Open Carry Texas & NRA Disagree For a Day Or Two...(Video)

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Here's Jon Stewart's take on the happenings...

Keep Gun and Carry On - The Daily Show - Video Clip | Comedy Central
  • Profile picture of the author SteveJohnson
    Personally, I think the NRA was right the first time and shouldn't have changed their position.

    Displays of firepower like OCT engaged in are more harmful than helpful because they were so far over the top. The old adage applies: Because you can doesn't mean that you should.

    They were trying to make a point, one that I agree with. They could have done it in a less damaging manner.

    I carry a weapon quite a lot when I go out, sometimes concealed, sometimes not, depending on what I'm wearing. I've never had occasion to even think about using it, and I sincerely hope I never do. But I would much rather get back home and put it away unused than need it and it not be there.

    I respect the wishes of businesses that don't want me armed - I don't do business with them. I understand that people may be nervous if they see I'm armed, so I do my best to remain unobtrusive. At the same time, although I'm sorry that you're nervous if you see I'm armed, your feelings are not as important to me as being able to defend myself and my family if circumstances require it.
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    • Profile picture of the author whateverpedia
      Originally Posted by SteveJohnson View Post

      At the same time, although I'm sorry that you're nervous if you see I'm armed, your feelings are not as important to me as being able to defend myself and my family if circumstances require it.
      The point of the video above was that if someone does feel threatened by your armed presence, under "stand your ground" they're allowed to use "deadly force" against you.

      Madness.
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      • Profile picture of the author SteveJohnson
        Originally Posted by whateverpedia View Post

        The point of the video above was that if someone does feel threatened by your armed presence, under "stand your ground" they're allowed to use "deadly force" against you.

        Madness.
        Total nonsense, and completely wrong reading of the law(s). Feeling frightened is not the same as being threatened.
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        • Profile picture of the author ThomM
          Originally Posted by SteveJohnson View Post

          Total nonsense, and completely wrong reading of the law(s). Feeling frightened is not the same as being threatened.
          What's sad is people are frightened by a single person with a rifle in plain sight, yet don't bat an eye when they see cops in armored assault vehicles with assault rifles.
          These are the same people that also don't seem to have a problem with the BLM and USDA having assault weapons.
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          • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
            Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

            What's sad is people are frightened by a single person with a rifle in plain sight, yet don't bat an eye when they see cops in armored assault vehicles with assault rifles.
            .
            I think I can address that. When you see armed policemen walk into a restaurant, your first thought isn't "This guy is insane, armed, and dangerous"

            But if I saw someone walk into a restaurant with an assault rifle, that would be my first thought. And if he were chewing tobacco, that would cinch it.
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            • Profile picture of the author ThomM
              Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

              I think I can address that. When you see armed policemen walk into a restaurant, your first thought isn't "This guy is insane, armed, and dangerous"

              But if I saw someone walk into a restaurant with an assault rifle, that would be my first thought. And if he were chewing tobacco, that would cinch it.
              What about seeing an armored assault vehicle driving down your street with cops carrying assault rifles.
              I didn't say anything about a regular cop walking into a restaurant, or anything about regular cops at all, now did I?
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              • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
                Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

                What about seeing an armored assault vehicle driving down your street with cops carrying assault rifles.
                I didn't say anything about a regular cop walking into a restaurant, or anything about regular cops at all, now did I?
                No, you didn't. I was basing my statement on the OP's video. Sorry for the confusion.

                Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

                What about seeing an armored assault vehicle driving down your street with cops carrying assault rifles.
                I still wouldn't think that they were unstable dangerous people. But I would assume that they are responding to something dangerous....probably involving guns.

                Someone (not a policeman) walking in public with a gun? My first thought would be that he's an armed moron. Then I would try to assess if he's a dangerous armed moron.
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                • Profile picture of the author ThomM
                  Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

                  No, you didn't.



                  I still wouldn't think that they were unstable dangerous people. But I would assume that they are responding to something dangerous.

                  Someone (not a policeman) walking in public with a gun? My first thought would be that he's a moron. Then I would try to assess if he's a dangerous moron.
                  Right because there is absolutely no other reason a person would carry a gun.
                  Let me guess you're fine with agencies like BLM and the USDA having assault weapons not to mention the IRS.
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                  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
                    Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

                    Right because there is absolutely no other reason a person would carry a gun.
                    Let me guess you're fine with agencies like BLM and the USDA having assault weapons not to mention the IRS.
                    No lie. Can you imagine the BLM or IRS driving armored tanks and troops up to your door over a financial dispute like they did in NV? That's what I call bizarro Nazi dangerous thugs. Ask the guy from Ruby Ridge. At least this time there were all those "nutcase citizens" with guns to stop another Ruby Ridge.

