I hope someday I will not be afraid to exercise my 2nd amendment right.
Howdy Pardner!
First, I thank you for your service to our nation.
Next, I am concerned by your use of the word *afraid* in the quote above.
Fear? Really? In Colorado? Because of carrrying out your right under the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution of the United States,
along with Article 2, sections 3 and 13 of the Colorado Constitution?
You are in fear of all the wrong things amigo. I would think fear would be much more appropriate for running around unarmed.
When people are so frequently taken by surprise; assaulted, robbed, murdered or otherwise abused, and uanble to defend themselves, that's cause for fear.
On the 20th, a massive shooting of innocent civilians in a theater in Aurora, there's something to fear.
A kid going to school at a gun free school zone, that's something to fear.
Carrying a handgun legally for your own protection, ain't no cause for you to be fearful.
Ask yourself what it is to be fearful of?
That another citizen might give you the 'stink-eye'? Whoa... there's some trauma!
Or perhaps that you may be asked about why you have a gun? (btw, your answers are okay, but not especially effective. You can do better just saying that your life is worth defending, along with your family, friends, neighbors and even theirs if it came to it!) But a question ain't cause for fear!
Or perhaps you are fearful of that first LEO encounter. What LEO encounter? Read this forum. LEO encounters usually take the form of:
"LEO Encounter Today, nothing happened! Aw, shucks!"
What cause do you have to be afraid to openly carry? I can provide an abundance of cause for doing otherwise.
I have a case coming through that will require me to visit Colorado Springs a few times in coming days.
Perhaps what you need is somebody to tag along with who has been open carrying for awhile.
Go along and see how much a non-issue open carry really is.
Learn how the general populace is far more accepting of legally armed citizens exercising their 2a rights.
See for yourself how some even walk up to the LAC and thank them for carrying.
Maybe even find out, as a couple of folks I've mentored did, that an LEO encounter can be a positive and even fun affair.
I applaud your desire to exercise your 2a rights, but ask you who is keeping you from exercising your 2a rights?
It ain't your fellow citizens. It ain't the laws of Colorado. It ain't the LEO's who understand the your right to carry.
The only person stopping you would be.... you!
Fear is just an illusion for what might happen, but seldom actually does!
Dont wait for Lent, give it up today!
And if you want a seasoned hand to help you through your first experiences, just tag me on PM.
Blessings,
M-Taliesin