OpenCarry.org Co-founder takes shot at TSRA

[Charles L. Cotton]

In spite of the great efforts of SA-TX and others trying to be the voice of reason on OpenCarry.org, co-founder of OpenCarry.org and Executive Member (whatever that is) of VCDL took a not-so-veiled "shot" at TSRA. Here is his short but most revealing comment:

[name deleted] wrote: "I called TSRA today for their position on open carry. They don't have one. They says that they get calls about it all the time."

Mike Stollenwerk: "says a lot about the TRSA."

We have TexasCHLforum members who also follow and post on OpenCarry.org, so I have no doubt that Mr. Stollenwerk knows precisely why TSRA isn't getting involved during this session. He knows of our two year cycle and how we prepare for a legislative session. So why would he take a shot at TSRA? Well, as I have said before, OpenCarry.org doesn't want TSRA to take on the open-carry issue as a project. All he wants is for us to blindly endorse whatever he and OpenCarry.org want to do. (The horrendous bill he drafted is but one reason why we do our own work and don't blindly endorse others.)

Both NRA and TSRA are often falsely criticized as being unwilling to get involved in any project, unless we get the credit. I think it's clear that Mr. Stollenwerk never sought TSRA's active involvement, nor would he ever accept it, simply because he and OpenCarry.org want to claim credit.

This is yet another reason for Texas open-carry supporters to consider carefully who you wish to carry the flag.

Chas.

Here is a link to Mr. Stollenwerk's comment. (See the bottom of the page.) http://opencarry.mywowbb.com/forum66/21471-3.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[TheArmedFarmer]

It's disheartening to see this kind of speech by the OpenCarry.org people, and it takes a lot of credibility away from them.

Charles, I'm glad you post these kinds of things. They educate us all.

There's no doubt that there are a lot of Texans who want open carry. I would vastly prefer TSRA to be the sole party pushing open carry forward.

[stevie_d_64]

I agree that was a cheap shot...

Especially when we are all on the same side of the coin...

We've all made our positions clear, and had very good discussions, MANY of them...Especially when the issue is dead before it was able to be written up in a bill...

I kinda wish it had been handled better and given a chance to at least be presented for legislative debate...

I believe it will be many years before it is even conceived to be brought up like this again...And this little dig will certainly be remembered when it does...

[Lumberjack98]

It's unfortunate to see what appeared to be a well intentioned beginning turn into a tirade of a 3 year old trying to get candy at the Wal-mart checkout.

I hope that Mr. Stollenwerk can swallow his pride and get on board with the right way to get things done in Texas.

I'm sure that we don't all agree with the process...but we agree that to get things done, you have to follow the process.

[nitrogen]

I think the bit I added to my signature pretty much says it all.

Not only are they completely ruining the open carry cause in Texas and other places, they are giving "aid and comfort" to the "enemy" indirectly by causing such derision in the community.

[TheArmedFarmer]

It's clear that a lot of Texans want open carry, and we're stuck with VCDL botching this whole thing for us.

Wouldn't it be great if some other group, some respected organization here in Texas, would pick up the open carry ball and run with it? Take away VCDL's power here and take the issue on as your own.

[The Annoyed Man]

Here is a link to Mr. Stollenwerk's comment. (See the bottom of the page.) http://opencarry.mywowbb.com/forum66/21471-3.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Unfortunately, the page isn't loading for me, but I can only imagine what kind of screed it is. I would like to see open carry eventually adopted by Texas, although it will likely never be my primary carry method. But I fear that the firebrand approach will not only fail to get open carry passed, it will put concealed carry at risk as it generates backlash. Successful politicking requires the long term view of things. It's the only way to get things done and make them stick. That is why I think the incremental approach is the best - not because I don't want my rights respected right now, but because it will produce lasting results in our favor.

[stevie_d_64]

You know, for the life of me I know there is a way to do this...There is a legislative fix for this, but for some reason everyone on both sides of this debate hardened their hearts and drew un-crossable lines in the sand years ago when this all started to brew...

If there ever was a time to step back, form up a good group of blue-ribbon legal minds, and people who have the right philosophy, I could almost guarantee this could be done in a way that would minimise the impact on the community...

My reasoning behind open carry is NOT to appear to be a cowboy on the issue, or shove my gun in someones face...Far from it...

It is an empowerment that transends semantics and demonstrates a personal belief that sends a message (in certain situations) that I know and understand (along with every single person who participates in this forum) what the Second Amendment means...

I dismiss the tactical arguments against open carry, because I do not need to send a message to those in WalMart (general public) of my status...

Again, just my opinion...

[Oldgringo]

The Annoyed Man wrote:

... But I fear that the firebrand approach will not only fail to get open carry passed, it will put concealed carry at risk as it generates backlash...

A well founded fear and a very great risk to us all.

[SA-TX]

...

If there ever was a time to step back, form up a good group of blue-ribbon legal minds, and people who have the right philosophy, I could almost guarantee this could be done in a way that would minimise the impact on the community...

...

and I'll to that.

[The Annoyed Man]

You know, for the life of me I know there is a way to do this...There is a legislative fix for this, but for some reason everyone on both sides of this debate hardened their hearts and drew un-crossable lines in the sand years ago when this all started to brew...

If there ever was a time to step back, form up a good group of blue-ribbon legal minds, and people who have the right philosophy, I could almost guarantee this could be done in a way that would minimise the impact on the community...

My reasoning behind open carry is NOT to appear to be a cowboy on the issue, or shove my gun in someones face...Far from it...

It is an empowerment that transends semantics and demonstrates a personal belief that sends a message (in certain situations) that I know and understand (along with every single person who participates in this forum) what the Second Amendment means...

I dismiss the tactical arguments against open carry, because I do not need to send a message to those in WalMart (general public) of my status...

Again, just my opinion...

BINGO.