                    The IRS, USDA, and BLM having militia should scare citizens out of their minds.

                    What I find even more terrifying is that one of these agencies can send their militia in on top of someone nonviolent and con at least a third of our population into cheering that they are doing the right thing. But let a guy get a cup of coffee without taking off his holster and they go batshyte stupid with fear. Good grief.
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                • Profile picture of the author ThomM
                  Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

                  No, you didn't. I was basing my statement on the OP's video. Sorry for the confusion.



                  I still wouldn't think that they were unstable dangerous people. But I would assume that they are responding to something dangerous....probably involving guns.


                  Someone (not a policeman) walking in public with a gun? My first thought would be that he's an armed moron. Then I would try to assess if he's a dangerous armed moron.
                  You could be assuming wrong.


                  When you ask a cop why they carry a gun and they will tell you it's for their protection, and people are fine with that.
                  You ask a civilian why they carry a gun and they tell you it's for their protection and people flip out. Seems pretty irrational.
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                • Profile picture of the author TLTheLiberator
                  Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

                  No, you didn't. I was basing my statement on the OP's video. Sorry for the confusion.



                  I still wouldn't think that they were unstable dangerous people. But I would assume that they are responding to something dangerous....probably involving guns.

                  Someone (not a policeman) walking in public with a gun? My first thought would be that he's an armed moron. Then I would try to assess if he's a dangerous armed moron.
                  It seems like the incidents are starting to pile up.

                  I think we've had 3 shootings over the last month and one yesterday.

                  The one yesterday in Vegas was yelling some crap about this starts the revolution and I heard they were also hanging around the Bundy ranch.

                  I'm glad I don't live in one of those open carry states.
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                  • Profile picture of the author ThomM
                    Originally Posted by TLTheLiberator View Post

                    It seems like the incidents are starting to pile up.

                    I think we've had 3 shootings over the last month and one yesterday.

                    The one yesterday in Vegas was yelling some crap about this starts the revolution.
                    So are the incidents of cops killing innocent people, doing swat raids on the wrong address and even doing swat raids on places like co-ops and farms.
                    Not very long ago a cop through a flash grenade into a baby's crib. Many more incidents of cops killing wrongly then there are about people killing wrongly. All the people who have been going on killing sprees have had mental problems. Maybe the cops also have mental problems and should be regulated as strongly as you think normal citizens who don't go on killing sprees should?
                    Have you forgotten that the government is responsible for more innocent deaths then all the mental cases with guns have.
                    Maybe we should be working on solving both problems instead of just one.
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                    • Profile picture of the author TLTheLiberator
                      Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

                      So are the incidents of cops killing innocent people, doing swat raids on the wrong address and even doing swat raids on places like co-ops and farms.
                      Not very long ago a cop through a flash grenade into a baby's crib. Many more incidents of cops killing wrongly then there are about people killing wrongly. All the people who have been going on killing sprees have had mental problems. Maybe the cops also have mental problems and should be regulated as strongly as you think normal citizens who don't go on killing sprees should?
                      Have you forgotten that the government is responsible for more innocent deaths then all the mental cases with guns have.
                      Maybe we should be working on solving both problems instead of just one.
                      jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj
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                      • Profile picture of the author ThomM
                        Originally Posted by TLTheLiberator View Post

                        jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj
                        Another intelligent response from TL.
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                        • Profile picture of the author TLTheLiberator
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  • Profile picture of the author seasoned
    Frankly, I don't believe those pictures were real. But the NRA says you should be able to keep and bear arms ANYPLACE! They just don't like the average person flaunting it in every day events. That's a reasonable position.

    The rest was even more just to have a comedy show.

    Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author ErinWalsh
    If you're not the police or the military you shouldn't have assault rifles. You certainly shouldn't take them out in public and show them off "to make a point." That makes you an aggressor who is trying to intimidate the public. That makes you scum in my eyes. I have no problems with open carry or concealed carry of hand guns. HAND GUNS! NOT assault rifles. I have no problems with guys who are on the way to go hunting or have just got done with hunting having their rifles in their car when they stop to eat. Those rifles should stay in their vehicle when not being used to hunt game when they are between home and hunting. I object to gun owners taking offense at the suggestion they behave responsibly.
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    • Profile picture of the author HeySal
      Originally Posted by ErinWalsh View Post

      If you're not the police or the military you shouldn't have assault rifles. You certainly shouldn't take them out in public and show them off "to make a point." That makes you an aggressor who is trying to intimidate the public. That makes you scum in my eyes. I have no problems with open carry or concealed carry of hand guns. HAND GUNS! NOT assault rifles. I have no problems with guys who are on the way to go hunting or have just got done with hunting having their rifles in their car when they stop to eat. Those rifles should stay in their vehicle when not being used to hunt game when they are between home and hunting. I object to gun owners taking offense at the suggestion they behave responsibly.
      You do realize that it's handguns that are involved in most gun deaths........and the few associated with "assault" rifles are mostly self defense, right? Hand guns are what most criminals carry because they're easy to hide - easy to get. I could go out on the street with a C note tonight and pick up a saturday night special. Criminals aren't the ones that will be disarmed with gun laws. For reference - drug laws really did a good job of stopping drugs, right?

      Actually - if the gun is in sight, I feel that person probably has no inclination to use it other than in self defense. Id worry about people who have them and you can't tell. That and anyone with a badge that has one in their hand instead of in the holster.
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    • Profile picture of the author SteveJohnson
      Originally Posted by ErinWalsh View Post

      If you're not the police or the military you shouldn't have assault rifles. You certainly shouldn't take them out in public and show them off "to make a point." That makes you an aggressor who is trying to intimidate the public. That makes you scum in my eyes. I have no problems with open carry or concealed carry of hand guns. HAND GUNS! NOT assault rifles. I have no problems with guys who are on the way to go hunting or have just got done with hunting having their rifles in their car when they stop to eat. Those rifles should stay in their vehicle when not being used to hunt game when they are between home and hunting. I object to gun owners taking offense at the suggestion they behave responsibly.
      <sigh>
      The people involved in that demonstration didn't have assault rifles. It's obvious that you're commenting from a position of fear and ignorance instead of knowledge. You watch too many tv shows.

      A civilian 'assault rifle' is not an assault rifle, it's just called one by the media whose job it is to scare the crap out of you so you'll watch their newscasts. They're not even close to having the same capability that true military and police assault weapons have.

      Unless, of course, you're talking about the military-grade weapons that ATF supplies to mexican cartels through Holder's programs.

      The people in that demonstration were trying to push some buttons, and it's obvious they pushed one of yours. You're pissed off because they thumb their nose at you and legally carry a weapon.

      I think they made a mistake doing what they did, but when I read comments like yours, I have to confess I'd raise a glass to them for doing it. Aggressors? Scum? LOL

      BTW, the black rifles with the folding butt stock and pistol grips? They aren't for hunting game.
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      • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
        I own a retail store.
        If someone came into my store, that was not a policeman...with a holstered gun...I'd ask them to leave.

        If they came in with a rifle on their back, I'd quietly leave, and call the police.


        A friend asked me why I don't put up a sign saying "No guns allowed", and I told him that just having the sign up would tell customers that there is a possibility of someone coming into my store with a gun, and the idea is ludicrous. It's the same reason I don't have a sign up that says "Naked people not welcome in my store". The idea is so ridiculous that a sign shouldn't be necessary.

        I think this thread has convinced me to buy a gun to keep in the store.

        There are crazy people out there with guns, and they aren't all criminals.

        I'm not afraid of criminals with guns. I'm afraid of stupid people with guns...who are out to prove a point. And there are too many of them to completely ignore.
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        • Profile picture of the author ErinWalsh
          Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

          I own a retail store.
          There are crazy people out there with guns, and they aren't all criminals.

          I'm not afraid of criminals with guns. I'm afraid of stupid people with guns...who are out to prove a point. And there are too many of them to completely ignore.
          This is where I stand. If you have to wave your gun around and "make a point" I put you in the "Crazy person with gun" column. If you quietly go about your business with your gun holstered at your side I'm more than willing to ignore the fact you're carrying a gun. If you think you should raise a glass to those guys who are waving their guns "to make a point" because I call them aggressors and scum I'll happily put you in the "Crazy with gun" column.
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          • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
            Originally Posted by ErinWalsh View Post

            This is where I stand. If you have to wave your gun around and "make a point" I put you in the "Crazy person with gun" column. If you quietly go about your business with your gun holstered at your side I'm more than willing to ignore the fact you're carrying a gun. If you think you should raise a glass to those guys who are waving their guns "to make a point" because I call them aggressors and scum I'll happily put you in the "Crazy with gun" column.

