I was working on a car in the garage on Sunday, and needed to go to the auto parts store as I unexpectedly needed another part. I do not think that it would be appropriate for me to change my outfit because the outside chance I run into METRO could exist. I carried appropriate to MY situation, and went about my business.
The fact that I am acquainted with mp, and respect your judgement. Your distrust in METRO's ability to ascertain between a threat or not, coupled with KFPS's advice, "depends on the way we dress, or smile." (" Open carriers should tread lightly in the presence of Metro so as to avoid a heated and possibly deadly exchange. Emotions are no doubt running high.") is blood chilling.
Cops are trained to respond when contact is initiated with them. I do not initiate contact with them, it is almost assured that you will get contact back. I think that carrying normally (disregarding outside influences) is the only way to "normalize" open carry. When I have a tough day, I do not want to burden the people around me with behavior modifications, The cops will get over it (most likely before the family's.)
On Tuesday march 25th of this year, my girlfriend was pulled over, and cited for talking on her cell phone. (something I have never seen her do) She informed the METRO cop (because he asked) that she was trying to find the place called simple cremations, her mom had died the night of the 23rd. and My girlfriend was lost, late, and family members were trying to explain to her how to navigate the industrial area she was in. This cop said "If she died Sunday night, You have had time to get over it" He was acting like she was trying to get out of the ticket.... While she could have cared less about the cite.
My point with the story is this I do not have a problem with the cops being upset, But I do not drive my semi, If I am tired, been drinking, or otherwise not in the game. If METRO is going to let a couple of nut jobs dictate their actions, they have some substantial issues. I certainly have not lived a happy life by letting the actions of a couple of wacko's dictate my actions. Walk on eggshells if you want to, but it won't help OC in my opinion.