationale. I must also agree with the feelings of frustration and disappointment. However, these feeling are more a result of our inability to find a way to work together to restore 2A freedom to Texans, than the fact an actual bill will not be introduced this session. And my personal opinion is there is work needed on both sides to close this gap.
Though a native Texan I was a resident of Arizona for a short period of time and may have been spoiled by the freedoms enjoyed there. For those of you who like to make a rural vs. urban distinct my open carry experience was in Tucson (pop. >485K) and Phoenix (pop >1.5M). Regardless of whether I choose to OC or CC, and I would mostly likely do both depending on the situation just like in AZ, it is a personal irritant to me that over 75% of the US population (almost a quarter billion people) currently enjoy this freedom, whether they decide to exercise it or not; yet I am deemed less worthy of this freedom simply because I am a Texan. I can drive less than 2 hrs east, remove my jacket exposing my firearm and be perfectly legal. This same act in my home state will label me a criminal. This to me is ridicules and unacceptable, irrespective of any personal opinion of OC. Analogically, I have no current need for an AR-15, to carry on a college campus, or to have body tattoos. But I do not feel my personal opinion or current situation should result in restrictions of other’s freedom to own, carry or display.
I too would like to offer suggestions going forward in what should be a common alliance to restore and maintain our 2A freedoms:
• First for the Grass roots organizations, we must understand the criticality of alliances; especially in the political arena. We can debate the ideology and fairness of the existing bureaucratic structure, but the cold truth is until a cultural change is implemented it is the structure we must maneuver within if we intend to accomplish our political goals. And as Charles infers, alienation in any form provides no advantage and will most likely harm our cause. However, on a positive perspective the energy, excitement and visibility that has been brought to bear on this issue in a relatively short period of time has been nothing short of incredible. Understand and be prideful of what we have been able to accomplish. Within a very short period of time we have brought this issue to the forefront of 2A issues in Texas to the extent a State Representative had a bill drafted with the intention of submitting it. That’s quite a feat! But in order to “cross the goal line”, which is what ultimately counts in the end; my personal belief is we need to maintain the excitement, but modify the tactics.
• Secondly, and directly to the point for TSRA, we need to find a way to adapt flexibility into the process in order to maximize opportunities. My personal belief is if TSRA would have been flexible enough to jump on board this past summer during the momentum build up for OC, we would have a bill submitted today. And that is not a very far stretch considering Representative Riddle already has it drafted. This time it was Open Carry; next time it may be reduction of 30-06 signs, or elimination of CC application fees, or any number of 2A freedom restoration items. If we never have the flexible to take advantage of these opportunistic situations, then we are less than we could be and leave too much on the table. There should be no debate on the accomplishments of TSRA regarding 2A freedoms within Texas; these accomplishments too are pretty incredible when you consider where we started. But even with the hard gained knowledge and lessons learned, it would be audacious to believe there is no room or necessity for continuous improvement in our process.
It is my hope, desire and ambition that we can set aside our paltry differences on mode, method and place of carry; and align to restore full 2A freedoms to all Texans!
God Bless and Have a Nice Day!
Conagher