imported post
I just signed up for the forum and would like to know how to get in touch
with Oregon members. Also, I have suggestions how best to move the movement
forward. As an Open Carry event is newsworthy let me suggest an education
strategy. Just a few points.
* Organize picnics and other events in parks and public venues and
have a presence at gun shows, county fairs, etc.
* Have literature to educate the public to local open carry laws
* Invite police, mayors and other public figures to the event as well
as media so as to broadly educate the masses
* Call radio talk shows, local media and so forth. Get the discussion
before the people.
I have talked to local police officers in my area and find that they are
unaware of open carry laws. Their greatest fear is that people would be
alarmed by seeing a gun. They as well as the public need to be educated as
to the laws in their state. If the education is there, then people, and the
police, will be less alarmed when they see someone open carry. We will run
into trouble and unnecessary confrontations if we fail to educate before we
exercise our rights in a community. We ourselves need to be well informed
about the laws in our state. We must present ourselves well. I suggest that
you come up with several talking points that members will clearly know and
be able to address in a rational matter that puts our best foot forward.
Perceptions will either advance or kill a movement and we need public
support, even though the law is on our side.
We also need to be ready to sue when our rights are violated. Intimidation,
even by police, is unlawful. As guns have a negative public image currently,
we need to change that perception positively by being informed, calm and
determined. There is much more I could say but you get the idea.
We need to take a lesson from our adversaries. Organize, educate, exercise.