mamabearCali wrote:
In general I find OC to be a non-issue where it is legal and it seems a huge problem where it is not or is marginally legal. If you can get it, I highly recommend it.
It's an issue where it's legal also. You'll find the same sort of demonstrations in states where OC is already legal. Again, it goes back to the value of "exercised" rights. We don't think twice seeing someone who has a badge and a firearm, but we are often substantially alarmed if that someone isn't wearing blue. That difference causes problems.
Even in OC states, the same "solve the problem" charges can generally be applied. There are a few states that explicitly protect OC and prevent charges like "disturbing the peace" from being applied to situations where a firearm is displayed, but is not used a hostile manner. In most states, this isn't the case. I've looked at laws in Michigan on it - and they're complicated, especially when you take into account "no gun" zones and exclusions for people that are licensed to carry. It's like CHL and knife rules - they get a little funky and officers don't know all the fine details.
To me, it seems that it should come down to the fact that if we don't want openly carried firearms in public, then the laws - maybe the constitution should be changed. If we do want to allow OC, then we need to provide protections so that carrying a firearm isn't the real reason for a straw arrest. Right now, we're in between and it causes confusion.
It's unreasonable to expect OC demonstrators to go away even if OC was legal. If OC was legal, it needs to be exercised. Without exercising it, the rights erode... If those rights no longer fit modern society, then they should be changed.