            I don't mind so much, people out and about with a holstered gun, although I don't think much of it. But in my store? No.

            I don't think of them as scum. But having a gun in view is a display of power. And in public gatherings, it's passive aggressive behavior. At least that's my view. Having a concealed gun is probably for protection. (unless you are robbing a bank) A holstered gun? You're making a statement.

            Am I afraid that the guy with the holstered gun is going to use it? Almost certainly not.
            But the fact that it is a show of power (really. no matter how you justify it), and that it doesn't bother the person that it makes many/most people uncomfortable (depending on location)..means that I should be wary of this person.

            I hope this example doesn't offend anyone. but when I see a man in a public area...with a holstered gun, it reminds me of someone walking around with his penis hanging out.

            He's saying "look at this. It doesn't bother me that it bothers you...and I just want everyone to know that I have one...and am prepared to use it".

            Of course, a gun has a greater range...and has bullets. But it's how I see this.

            Your reality may vary.


            Originally Posted by SteveJohnson View Post

            "Desperate times call for desperate measures."
            Actually, I see that point. Since I have chosen to not live in an area where I'm likely to be shot...or even hear gunfire in the distance.. I don't feel I live in desperate times.

            Your experience may vary.

            When I was taking Kung Fu from my first instructor, we convinced ourselves that violence was everywhere, fights were always about to break out, and an attacker was around every corner.

            It's the way we saw the world. It's how we talked to each other. It was our reality.

            In my entire adult life, I have been in one violent altercation, and it was completely avoidable. It was entirely my doing, and it was an assault. I was a testosterone driven bully with delusions of power. What a stupid way to think.

            I still train a little, but the reality is that there is about as much chance of my needing to defend myself, as there is of me winning a beauty contest.

            You may live in a desperate area, but the times are about like they have always been, except for twitter and twerking.

            Please do this exercise if you are old enough...
            Think 20-30 years into the past. Remember what the news was back then? Remember how we were constantly going from one crisis to another? Remember how we believed that we lived in desperate times? The commie treat? SARS? Every election was going to change the world. We were in danger of being invaded...and we hated someone? (I'm too lazy to look up who). We were at the edge of the abyss.

            And what happened? Not much. No revolution, no government rounding up the dissidents, no death panels, no taking of the citizen's guns, no end of the world....no desperate times. Maybe like now.
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            • Profile picture of the author SteveJohnson
              Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

              I don't mind so much, people out and about with a holstered gun, although I don't think much of it. But in my store? No.

              I don't think of them as scum. But having a gun in view is a display of power. And in public gatherings, it's passive aggressive behavior. At least that's my view. Having a concealed gun is probably for protection. (unless you are robbing a bank) A holstered gun? You're making a statement.

              Am I afraid that the guy with the holstered gun is going to use it? Almost certainly not.
              But the fact that it is a show of power (really. no matter how you justify it), and that it doesn't bother the person that it makes many/most people uncomfortable (depending on location)..means that I should be wary of this person.

              I hope this example doesn't offend anyone. but when I see a man in a public area...with a holstered gun, it reminds me of someone walking around with his penis hanging out.

              He's saying "look at this. It doesn't bother me that it bothers you...and I just want everyone to know that I have one...and am prepared to use it".

              Of course, a gun has a greater range...and has bullets. But it's how I see this.

              Your reality may vary.
              I'm fairly certain that my openly carrying a holstered pistol has influenced some situations I have been in that could have turned ugly. That's one of its purposes. It is protection without having to use it - a deterrent against aggression. I suppose that's exactly the message that I sometimes want/need to project.

              Sometimes it's not practical to try to conceal it. My walking around in a loose-fitting jacket in 90+ degree weather would (or should) generate more suspicion than my responsibly carrying a holstered pistol.

              It does bother me that you are uncomfortable with my carrying a weapon. I'm sorry that you are, and that you feel you have to be wary around me, but I get it. I wish you weren't, but your discomfort is not as important to me as being able to defend myself and my family if the need arises.

