imported post
Sadly, I had a very similar discussion with a former LEO. So, I can sort of see where rlk is coming from and heading.
This former LEO made a compelling argument. My whole desire to open carry stems from basically educating the public. Yes, see me carrying a weapon and ask me about it. Let me tell you that armed law abiding citizens makes places more safe. Let me also tell you that there is no law against carrying open, with a few exceptions.
The former LEO's argument was this. Homosexuals have tried for years to educate the public about alternate lifestyles: parades, open displays of affection, the recent press for legal marriages, etc... However, some people are put off by this and the attempt to educate people actually works against them for those intolerant of alternative lifestyles. He said walking around in public does the same for gun rights.
:banghead:
The only sad thing was, I was so put back by his argument, I could think of a retort. So I said the only thing I could think of... "So... you're gay?" OK - so that didn't go well.
There is a chance that open carry will turn some people against guns. Educating them that it's legal to carry may make them more prone to support attempt to curtail gun ownership privileges. But, hopefully, this is the minority of people.
Quite honestly? I'd love to meet many of you out for an OC dinner somewhere and have rlk's scenarios take place. Twenty people being detained for carrying firearms in public is BOUND to hit the news.