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Random Open Carry Thought |
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Gregory Morris, 7/25/08 9:35:01 am |
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While some gun bloggers advocate not scaring white people, the often-pushy and loudmouthed Open Carry movement does have a benefit: It makes those of us who choose to carry concealed seem more "reasonable".
The typical hoplophobic Susie Soccer Mom doesn't want to see a gun. She doesn't want her kid to see a gun. While she may not be comfortable with concealed carry either, there is still a lot of truth to "out of sight, out of mind". OC advocates say that's the wrong tact, and that we should desensitize these people to the sight of armed citizens. I partially agree, but I'm not sure that is the best way to win the battle we are faced with.
Case in point: Florida's population is about 18 million. Open Carry is illegal, yet we are still called the "Gunshine State". That might be because half a million Florida residents have concealed weapons permits. That means for every random gathering of 36 people, it is probable at least one of those people has a Florida CWP. Do you think it would be easier to say to Susie Soccer Mom: "Look at us, we all have guns! Woo Woo!", or "Did you know that every time you are at a restaurant, there is a 1 in 36 chance that the person sitting at the table next to you is licensed to carry a concealed weapon?"
Which will she respond better to?
Now, as you legislatively make it easier for law-abiding citizens to acquire firearms and carry permits, you'll see a rise in the number of people doing so. (Also, us taking newbies to the range doesn't hurt!) Suddenly Susie finds her friends are among those who carry guns in their purse, or in their glove box. Before long, Susie becomes curious and asks her friend to go to the range "just to see what all the fuss is about."
I'm all for people exercising their rights. An un-exercised right is a lost right. I'd even like to see the ban on Open Carry in Florida repealed. But I don't think making the Open Carry movement the public face of our movement is a good idea. |
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