              If you buy a gun for your store, make sure you get the training necessary to use it effectively if you need to and not get it taken away and used on you.
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              • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
                Originally Posted by SteveJohnson View Post

                I'm fairly certain that my openly carrying a holstered pistol has influenced some situations I have been in that could have turned ugly. That's one of its purposes. It is protection without having to use it - a deterrent against aggression. I suppose that's exactly the message that I sometimes want/need to project.

                Sometimes it's not practical to try to conceal it. My walking around in a loose-fitting jacket in 90+ degree weather would (or should) generate more suspicion than my responsibly carrying a holstered pistol.

                It does bother me that you are uncomfortable with my carrying a weapon. I'm sorry that you are, and that you feel you have to be wary around me, but I get it. I wish you weren't, but your discomfort is not as important to me as being able to defend myself and my family if the need arises.

                If you buy a gun for your store, make sure you get the training necessary to use it effectively if you need to and not get it taken away and used on you
                .
                Now that's how to state a position in a convincing way. It was persuasive.
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            • Profile picture of the author socialentry
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              Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

              I hope this example doesn't offend anyone. but when I see a man in a public area...with a holstered gun, it reminds me of someone walking around with his penis hanging out.
              I can't believe no one made a joke out of this quote yet. Riffle!
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              • Profile picture of the author Dan Riffle
                Originally Posted by socialentry View Post

                I can't believe no one made a joke out of this quote yet. Riffle!
                Eh, too easy. Everything reminds Claude of naked penises. You should see the look of unfettered joy on his face right before he blows out the multitude of candles on his birthday cake.
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            • Profile picture of the author TimPhelan
              Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

              But the fact that it is a show of power ... but when I see a man in a public area...with a holstered gun, it reminds me of someone walking around with his penis hanging out.

              When I was taking Kung Fu from my first instructor, we convinced ourselves that violence was everywhere, fights were always about to break out, and an attacker was around every corner.

              It's the way we saw the world. It's how we talked to each other. It was our reality.
              Your penis analogy is an interesting one Claude, but what crosses my mind when I see people carrying guns in public is what you allude to in regards to your Kung Fu days. I see people who are fearful and it's sad really. I can't imagine being so fearful that I would want to carry a gun around. That must suck. I do understand why someone would want to have guns at home, but to carry them out in public just says to me: "I'm scared".
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              • Profile picture of the author ThomM
                Originally Posted by TimPhelan View Post

                Your penis analogy is an interesting one Claude, but what crosses my mind when I see people carrying guns in public is what you allude to in regards to your Kung Fu days. I see people who are fearful and it's sad really. I can't imagine being so fearful that I would want to carry a gun around. That must suck. I do understand why someone would want to have guns at home, but to carry them out in public just says to me: "I'm scared".
                I can see your point Tim. But there are many places where it's not about being scared, but simply being smart.
                It's also a subject that gets blown way out of proportion.
                To you and everyone else who has a problem with people legally carrying a gun, let me ask you this. How many people do you see in a day carrying a gun around other then the police? Even when I lived in Fl. where (at that time) you pretty much just needed to be breathing to purchase a gun, I rarely saw someone carrying a gun either in a holster or other wise.
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                • Profile picture of the author TimPhelan
                  Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

                  How many people do you see in a day carrying a gun around other then the police? Even when I lived in Fl. where (at that time) you pretty much just needed to be breathing to purchase a gun, I rarely saw someone carrying a gun either in a holster or other wise.
                  I never see it around here either Thom.
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                  • Profile picture of the author ThomM
                    Originally Posted by TimPhelan View Post

                    I never see it around here either Thom.
                    That's what I mean Tim. I think a lot of what makes a person nervous over it is because it's a rare thing to see.
                    I know if I see someone around here carrying a gun (except during hunting season) I go on alert and try to access if they are a threat or not. But it's a very rare occurrence.
                    I've also been shot before so being around guns that I don't control makes me a little nervous (so do fireworks but that's a different story).
                    But I'm still not against someone being able to legally carry a sidearm or any gun as long as they act in a responsible manner. Even though I'm not a big NRA supporter I totally agree with their statement (in the video). You simply don't act in an irresponsible manner when you carry, especially if you're trying to make a point for responsible gun ownership.
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              • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
                Originally Posted by TimPhelan View Post

                . I do understand why someone would want to have guns at home, but to carry them out in public just says to me: "I'm scared".
                That may be true in some areas. But the people I see carrying a holstered gun, are making a statement. the statement is "Don't mess with me, I'm armed, and powerful".

