Don't worry, Charles, I wouldn't think of actually asking anyone who "pledges" for their money should I be arrested. I am willing to take financial responsibility for any consequences. Although I would hope I could be reimbursed representation/court costs in an appeal/countersuit.
I don't plan to try it on campus. That just seems irresponsible.
And why not Round Rock? Do the state laws not apply there?
And thank you for that video. I like the way the black man in the tie defended his reasoning. He was peaceful, educated, and persuasive in his responses to the woman. And as for her, I'm actually impressed at how she handled herself. Rather than screaming or criticizing, she presented her opinions and questions in a respectful way. I'd hope to encounter similarly reasonable people.
I will definitely talk to a lawyer before doing this. Thank you for the information on the prepaid legal plans. There are some independent representatives here in my neighborhood, so I will go talk to one of them beforehand.
My parents' responses were interesting. This past weekend I visited home (I'm a college student, so I visit about twice per month.), and I expected my father to support it. My mother isn't educated on gun laws or personal freedoms in general, and she is unsupportive of causing confrontation when it can be avoided. I can see how she (and many others) think this is pointless, "asinine" (in my roommate's words), or just to get attention. But the truth is, if these freedoms aren't exercised, they can be taken much more quietly than if a portion of the population continue to exercise them.
My father was working in the ER all weekend, and I only saw him twice during meals and didn't tell him. But he texted me today, saying,
"The law that you will be prosecuted on is creating a public terror (I can't remember the exact wording, but when I used to question your granddad about that issue, he quoted the statute). Basically yes it is legal to carry a rifle down the street right outside of campus, but if your action of doing that causes ANYONE else to become frightened or worry, then you are in violation of this other law. Basically creating a public disturbance. And you will be arrested and successfully prosecuted for it. Call your granddad. And don't even think about doing that."
My granddad was a police officer mostly in and around Houston from the 50's-1995.
I told my father that according to the law, as long as I don't do anything "calculated to alarm", I am in the clear. But to be honest, I do think there could be a chance of getting arrested for being a public disturbance or for causing alarm. Does anyone have reference to statutes telling exactly what a public disturbance is or what would define me to be disturbing the peace?
And I agree with informing the city manager. As for writing him, would it be best to be "short and sweet" and just quote the law and tell him the city ordinances are in violation of state law?
C-dub, it is across the street from UT. If the 1000'-rule applies, than I will either stay in West Campus (which would be more precisely called "West OF Campus") or downtown.
DaveT, I understand where you're coming from, and there are parts of me that are feeling similarly. I know the law is on my side and I know it's a right, but I must question my own motives. In high school, I parked outside of the school parking lot (due to search and seizure rights violations I had seen with my friends, more on this story can be elaborated if you wish) and posted controversial opinions about school policies on my locker, after which my 1st-Amendment rights were violated by them censoring me while letting others put things on their lockers. I told the principal school censorship only applied if it was "disrupting the educational environment" (as ruled by the SCOTUS), and she told me the teachers couldn't teach because they were angry. After telling her the teachers were acting unprofessionally and shouldn't allow their emotions to conflict with their job, I was requested as a "personal favor" to back down in the matter, so I did out of respect for her position (She agreed with me but would likely get in trouble with the school board for allowing me to do what I was.)
That was a long story, but I say it all to give y'all some background on myself. I exercise my rights even when others or those in authority don't like it, and I enjoy doing so. In high school, most of the times I did so had reason, usually in protest of a policy or unconstitutional practice. However, I am hesitant to go through with this idea, because I don't necessarily think it has merit. Sure, we have had things stolen, there have been some assaults in West Campus, and the sometimes-aggressive beggars on the Drag are a problem, but OCing a shotgun isn't going to fix those. Also, these rights could be lost if not exercised, but they also could be taken away for being exercised without merit, and that isn't something I'd wish to risk.
If Texas allowed OC of handguns for my age, I would not hesitate to carry to do my errands that don't involve campus. But a shotgun isn't as practical for self-defense in public situations, and because of that, the law would have an easier time arguing that I was only doing it to make a statement (which is somewhat true), and that could be twisted into saying I calculated it to cause alarm.
Right now I'm on the fence about the whole idea. I'd like your thoughts, everyone.
EDIT: I am also not running for any Student Government positions. That was just something I'd read in the paper that got me thinking.
