Jason K wrote:Blaming the lack of OC in TX on the "in-your-face" types is like blaming the lack of gay marriage in TX on Elton John, RuPaul, and that Leslie person in Austin.
There are plenty of decent, polite gun owners who support OC. They're just not acknowledged by the press, the politicians, and the gun rights organizations. Pity....they have a lot to say.
I don't recall anyone arguing that we don't have open-carry because of "in-your-face" tactics or people. We don't have open-carry because SB60 passed in 1995 with a requirement to keep one's handgun concealed. Prior to the passage of SB60, it was unlawful to carry a handgun openly or concealed with few exceptions. "In-your-face" tactics/people had nothing to do with that.
The real reason that Texas law hasn't changed to allow open-carry is because only a very small percentage of voting Texans want to change the law. A lack of general support for any statewide issue makes it hard to pass a related bill that is considered controversial.
"In-your-face" tactics are making it harder to get those in the Texas Legislature to support an open-carry bill. Remember, the Governor, Lt. Governor, AG, etc. can't even file a bill, much less get one passed. Therefore, their support is nice, but it's not outcome determinative. In terms of the Governor's involvement, it's an indication Greg Abbott will not veto an open-carry bill. This presumes any bill that were to pass would not have problematic provisions like amending TPC §30.06. I seriously doubt that would happen because the bill would be killed long before it reached the Governor's desk.
Chas.
