independence
Regular Member
I am developing my opinions on open carry and have already learned a lot but need a clearer picture on some things. One of the things I've found in the past when developing a position on an issue, is to test the boundaries. It may seem fruitless to some to have an extreme or hypothetical example, but I believe it helps draw the line and reveal the root issues when we can express our opinion on an extreme example or one with complicating factors.
I am pro-OC, but have been thinking about to what extreme I would take that, and figured that many of you who developed your opinions long ago would have something to offer in this regard. I have listed some specific OC issues below that I am considering and would appreciate your opinion on.
NOTE: Some of the things listed below are illegal in various jurisdictions. But that is not the debate angle I am looking for. I'm looking to find out what you think should ideally be legal in your opinion. I say this to avoid responses like this: "Dude, if you are going to OC [in such-and-so way/place] you are going to go to jail." I'm not wanting to discuss the current legal situation, but more your personal worldview on what you think should be legal ideally.
What type of pistol?
It's probably safe to say all of us (except the trolls) are in favor of the right to OC a pistol. How far would you take that? Would you be okay with someone OCing an AK-47 pistol slung over the shoulder or in a scabbard? (Think Embody.) Why or why not?
What locations?
I've seen many on this forum say that they believe in no restrictions on where you can carry. How far would you take that? Would you be okay with someone OCing in federal court? What about to the White House as a visitor? Why? Is there any place you can think of that you think should be banned? Why?
What type of long gun (for states that don't allow OC of a pistol)?
OCDO doesn't allow discussion of long gun OC except in states where pistol OC is illegal. In regards to those states, is there a place you would draw the line as far as firearm type? What about carrying fully automatic rifles in public? Why?
Ownership of large arms
Should the average citizen be allowed to own a shoulder mounted missile launcher? Should they be allowed to carry it in public? (LOL.) Why?
Mixing it up
Say I get a traffic ticket and have to go to court for it. Would you be okay with me carrying a AK-47 pistol slung over my shoulder in court? Should a citizen be allowed to own a tank and drive it down the road through town? If the president is in town and will be walking from his limo into a hotel, should a person have the legal right to place themselves on top of the roof of a nearby building OCing as long as they are not actually aiming a gun at the president? (Oh great, now I've flagged the NSA.) In this instance, is the citizen innocent until proven guilty, or should the Secret Service have the right to ban them from going armed on top of a nearby building? NOTE: I am not advocating that anyone do such a thing nor am I planning any such thing. I am asking because I am trying to develop an opinion on where the boundaries between personal rights and government control should be drawn.
I realize that many here will react to this post emotionally and assume that I am trolling, a spy for the gun haters, etc. That is not the case. These are the questions that are dancing around in my head and I am trying to make sense of them. The reason I chose to put them here, is because I have seen some very intelligent and articulate advocates of freedom on this forum who may be able to help me make some sense of some of these blurry lines. Thanks.
I am pro-OC, but have been thinking about to what extreme I would take that, and figured that many of you who developed your opinions long ago would have something to offer in this regard. I have listed some specific OC issues below that I am considering and would appreciate your opinion on.
NOTE: Some of the things listed below are illegal in various jurisdictions. But that is not the debate angle I am looking for. I'm looking to find out what you think should ideally be legal in your opinion. I say this to avoid responses like this: "Dude, if you are going to OC [in such-and-so way/place] you are going to go to jail." I'm not wanting to discuss the current legal situation, but more your personal worldview on what you think should be legal ideally.
What type of pistol?
It's probably safe to say all of us (except the trolls) are in favor of the right to OC a pistol. How far would you take that? Would you be okay with someone OCing an AK-47 pistol slung over the shoulder or in a scabbard? (Think Embody.) Why or why not?
What locations?
I've seen many on this forum say that they believe in no restrictions on where you can carry. How far would you take that? Would you be okay with someone OCing in federal court? What about to the White House as a visitor? Why? Is there any place you can think of that you think should be banned? Why?
What type of long gun (for states that don't allow OC of a pistol)?
OCDO doesn't allow discussion of long gun OC except in states where pistol OC is illegal. In regards to those states, is there a place you would draw the line as far as firearm type? What about carrying fully automatic rifles in public? Why?
Ownership of large arms
Should the average citizen be allowed to own a shoulder mounted missile launcher? Should they be allowed to carry it in public? (LOL.) Why?
Mixing it up
Say I get a traffic ticket and have to go to court for it. Would you be okay with me carrying a AK-47 pistol slung over my shoulder in court? Should a citizen be allowed to own a tank and drive it down the road through town? If the president is in town and will be walking from his limo into a hotel, should a person have the legal right to place themselves on top of the roof of a nearby building OCing as long as they are not actually aiming a gun at the president? (Oh great, now I've flagged the NSA.) In this instance, is the citizen innocent until proven guilty, or should the Secret Service have the right to ban them from going armed on top of a nearby building? NOTE: I am not advocating that anyone do such a thing nor am I planning any such thing. I am asking because I am trying to develop an opinion on where the boundaries between personal rights and government control should be drawn.
I realize that many here will react to this post emotionally and assume that I am trolling, a spy for the gun haters, etc. That is not the case. These are the questions that are dancing around in my head and I am trying to make sense of them. The reason I chose to put them here, is because I have seen some very intelligent and articulate advocates of freedom on this forum who may be able to help me make some sense of some of these blurry lines. Thanks.
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