This is not OCT, OCTC, CATI or OpenCarry.org!

[Charles L. Cotton]

The Dan Patrick statement about a lack of support for open-carry has prompted some of our more ardent open-carry supporters to start making post like one would see on the Facebook pages for OCT or OCTC. This will not be tolerated, not for one second. The credibility of the Forum will not be destroyed by people making unfounded, absurd allegations against elected officials. The Forum is read by DPS, elected officials and their staff and I want them to see rational discussions.

Offending posts will be summarily deleted. Too many people are working hard to make this a successful session to allow a few people to make the job harder. To those who feel open-carry is the one and only issue this session, you won't like it here.

Chas.

[joe817]

Thank you! I'm pleased to take note that you are taking that position!

[rtschl]

Thank you Charles!

[oljames3]

Thank you, Charles. I earned my high school diploma in 1970. I've participated in visiting legislators and the governor with the homeschool community. I'm still learning the details of the inner workings of our state government. One constant is that civil discussion works best.

[LeakyWaders]

I agree and you have my support.

[Charlies.Contingency]

As usual Chas, I find once again that I agree with you.Thank you for all that you do!

[mojo84]

Wait, what about my 1st Amendment Right to free speech?

[joe817]

Wait, what about my 1st Amendment Right to free speech?

Wait! Wut? Oh. D.A.

[Charles L. Cotton]

If Dan Patrick betrays Texas gun owners, then I will be among the first to call him out and work for his defeat when he runs for reelection in four years. Until then, rank speculation and false allegations have no place on the Forum.

Chas.

[Roscoe]

Very well said!!! I agree wholeheartedly!!!

[K.Mooneyham]

If Dan Patrick betrays Texas gun owners, then I will be among the first to call him out and work for his defeat when he runs for reelection in four years. Until then, rank speculation and false allegations have no place on the Forum.

Chas.

I'm sure you will, Mr. Cotton. The session is barely started and I'd like to see how things end up playing out before I get too fired up, one way or another.

[Right2Carry]

Is there no way to draft an online letter that could be signed by responsible gun owners stating we don't condone the actions of these groups. Maybe denounce their tactics in regards to unlicensed open carry then get it delivered to the Senators and members of the House? I am not a writer or I would try to craft something. I wouldn't mind being part of a rally in Austin to show support and how responsible gun owners act but i don't know how you would keep the groups who cause trouble from showing up and making us all look bad.

[EEllis]

Is there no way to draft an online letter that could be signed by responsible gun owners stating we don't condone the actions of these groups. Maybe denounce their tactics in regards to unlicensed open carry then get it delivered to the Senators and members of the House? I am not a writer or I would try to craft something. I wouldn't mind being part of a rally in Austin to show support and how responsible gun owners act but i don't know how you would keep the groups who cause trouble from showing up and making us all look bad.

IMHO that gives them to much attention. I think just not tolerating their behavior is the best response. When they trumpet something online I respond with my opinion and make it clear that their beliefs are not mine or mainstream. Personally they are such a fringe group that ahe idea we need to distinguish between us should be treated as absurd. If that impression gets across then there will be no need to distinguish between us and the OC nutters will be marginalized as people realize how small and disconnected they are from responsible gun owners. I firmly believe the majority of the people involved don't get how divisive and damaging their activities are because they have been fed bad info and are in an echo chamber with the OC crowd,

[AF-Odin]

Thank you Charles for once again being the voice of reason. Regardless of what some of the more ardent supporters of OC believe, we all must work together to portray a responsible, mature side of firearm ownership and use.