TexasCHLforum.com

Until they show me an employee who either is the owner or speaks with the APPARENT authority of the owner who verbally notifies me to leave, or shows me a written document with the identical 30.07 language written on it, or displays a properly posted compliant 30.07 sign I will have until then not been lawfully notified. And neither will anyone else.

If you already know their wishes I don't think you need to wait for any other form of notification. I'm convinced Whataburger management doesn't want me in their store unless I conceal my weapon. I've been in Whataburger enough while armed to the concealed teeth, if a modest little 9 so qualifies, to have a pretty good idea that's a non-event.

To enter Whataburger, I double-check my concealment. It's their turf.

For the record, if you enter my place of business while openly carrying a pistol, if I have time I'll probably ask how you like it, and if it has a good trigger. A safely carried firearm is not alarming. I guess I don't see the difference between the street and a gun range. An armed stranger, absent reason to think otherwise, is just like anybody else. A friend I haven't met yet, with the added interest of packing a conversation-starter.

I'll also admit to a certain level of hypocrisy. I'm more frustrated by 30.06 than I think I will be by 30.07. My lawfully concealed handgun is a foundation garment. I wouldn't kick an MDA member out of my business for wearing a thong, even if it became accidentally visible.

Never would I kick an MDA member out of my business for wearing a concealed thong. They should be kicked out because they are a threat to society. The thong, that's a personal choice. Boxer or briefs, Glock or 1911, just not my business.

I think Whataburger just needs a chance to take a deep breath. No need for commotion, just a need for a little time for soft, civilized minds not preoccupied with firearms to adjust.

Imagine yourself completely clueless about guns. Completely clueless. You aren't a mom demanding action. You aren't a student of freedom, either.

You hear the news anchor's concern about .22 gauge assault clips, whatever they are, and it seems very logical. There's a reason, for example, we keep fish hooks and teething toys separate. Why would we want to force our dear, sweet, muddled children, terrified and alone, to face AK-15's in the hands of known terrorists on every street corner? Gosh, who would want that?

And did you see the news footage with armed people, those open carry demonstrators, whatever "open carry" means, with rifles facing our police?

And so, as soft brains reacting rather than thinking, we seek compassion and involvement and do our part to save the kids. Let's draft a memo. Nope, never occurred to my mushy mind to learn about freedom or guns, the gauge of shotguns, the difference between a clip and a magazine, what guns came from the godless Rooskie or from the land of the free, or the difference between a threat and the calming, welcome effect of deterrents.

My guess is Whataburger learned of Kory Watkins and came to the same conclusion I have. He's not welcome at my establishment.

It's not because of his gun, it's because of his attitude and demeanor, and it will take time for the public to learn the vast distance between an in-your-face open carry demonstration with rifles and citizens exercising a natural right while pursuing happiness in general.

A majority will get it, if we give them a little room to adjust.

Or we can face their reactions in the polls.