Thanks for the words and advice. I have been trying to OC and to quietly show others that it is ok to do it. You know it makes me wonder why law abiding citizens dont openly carrry more. In the area that I live I have never seen anyone OC. Maybe its that I have never just noticed before. You talk about the situational awarness..that is one thing that has increased..kinda reminds me of when I got home from Iraq but just a little different. I have enjoyed it and still am a rookie in regards to OCing but do feel better about doing it, our 2nd Amendment rights and protecting my family against the potential threats out there. I was out with my daughter today at the Shoe Show in Dunn and she said that she was a little nervouse with me OCing but I think that she forgot about it after about two minutes of looking for some new church shoes. I would like to go to OC meeting or get togather one day. Just need to find one thats not two or more hours away. Thanks again.
E.J.
There are several reasons why more do not OC, based on my own experiences talking with folks, along with other people's experiences. Some of these include many people simply not knowing that it's even legal in the first place. If you haven't already, you're almost sure to get questions from people that notice you carrying in this regard. "Is that legal?", "whoa, I didn't know you could just walk around like that", etc. These are prime opportunities to give people the facts about OC in North Carolina.
You can't force them to do anything they are not comfortable with, but at least you can arm them with the facts and let them decide whether or not it's right for them.
Encounters you'll experience will hopefully be good, but there can be people who aren't so supportive of you carrying. Personally, I could care less about what they think as they are not willing to take on teh role of personal security guard for me or my family. Until someone hops into that role, it's up to me. But still, they will come eventually. For the most part, it's people from states where oppressive gun laws has been the norm for a couple of generations now. They simply don't know of any other way to think of people carrying guns. It's been ingrained into their heads since birth. You can let them know it's legal 'til the cows come home, but it will not change their minds. Think of the same sort of brainwashing that goes on in North Korea, but to a smaller degree. It may not be their fault, but these are the ones that can kiss my ass. Again, if they want to assume the duty of protecting me and mine, I might entertain the thought of not carrying...but I doubt it.
In other cases, you'll run into folks from the same states, but yet they feel much differently, and eagerly carry today simply because they can after so many years of not being able to.
You also have people who, for whatever reason, simply do not believe others should carry in public. You also have little sub-groups made up of people who think that only people who've been through extensive training should be able to. Even still, you'll get some who think that you're stupid for openly carrying instead of carrying concealed. Whatever the reason, there will always be some people who won't give up a chance to speak their minds and give you their opinions. Some times I put up with it and other times I make it clear that it's my desire for them to piss off and die- I could care less.
I won't even dwell on interactions with LEOs. That's a whole other set of circumstances. Let's just say that there's some that get it and some that don't. React accordingly and save yourself some trouble down the line.
But hey, that's just me. I try to keep to myself...live and let live, as it may be.
Just know that you have taken a positive step in regards to protecting yourself and your family. If others don't want to carry and feel that waiting for the police to show up long after an assault has taken place is the best personal defense plan for them, more power to 'em. I have no problems with not intervening to help. For you, you have take steps to not let others take your life. Cheers to you. Your family appreciates it more than even they know.