                Animals do the same thing. Lions' roar, some animals show claws, some make themselves look bigger. Some mimic more dangerous animals.

                Some of us wear shoe lifts, Some work out and wear tank tops.

                Maybe some people wear a holstered gun because they are scared. But it gives people a feeling of power and control. And small or weak people have legitimate concerns about being robbed.

                I wouldn't wear a gun, because those feelings aren't in me. And I don't go into areas (Or situations) where there is even the possibility of violence. I don't go to bars for that very reason.

                Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

                To you and everyone else who has a problem with people legally carrying a gun, let me ask you this. How many people do you see in a day carrying a gun around other then the police?
                I almost never see it either. But in some areas of the country, it's more common. I'm assuming more expected too.

                Your point made me thing abut this; Maybe the reason I wouldn't let someone carry a gun (holstered) in my store, is because it would be so very unusual. In fact, I don't think it's ever happened. Maybe that's why it would throw up such a red flag.
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                • Profile picture of the author ThomM
                  Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post





                  Your point made me thing abut this; Maybe the reason I wouldn't let someone carry a gun (holstered) in my store, is because it would be so very unusual. In fact, I don't think it's ever happened. Maybe that's why it would throw up such a red flag.
                  That's why I think protesting businesses that don't allow guns in them is stupid.
                  I have yet to hear you (as a business owner) or any other business say they are trying to take away someones rights.
                  Just because you have the right to bare arms, doesn't mean you always have to use it.
                  You don't have to defend your rights by forcing them on others who already have those rights, but choose not to use them.
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                  • Profile picture of the author SteveJohnson
                    Originally Posted by BigFrank View Post

                    Why would you move? You have guns. Are you not able to protect your home and family? I thought that was the whole idea of packing, and I ain't talking about your bags.

                    Cheers. - Frank
                    Are you always such a dick?


                    You must think I want to shoot someone. Not only are you a dick, you're an



                    Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

                    That's why I think protesting businesses that don't allow guns in them is stupid.
                    Completely agree. I don't have the least problem with a business owner prohibiting guns in their shop. That's their privilege - they own the place, I don't. I just won't patronize their establishment.

                    Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

                    That may be true in some areas. But the people I see carrying a holstered gun, are making a statement. the statement is "Don't mess with me, I'm armed, and powerful".

                    Animals do the same thing. Lions' roar, some animals show claws, some make themselves look bigger. Some mimic more dangerous animals.
                    I don't disagree entirely with that, although again, sometimes circumstances make concealing a weapon impractical.
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                    • Profile picture of the author BigFrank
                      Banned
                      Originally Posted by SteveJohnson View Post

                      Are you always such a dick?
                      If by that do you mean do I always throw people's tripe back in their face, then, yeah, - I'm a world-class dick. Proud of it, too. lol

                      Enjoy your day. - Frank
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                      • Profile picture of the author SteveJohnson
                        Originally Posted by BigFrank View Post

                        If by that do you mean do I always throw people's tripe back in their face, then, yeah, - I'm a world-class dick. Proud of it, too. lol

                        Enjoy your day. - Frank
                        haha - is that what you're doing? I saw a monkey in the zoo the other day flinging the same stuff, from the same orifice.

                        Be sure to wash your hands before you eat.
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                • Profile picture of the author TimPhelan
                  Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

                  But the people I see carrying a holstered gun, are making a statement. the statement is "Don't mess with me, I'm armed, and powerful".
                  If someone wants to say "Don't mess with me..." isn't fear also behind that? Afterall, they are thinking someone might mess with them.
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                  • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
                    Originally Posted by TimPhelan View Post

                    If someone wants to say "Don't mess with me..." isn't fear also behind that? Afterall, they are thinking someone might mess with them.
                    Maybe. I don't know enough to give a real opinion. But I know that some people go through life seeing everything as a threat, and see conflict where none really exists.

                    Or they live in a way (or in an area) where there is more conflict.

                    And some people are hormonally more prone to violence. They aren't afraid, they just like conflict and fighting.

                    Like I've said before, we all see life through a different lens. And to us, our's appears clear.
                    I have no real idea who's right.
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              • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
                Originally Posted by TimPhelan View Post

                I see people who are fearful and it's sad really. I can't imagine being so fearful that I would want to carry a gun around. That must suck. I do understand why someone would want to have guns at home, but to carry them out in public just says to me: "I'm scared".
                Yes, it is sad. I wish we humans were better than we are. Given that we are what we are though, fear isn't necessarily an inappropriate response.

