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Charles L. Cotton wrote:

frazzled wrote:Keep that thinking. Do what you're told.

Perilously close to a personal attack.

Chas.

No offense taken.

Frazzled, I understand what you're trying to say, but I'm going to vote for change in what I consider a positive direction...

I was alluding to the 08 presidential election obviously. Bush did lots of things I was NOT happy with, same goes for the Republicans which were in congress. But at the same time, we certainly got some change, and its not change I'm happy with.

Yes, the "choose between the lesser of two evils" type of choices stink, but thats why you have to get involved in primaries.

frazzled wrote:
You can only get change if you vote FOR change.

Of course if you vote for any change at all, no matter what change it is, you'll wind up in worse shape than what you had with the status quo....kind of like our current federal situation, perhaps?

The Annoyed Man wrote:Actually, SA-TX and Cohagher have so eloquently stated their position, that I am more favorably disposed to their cause than I was. Even so, I still think things like the parking lot bill should have some primacy of position before the legislature because that legislation will more directly affect those very CHL holders whom both of you admit will mostly not OC. In other words, it is a more immediately pressing issue for a majority of those who carry guns legally; and therefore, it should be addressed first.

100%

SA-TX, you've stated your position eloquently and I would support getting OC passed. But considering some of the other potential crazy things that will come up next session (Voter ID again, Raising the limit on number of students in the classroom, budget issues) we will be lucky imho to get one or two "gun bills" passed...considering that, I would far prefer we focus on parking lots and campus carry. Simply put they affect more people, and are far more likely to save a life than having the ability to open carry.

If we get those issues taken care of in 2011 I would WHOLE HEARTEDLY support open carry in 2013. It's just not as important to me as other issues and I HIGHLY doubt we have enough clout to get them all pushed through.

SA-TX wrote:I'm in not interested in showing off anything but I would like to know what a bar-b-que gun is .

I definitely want parking lot carry and campus carry. If I could only choose 1, I'd choose parking lot carry because I think it affects the most people. But why do we only have to choose two (parking lot and campus) or three (parking lot, schools, and range protection)? Isn't the Legislature capable of dealing with multiple 2A proposals in a given session? As I said originally, I'm a pragmatist. If I have to settle or take a 1/2 loaf or bargain down from what I really want I'm willing to do that at the appropriate time but before the discussion is even undertaken?
SA-TX

Bar-B-Que gun in a term I picked up from this board...basically its a gun that's "pretty". After all, who wouldn't want to show off a pretty gun?

I'm all for OC, just kind of got a bad taste in my mouth after the end of last session when from all accounts it seemed the OC supporters were willing to burn bridges with legislators and dump the other 2A issues for OC.

So if we took your approach of trying to get it all done while we have a favorable legislature (a valid point), I would rank our "goals" in this order:
1)Parking lot bill
2)Campus Carry
3)Range protection
4)Open carry

Why is open carry last? In my opinion, it does the least in regards to protections of rights already written into Texas law. I certainly want to get OC passed, but if I have to pick and choose what we get passed, it will be my last priority out of issues currently on the agenda.

Edit: Others may disagree and thats fine. I just have a real hard time understanding why people view OC as more important than parking lots or campus carry.

SA-TX wrote: Charles, as you know I am not mad at TSRA and do not confuse not supporting something with opposing it. As for throwing CC under the bus, that certainly isn't my intention. I L-O-V-E what TSRA has accomplished in Texas. It was only a few short years ago that we had nothing and I haven't forgotten! I also support the goals that you have the upcoming session (campus, parking lot, and range protection). My position is that, in addition, I support open carry.

My only response is that we've achieved what we have by little steps, and must continue to work towards our goals step by step.

To that end, which is more important? That you can leave a gun in your car when you go to work? That you can attend or work for an institution of higher learning without forfeiting your right to self defense?

Or is it more important we get OC passed so we can show off our bar-b-que guns in places we can at least CC right now?

I far prefer increasing the amount of places we CAN carry and then quibble about HOW we carry.

Just my .02 on the subject.