There has been a lot in the news about open carry of guns in Texas. Proponents have carried long guns (rifles and shotguns) into the streets and into some fast food places. There are many of opinions about the actions of the groups advocating changing the law to allow open carry of handguns. The arguments for and against have valid arguments. But, I will go on record as being undecided if it would be a good idea.
I have a concealed handgun permit. It is an awesome responsibility to carry a gun. In all the years, I have had only two occasions that I remember where a gun was important. The first time, I did not have my gun. It was in the car. That one ended okay. The second time, I had my gun. That one ended okay too without the aggressor ever knowing I had a gun. That’s what you are supposed to do.
Guns are tools is a statement often heard. I agree. About 40 years ago, I bought a plumbing tool that I used once. I have never had to use a gun and don’t want to.
It is my opinion that the movement to carry guns is a symptom of a people that are afraid. They are afraid of government, afraid of those of other nations that have demonstrated they want to kill us, and they are afraid of each other. We live in a divided nation where frustration leads to anger and fear. Openly carrying guns is an attempt to feel safe. It also adds to fear by those that don’t carry or know if the ones with guns are friend or foe. At least with concealed guns, the bad guys don’t know who has a gun.
There was a time when a lot of people carried guns, because they felt the need for self protection. That was the old west, as they say. Are we heading back to that time? Is there a need to?
I have always believed that no one should own a gun that hasn’t been trained in safety and law. Will open carry bring those requirements? It better or things could get a lot worse.
The second worse thing I can imagine is to shoot someone. The first is for someone to shoot me.
PMO
©2014
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