TexasCHLforum.com

mamabearCali wrote: In general I find OC to be a non-issue where it is legal and it seems a huge problem where it is not or is marginally legal. If you can get it, I highly recommend it.

It's an issue where it's legal also. You'll find the same sort of demonstrations in states where OC is already legal. Again, it goes back to the value of "exercised" rights. We don't think twice seeing someone who has a badge and a firearm, but we are often substantially alarmed if that someone isn't wearing blue. That difference causes problems.

Even in OC states, the same "solve the problem" charges can generally be applied. There are a few states that explicitly protect OC and prevent charges like "disturbing the peace" from being applied to situations where a firearm is displayed, but is not used a hostile manner. In most states, this isn't the case. I've looked at laws in Michigan on it - and they're complicated, especially when you take into account "no gun" zones and exclusions for people that are licensed to carry. It's like CHL and knife rules - they get a little funky and officers don't know all the fine details.

To me, it seems that it should come down to the fact that if we don't want openly carried firearms in public, then the laws - maybe the constitution should be changed. If we do want to allow OC, then we need to provide protections so that carrying a firearm isn't the real reason for a straw arrest. Right now, we're in between and it causes confusion.

It's unreasonable to expect OC demonstrators to go away even if OC was legal. If OC was legal, it needs to be exercised. Without exercising it, the rights erode... If those rights no longer fit modern society, then they should be changed.

Charles,
I read your messages loud and clear. I understand that you believe the public demonstrations are harmful and that the announced and planned demonstrations are simply slightly less harmful.

I also agree with adric22 above. I can't say that I'm an open carry person, but I can say that if I read the laws as written, I simply can't understand the difference written law and the way that we see people who exercise those rights treated. And I understand in the current social climate why carrying a long gun would alarm people.

It seems to me that if we support the laws as written and believe that those rights need to be exercised (otherwise they are eroded) - then what can we do? You've told us repeatedly what not to do (demonstrate, use in-your-face tactics). Other than support the NRA and TSRA, is there anything that we should be doing?

nightmare69 wrote:I personally believe they are doing it because they can and could careless what the public or anyone else thinks. They are delusional if they think this is going to shed a positive light on open carry and make it legal in Texas.

It simply highlights to me that carrying long guns in public isn't legal in a practical sense. Banning them just makes things a little less confusing. It just don't understand how people feel that long guns in public isn't OK, but they don't want to formalize that position... It's an odd spot to be in.