Task Force 16
Campaign Veteran
imported post
I had the oppertunity to take the day off and attend the TEA Party at the Legislative Plaza in Nashville. Wasn't sure what to expect, but everything went really well. I even had the oppertunity to educate a few folks about OC.
I had parked across the river behind the Shoney's, near Titan Stadium and walked in. I hadn't arrived at the plaza for more than a few minutes when a fellow stopped by me to ask if carrying a side arm the way I was (CZ82 in heavy black leather mil or police service holster w/thumbreak retention), legal. I replied that it was as long as I have a Tn HCP or a carry permit from another state that is recognized by Tn. He smiled and nodded approvingly and said he would ahve to check about getting a HCP.
About 30 minutes or so later another man, probably in his 50's, came up to me. With a smile he said, "I have a question, I take it your not a LEO" (WCrawford can vouch that I'd never pass for one). I smiled and said that I wasn't. He continued, "So, do you need a special license to carry openly like that? I have a concealed permit and am carrying now, I was just curious". I asked if his permit was issued by Tn, which he said it was, and I corrected him a said it was a HCP. I then told him that I have the same permit and that it allows us to carry concealed or openly. He said he wasn't aware that he could OC, and his facial expression was that of "HMMM...OK.
". We chatted a for few more minutes about OC and gun rights in general. He thanked me for the info and then offered me a pamplet for a advocacy group he represented at the gathering.
Maybe an hour later I was standing on one of the benches on the plaza to get some pictures when a lady standing near by walked over. She smiled up at me a said, "I want to thank you...." which surprised me, "for coming here prepared to protect folks here if needed", and she glanced at my holstered firearm. I was taken back a bit cuz I never expected to hear that. I asked her if she realized I wasn't a cop or security and she said she didn't think I was. She then asked, as if to make sure, if it was legal to carry openly as I was and I told her it was, with a permit. She smiled big and told me she was going to apply for hers, and then showed me her wrist that had a nylon brace on it, and her wounded palm on that hand. She explained that she had been recently assaulted and was determined that it wouldn't happen again. We chatted for a spell and I spoke to her about the aspects of OC. She didn't need any educating about an armed society, she already "got it".
I told each of these fine folks about OCDO, so we may be seeing them on here soon.
The rest of the crowd there didn't seem to be concerned at all if they saw a cowboy looking guy carrying a gun amongst them. No wide eyed looks, no stares.
As for the uniformed LE present, I think I saw at least 8 or 10 on the plaza. and not one of them approached me requesting to seemy HCP. I refuse to believe that none of them saw my holstered gun on my hip. Apparently, they didn't deem it necessary to bother with me.
I didn't see anyone else there OC'ing, except LE. I was on the lookout for WCrawford and George but didn't see them.
Overall, it was a great day, but a little cool. :lol:
Edited for spelling :banghead:
I had the oppertunity to take the day off and attend the TEA Party at the Legislative Plaza in Nashville. Wasn't sure what to expect, but everything went really well. I even had the oppertunity to educate a few folks about OC.
I had parked across the river behind the Shoney's, near Titan Stadium and walked in. I hadn't arrived at the plaza for more than a few minutes when a fellow stopped by me to ask if carrying a side arm the way I was (CZ82 in heavy black leather mil or police service holster w/thumbreak retention), legal. I replied that it was as long as I have a Tn HCP or a carry permit from another state that is recognized by Tn. He smiled and nodded approvingly and said he would ahve to check about getting a HCP.
About 30 minutes or so later another man, probably in his 50's, came up to me. With a smile he said, "I have a question, I take it your not a LEO" (WCrawford can vouch that I'd never pass for one). I smiled and said that I wasn't. He continued, "So, do you need a special license to carry openly like that? I have a concealed permit and am carrying now, I was just curious". I asked if his permit was issued by Tn, which he said it was, and I corrected him a said it was a HCP. I then told him that I have the same permit and that it allows us to carry concealed or openly. He said he wasn't aware that he could OC, and his facial expression was that of "HMMM...OK.
". We chatted a for few more minutes about OC and gun rights in general. He thanked me for the info and then offered me a pamplet for a advocacy group he represented at the gathering.Maybe an hour later I was standing on one of the benches on the plaza to get some pictures when a lady standing near by walked over. She smiled up at me a said, "I want to thank you...." which surprised me, "for coming here prepared to protect folks here if needed", and she glanced at my holstered firearm. I was taken back a bit cuz I never expected to hear that. I asked her if she realized I wasn't a cop or security and she said she didn't think I was. She then asked, as if to make sure, if it was legal to carry openly as I was and I told her it was, with a permit. She smiled big and told me she was going to apply for hers, and then showed me her wrist that had a nylon brace on it, and her wounded palm on that hand. She explained that she had been recently assaulted and was determined that it wouldn't happen again. We chatted for a spell and I spoke to her about the aspects of OC. She didn't need any educating about an armed society, she already "got it".
I told each of these fine folks about OCDO, so we may be seeing them on here soon.
The rest of the crowd there didn't seem to be concerned at all if they saw a cowboy looking guy carrying a gun amongst them. No wide eyed looks, no stares.
As for the uniformed LE present, I think I saw at least 8 or 10 on the plaza. and not one of them approached me requesting to seemy HCP. I refuse to believe that none of them saw my holstered gun on my hip. Apparently, they didn't deem it necessary to bother with me.
I didn't see anyone else there OC'ing, except LE. I was on the lookout for WCrawford and George but didn't see them.
Overall, it was a great day, but a little cool. :lol:
Edited for spelling :banghead:
