Seems the local constabulary in Ohio have a little problem figuring out the whole open carry thing. Please Visit Ohioans for Concealed Carry and follow the thread for More Info. I know some disapprove of open carry except under controlled circumstances, and feel that it is somewhat exhibitionistic and wont to draw unfavorable attention - in short it "scares the white people".
I can see this point and, in truth, would be taken slightly aback if I saw a gun on the hip of the guy next to me in line at the Giant Eagle. On the other hand, I don't think I'd call the police.
That having been said, I think the times have changed somewhat, and open carry is no longer beyond the pale, so we should at least refrain from criticism even if we cannot lend support.
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If I lived in Ohio, I would tape and vieo these kind of folks three times a week until I had an ironclad federal suits against multiple cities and municipalities.
These folks need training, and they don't seem to be getting it through their depts.
This isn't good for modern policing or the country. Needs fixing.
Started out that way in Virginia several years ago. What it takes is hardy souls willing to go to the mat for their rights.
After about the third or fourth high profile civil rights lawsuit, they'll start getting the message.
Mike: I don't understand why you would be "taken slightly aback" if you saw someone with a firearm on their hip.
Do you think criminals advertise in such a way? Honest people have no reason to hide that they are armed and prepared to defend themselves...it's nothing to be embarrassed about.
It only "scares the white people" becuase they've been conditioned to be scared by it. Here in Virginia, over the past ten years or so, we've successfully all but stamped out that conditioning by exposing the "white people" to armed, law abiding citizens repeatedly.
I don't think I've had a negative reaction to my open carrying in at least two years. It's just a normal, accepted thing here.
Some people definitely don't *like* it...but they know it's not going to change and it just doesn't scare them any more.
I have to admit that there is still the occasional incident. We had one a month or so ago where a North Carolina resident was open carrying here (perfectly legal) but the cop that stopped him didn't think it was legal because he was from out of state. The Department involved has already issued an apology, has promised more training for their employees and is "investigating" the conduct of the officer.
I actually intended to post this the other day but got sidetracked and never got it put up...maybe tomorrow:
Last week I was in Walmart looking for a birthday gift for my 3 year old granddaughter.
While perusing the rack of bargain videos (which I can never resist), a young gentleman sporting a Glock in a paddle holster approached me and asked where I'd gotten the holster for my CZ. He'd been looking for one.
We two openly armed men stood in Walmart having a very civilized conversation about holsters while the rest of the customers unconcernedly went about their business.
It's good to live in a free state. But a state (or nation) doesn't get or stay that way by being meek.
By the way...for the record: I don't live in a rural area of Virginia. I live in one of the most liberal, anti-gun cities in the state: Norfolk. If I can open carry here virtually every day without getting harassed, I'd say we're doing OK.
I'm not a personal fan of open carry under most circumstances, but it is a right, and "ignorance of the law is no excuse".
Whether I was upset by an openly-carried gun would depend in great part on whether there was a holster involved, or someone's shirt rode up over the Hi-Point shoved in their waistband.
Personally I'm a big fan of Open Carry, but maybe that's because Delaware is a "may issue" CCW state.
I could care less what the GFW's think. It's the cops that worry me. How sad is that? I'm worried about doing something legal because you might get cuffed by some cop.
Sevesteen - I think some states actually have statutes prohibiting "mexican carry"
I am comfortable with people with guns, open or concealed - until they start to act like thugs. Then I wish for a better universe, without them.
Hi great readinng your blog
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