imported post
I've been lurking and reading most of the posts here and I have finally found something I have to rant about...please bear with me as this is my first post..but this has really stirred something up!
I spent the past hour and a half reading that other forum and I absolutely CANNOT believe the attitudes some of those LEOs have!!
Just because they personally don't like and/or approve/support OC does NOT mean they can create a situation and intimidate with their badge. So they don't like it, they don't have to. Sorry, a right is a right, if it bothers them that much they should find a different line of work. They want to be safe and go home to their families after their shift...well damn..SO DO I!! They aren't the only ones that want that!
One LEO even said something to the effect that he notices each and every firearm that comes near him..often times ones that are concealed. Really? LEOs are issued x-ray glasses now? The same poster said that if a subject is armed and he has to make contact, he will disarm them if he doesn't know them personally. Another case of 'it's not who you know, it's who you..you get the idea. It wouldn't happen in THIS state, pal. Disarm me without VERY reasonable cause and I'll be looking at the next person mucking out the horse stalls.
There was something said that one can OC an UNLOADED firearm...WTH good is that?! A BG is coming at me with a knife..what..do I say, "Wait! Let me get my magazine.." Really? Nope. Don't ever see THAT happening. Full mag with one in the tube, thank you.
LEOs have a difficult, stressful job no doubt and I am glad they are out there serving the public. But they should know that not everyone that OCs is a suspect of a crime. They can carry because it's their JOB...I can carry because it's my RIGHT. I don't see why that is so difficult to understand. So it isn't a "popular" thing, so some (LEOs) personally don't like it, so some of the general population don't like it, there is nothing that can be done about that, but it's the law. There are just some people that stand firm on their beliefs, feelings or whatever and they have that right to do so, but because of that, who are they to impress on me their beliefs? Am I going to flaunt my sidearm any chance I get? No, that isn't the idea. Am I going to force my beliefs for OCing on those that oppose it? No, again, that isn't the idea. I'm just going to go about my business and expect them to go about theirs. If they choose to defend themselves with a baseball bat, golf club, Chihuahua, crowbar or whatever, fine...they can. Like them, I have a choice. They chose their way, I chose mine.
If a LEO notices a person walking down the street carrying a bat and there is no field for miles..will he stop him and ask what his intentions are? Extremely doubtful. Why not? A bat can kill, right? If someone is OCing a firearm, the majority of the time a stop is made. Again, why? The only difference is, there is a LAW that supports lawful carrying of a firearm. Someone with a bat..no law against it, carry on. Crowbar..must be changing a tire, carry on. Golf club..odd, but no law against it..carry on. Sidearm...law FOR it..better check it out. Unreal...I'm a suspect before they even get out of the car.
Gents, sorry for the rant. I just couldn't believe what I was reading on the other forum. Again, I am very glad that there are LEOs on the streets and very appreciative of all they do. It is the few that let their personal feelings about OCing get in the way of a non-LEOs right to OC if they so desire when the law is on their side.
I really enjoy this forum and plan on being more active now that I have broken the ice! Keep up the good work!
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