imported post
Earl,
I'm aware of Topeka's open carry history, you informed me on Feb 18, 2009 - see:
http://opencarry.mywowbb.com/view_topic.php?id=6931&forum_id=24 Again, I heartily THANK YOU for bringing that info to my attention. I will be OC'ing in Topeka when I visit from now on.
The reason CC instructors won't tell the honest truth that OC is legal (even when presented with the facts in black and white text) is because they are making money selling a class that is required for CC. It's not in their business interest to tell folks "you can waste $200 on my class, fill out paperwork, and pay the state for a CC permit... or just OC
for free". I think my reasoning is fairly sound on that one, right?
I applaud your activism and I'd like to shake your hand next time I'm in town. But I still stand by my comment that what you did could have been done in a
more intelligent manner. Police have this idea that OCDO members are trying to "set them up" when we carry voice recorders and such, not knowing that (carrying recorders) is standard SOP around here on OCDO...and
it keeps both parties honest at the end of the day. I took exception to the fact that you went out of your way to rub OC in the face of everyone and several times in the video you mention how you've gone way outta your way to make sure everyone noticed the fact you're armed. You also make several references about seeing if you can "
get anyone excited" because you are walking around with a firearm. Good grief! After you had the encounter /w the three police you wonder
how many more calls can I get? Ask some of the veteran OC'ers here on this forum, they will all back me up when I tell you this is not acceptable behavior and the image we want to present to the community. This presents a very bad image, the image being "I knew what I was doing was not common but I did it anyways to make a point. I intentionally went out to terrorize the community and see how many 911 calls I could garner before TPD came and felony stopped me with a shotgun. But, I was within my legal rights to open carry!". Actions like that will have the city council making some new laws
with a quickness.
Keep up your activism, but just keep in mind:
a) what is the local communities perception of my actions?
b) does this serve to foster or degrade relations between OC'ers and local LEO's?
c) if you continue OC in Topeka, be prepared for local media interest for interviews, it WILL happen. THINK about your response before responding. Don't talk to them as if it's a free flowing conversation. Some media outlets have an agenda. Under NO circumstance would I agree to be interviewed by KTKA ABC 49.