I was married to a redhead, you don't even phase me ;-)
At the end of the day, it's not about what I think, and it's not about what you think. It's about what the police, DA, judges and juries think. I believe that OC has been legalized everywhere in the state by A5. I also agree with the thinking that you should not have to produce a CCW to OC. But, I also believe that my thoughts don't matter. It all goes back to Al Gore's "controlling legal authority" if you want.
I still say that Amendment 5 is a statement of grand principles, not of laws, and it's the legislature's job to make sure that the laws of the state and of the political subdivision conform to this statement of grand principles we have given them. I think that we all think they don't. But, the legislature has not been in session (except the Veto Override session) since A5 was passed, so we have to wait until the next legislative term for that. I don't like it, but I'm content with that we achieved this year (with respect to SB656, and giddy with joy for A5), and I believe we're on the right arc to get further liberties restored next year.
As far as SB656 not being needed, remember that there was a lot more to SB656 than the tiny little OC piece, those changes were also good. And, I appreciate an explicit statement that I can OC with my permit if I so chose.
Personally, I'm a realist, not an idealist. I don't need to know the ten year plan, I specialize in getting us to next month. Both are needed though. That's why I told people if they go to the walk, and are OCing, and don't have a CCW permit, then they're likely to get arrested. If they go with the intent of getting arrested for OC without a CCW, then I won't be angry or upset. I would contribute to their legal fund, as they are doing a great favor to the 2A community.
Now, here's what I think will happen on the walk. You will be stopped at some point, all of your CCW permits will be checked, and you will be lectured to. Who knows, you might even get to eat concrete. I've got no doubt the City of St. Louis is going to make it as uncomfortable as possible, without stepping over the line and arresting anyone. After all, it's to their benefit to not get their ordinances overturned. if everyone at the walk has their CCW, and displays it upon demand, I suspect nobody will get a ticket or a ride. The fact that MO has such a low bar for the definition of arrest would basically mean that all of you were arrested though.
However, we all know that if you get a sufficiently large group together, there is going to be an idiot. Personally, I think the sufficiently large group is 2, me and anyone else. That idiot is going to be the interesting one to watch.
The other issue is what happens if you have but don't show your CCW. That might be a way to push the issue for at $35 ticket instead of up to a year in jail, but I suspect the argument will be that having and not showing is different than not having. While that would be an interesting question to answer, it would not be the one that will benefit the majority of people.
Only if you believe 565 will pass strict scrutiny and it is fair to say that the right to bear arms in protection of self does not include a disclaimer that you have to pay for that permission.
The walk is about amendment 5, I have said it a hundred times. Because of amendment 5 Sb 656 was not needed and is of no impact.
You may think someone is going to take a ride, I certainly acknowledge that it COULD happen however the purpose of all the advanced notice to authority is to stop exactly that and yes, the authorities have two choices acknowledge we are correct and leave the walkers alone or take action and arrest, they can't have it both ways.
No one seems to want to simply state the laws are null and have them removed from the books so they can intimidate people with the threat of monetary cost to head to court.
Koster won't even answer the question. Don't you think there is something to be said about the silence everyone keeps on it?
I have a lot of respect for you and your post here and we both know I can get over the top fast and I am not trying to do that or be disrespectful at all, I hope you know that having been around here for more than a week
I find it remarkable myself that no one in power has the courage to call it either way. I would indeed accept "no, those laws remain completely valid and you will be arrested" as a decision, one I might not agree with but I would agree and acknowledge, but they WONT say it and that is because or better said what I believe to be the reason is they KNOW they are null and just do not want to publicly acknowledge it and lose the intimidation power they have now.
How many people right now want to OC freely but won't because they fear they will be arrested despite thinking that amendment 5 will win in court?
So without regard for other positions, those persons remain restricted from exercising their rights because no one will clarify it and that sir is what we are going to do for them.