Open-carry puts Auburn shoppers on edge

Tuesday, Aug 16, 2011

Shoppers at Best Buy in Auburn Sunday may have seen a young man in a black T-shirt, hat, sunglasses and camouflage pants.

But what really set him apart from other shoppers was the large handgun strapped to his hip.

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Precisely why we work to normalize the every day perception of OCing.

The article relies on negative "buzz words" that are designed to inflame the reader and does not raise a valid question, but is pushing an anti agenda.

Indeed how does one tell the difference between a criminal intent on wrecking havoc and a legal, good citizen carrying for his/her personal self defense? Answer: By their observed demeanor and actions.

Carrying concealed changes nothing regarding the perceived safety of others. Such merely moves it to the realm of "out of sight, out of mind."

It terrible how people judge someone buy there looks. The press definitely doesn't help that matter.

That whole page was filled with negativity, from the article right through the few comments posted on. Oi. People like this make me sad..

My response to the author-- tried to keep it short in hopes that we can start a dialogue.

Hello,
my name is Shane Belanger and I am the founder of the Maine Open Carry Association. I would just like to bring a few simple facts to your attention that you may not have realized. I don't want this email to be too long. The whole reason that there are concealed carry laws on the books is because people would carry concealed weapons if they were going to commit crimes. This is also the reason that we don't see open carry laws in states, because when a person carries openly they are blatantly stating that they are not a criminal. If you use the logic that there "has never been a mass shooting in Maine". Then, likewise you must use the logic that an open carrier has never committed a crime involving any type of assault. Likewise, the rate of police brutality and "bad shooting" is on an extreme rise, although I am in no way anti law enforcement I realize that they are human. I find it disconcerting that you find it fine for a man with a badge perfectly fit, while you see your neighbor, your friend, your colleague as unfit.

Statistically the more firearms per household, the less crime there is. This is because what criminals fear most are not police officers, they fear armed citizens. Do your research, write an informed article from both perspectives.

Shane, it was written by the entire Editorial Board of the Lewiston Sun Journal.

Perhaps we should to an event in the L/A area?

Lewiston/auburn could use some attention.

shanebelanger said:

Perhaps we should to an event in the L/A area?

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I hear the gears turning. :lol:

Well, as person who has a Michigan Concealed Pistol license, if I want to carry in Maine, I must open carry; Maine does not recognize my permit. Thirty-seven other states recognize Michigan's permit to conceal; Maine is not one of them.

* This in no way supports the belief that one should need a permit to protect themselves, just stating one more argument that open carry is my only option, even if I did prefer to conceal. (I don't)

shanebelanger said:

Perhaps we should to an event in the L/A area?

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lets do it!!! im in!!! maybe go to the Best Buy, where this story started!!!

xd-over

There is no indication Best Buy or their management had an issue with OC. I would suggest a public land for a gathering.

Maybe a trash pick up?

what about a findriser???

xd-over

crdonov said:

what about a findriser???

xd-over

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A fundraiser might work better

Good idea. You could post it here and probably get some out of state donations.

We shouldn't go to a specific store. Everything dealing with MOCA events should and will be completely neutral. A completely neutral location with no ulterior motive.

(Doesn't mean we cant do our shopping for electronics selectively and individually in the L/A area on our own accord) :0)

shanebelanger said:

We shouldn't go to a specific store. Everything dealing with MOCA events should and will be completely neutral. A completely neutral location with no ulterior motive.

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+1 squared.

thacountyhick said:

Maybe a trash pick up?

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Sounds like a great idea. I think picking both a location and a time in L/A where there'll be people out and about would give you the most bang for your buck. Any parades, festivals, tag sales, flea markets, etc happening in the next month that would bring more foot traffic than normal into a public area?

LA Balloon Festival this weekend! 30,000 peeps.