TexasCHLforum.com

SA_Steve wrote:Are Texas people that much different from Georgia people ?

I ask because in the 14 years I lived in Atlanta (2001-2014) I saw the state-wide preemption gun laws change for the better in 2010 and again in 2014.

There is potential for the Texas laws to continue to evolve for the better given the lack of horrible things happening in Georgia due to highly privileged licensed carriers.

2010 got rid of the prohibition of carrying at a "public gathering" which had been in effect for 140 years - this was a nasty prohibition (a Jim Crow law aimed at black folks) - most any group of folks could be considered a public gathering before 2010

2014 codified the ability to carry in non-secure areas of airports even though it was already legal, even in the country's busiest in Atlanta. Made it a $10 fine to not have your license on you while carrying.

Even before 2010 (and after of course):
OC legal with the GWCL license (which requires no shooting test and is (must) issue by county probate court judges - no central database of licensees)
No mention of holsters
It's a Georgia Weapons Carry License so most any weapon is OK to carry
Cops cannot stop someone to see their license if that is the only reason for the stop

and

Signs carry NO weight (but the business owner/worker folks can ask you to leave) In practice, many gun folks will not patronize places with a gun buster sign on general principles.

I recall that the only prohibited carry places after 2014 are courthouses and churches unless they opt-in for carry. Not an exaggeration at all.

Even legal to carry in the school building when picking up your grade school kid. That's open or concealed carry.

Bars too, how about that ?

So for me the "look at other states" is a good argument for even more future generous carry allowances in the Texas gun law. Look at Georgia.

for reference georgiacarry.org

LSUTiger wrote:I posted this in another thread, added a few edits, but it applies here as well........

I am sure OC has played a role in speeding up the inevitable. But IMHO, it was only a matter of time before 30.06 was going to inevitably be posted in more and more places as time goes on regardless of OC.

Every time there is an incident that gains national media attention or another gun control push by congress or executive action more and more signs go up. And the more anti-gunners see the signs the more they become educated about them. The more they become educated about them the more they put up.

As these things happen, they get discussed and those who want to feel safe want to do something but they almost always do the wrong something, like putting up signs that create gun free zones instead of the right something like arming themselves and allowing law abiding citizens protect themselves against criminals who don't obey signs or laws.

Why some people would rather just feel safe than actually be safe is beyond me.

It just goes to show that relying on peoples ignorance of posting/not signs is not an effective Pro Gun strategy. Sooner or later the cat will be let out of the bag.

I just think sitting back trying to maintain the status quo is more detrimental to our cause in the long run as the anti gunners continue to chip away at our rights. Sometimes forging ahead can be painful but in the long run we will be better off.

I think an effective way to gain wider support sooner is visibility. When people see me OCing with my wife and 2 kids, hopefully it will help to normalize the idea of having a gun for your family and self protection.

I have several family and friends who are now gun owners, CHL/LTC holders and Pro-2A supporters who were not before. It's because I practice what I preach and have educated them and have provided a visible example.

Like when the discussion turns to LTC and then I reveal my thoughts to them impact of seeing someone who is actually doing it is a tremendous encouragement that they can do it and should do it too!

Educating them about why they should do it, how to do it and removing the media propaganda baloney and replacing it with facts and common sense about gun ownership and the whole process from buying a gun, training, storage, maintenance, carrying, LTC.... they have finally the guts to do it themselves. "