Charles L. Cotton wrote:I'm not making either assumption. The poll is intended to get an idea if people are committed only to unlicensed open-carry as is the sole goal of OpenCarry.org, or if they would be satisfied with simply removing the concealment requirement for CHLs. (I am not suggesting that either NRA or TSRA will get involved, if it is licensed open-carry. We have more than we can handle on our legislative plate right now.)Shorts wrote:Are the choices assuming voters already have a TX CHL or not?
I asked this question because the vast majority of people I've talked to, and almost all news reports I've seen, heard and read, give me the impression that people think a license (CHL) will still be required. I've looked at a lot of videos of interviews and news reports in Texas and this seems to be a common misunderstanding. If a bill does get filed and the media start their typical scare tactics and report "anyone can simply strap on a hog-leg without a background check or training if this bill passes," I think the public response will be a groundswell against the proposition.
As I understand OpenCarry.org's motivation, they believe open-carry is a constitutional right and they do not agree with licensing. I don't think that message is getting through here in Texas. (They also cite Heller for this premise and this is absolutely incorrect. Heller is a "keeping" case, not a "bearing" case.) Ironically, OpenCarry.org takes the position that concealed carry is not constitutionally protected, again incorrectly citing Heller. I do wish they would not take that position, as I believe it is wrong and harmful to further expansion of the holding in Heller.
Chas.
Thanks Charles for the explanation. Unfortunately I think the scare tactics are built in to open carry in and of itself and it will be an uphill battle if it does pass, licensed or not. In this regard, it will take time for people to know/see/hear about and hopefully let the dust settle. This is where OCers are ambassadors and have to do their part to set the tone. And even then, I imagine there will be some learning curves and bumps along the way, just as there have been in other states. The passage of legislation would not be the end, rather, just the beginning.
My motivation for asking my OP was for selfish reasons due to my current status ;) I was considering the process that I'll need to go through once back CONUS.