                If you've never felt enough fear to want to carry a gun, consider yourself fortunate. I hope that doesn't change for you.
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        • Profile picture of the author SteveJohnson
          Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

          I own a retail store.
          If someone came into my store, that was not a policeman...with a holstered gun...I'd ask them to leave.

          If they came in with a rifle on their back, I'd quietly leave, and call the police.


          A friend asked me why I don't put up a sign saying "No guns allowed", and I told him that just having the sign up would tell customers that there is a possibility of someone coming into my store with a gun, and the idea is ludicrous. It's the same reason I don't have a sign up that says "Naked people not welcome in my store". The idea is so ridiculous that a sign shouldn't be necessary.

          I think this thread has convinced me to buy a gun to keep in the store.

          There are crazy people out there with guns, and they aren't all criminals.

          I'm not afraid of criminals with guns. I'm afraid of stupid people with guns...who are out to prove a point. And there are too many of them to completely ignore.
          You wouldn't allow naked people in your store? Shame on you. At least you'd know they were unarmed...

          I applaud you for not being afraid of criminals with guns. I am. The vast majority of stupid people would respect your right to ask them to leave your store or not bring their weapon into it. I doubt that a criminal would.
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          • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
            Originally Posted by SteveJohnson View Post

            You wouldn't allow naked people in your store? Shame on you. At least you'd know they were unarmed...

            I applaud you for not being afraid of criminals with guns. I am. The vast majority of stupid people would respect your right to ask them to leave your store or not bring their weapon into it. I doubt that a criminal would.

            A criminal wouldn't be making a display of his firepower for all to see. OK, maybe incredibly stupid criminals.

            And, in case you didn't notice, I'm not talking about someone's rights.
            Bring a gun into my store, and I won't be thinking about your rights. I'll be thinking about your gun

            For some reason, we aren't hearing each other. You are not responding to what I am really saying, and I'm not understanding what you are saying. That must be it, because we keep missing each other's point.

            Anyway, I know that the vast majority (Way more than 99%) of the people with a holstered handgun on them are responsible adults who are very safe to be around. Just like naked people. I just chose not to be around them.

            I see that you live in Idaho. I'll wager that geography and demographics has something to do with your stance on guns. If I were born down the street, I might feel the same way. And vice versa.
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  • Profile picture of the author SteveJohnson
    "Desperate times call for desperate measures."

    As I said earlier, I don't approve of the way these guys chose to assert their rights. I think it was counterproductive and caused a lot of unnecessary backlash.

    But being called aggressors and scum because they stood up for their rights by doing something that makes you feel uncomfortable is more than a little unreasonable, as is labeling me as a 'crazy with a gun' because I support their right to do something that I wouldn't do, and think was dumb.

    Maybe it was because I'd toast them for pushing your buttons, but that doesn't make me crazy, just cheerily irritating.
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  • Profile picture of the author SteveJohnson
    Gotcha.

    I think you're way off base about naked people, though. They can be fun to be around. You should see the New Year's party we have at the hot springs
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  • Profile picture of the author garyv
    IMO - For as long as carrying a weapon is legal in certain states, then denying services to a person carrying a weapon should be just as illegal as denying a homosexual services. If you want to deny service to gun carriers, then you should make it a law throughout the state.
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    • Profile picture of the author SteveJohnson
      Originally Posted by garyv View Post

      IMO - For as long as carrying a weapon is legal in certain states, then denying services to a person carrying a weapon should be just as illegal as denying a homosexual services. If you want to deny service to gun carriers, then you should make it a law throughout the state.
      Well, there's a humongous can of worms...

      Can you imagine trying to get a law like that passed? Gun owners would have to become as militant as gay-rights activists. Wouldn't that cause some apoplexy? LOL

      Check that...it already has, hasn't it? Hmmm.
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    • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
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      • Profile picture of the author Dan Riffle
        Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

        And all people carrying a gun into a store are morons.

        This won't end well.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dan Riffle
    I think this is a coming-together moment. Why don't we all take a moment and just say it out loud:

    "I will no longer discriminate against naked, gun-toting, homosexuals."

    There. Doesn't that feel better?
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    • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
      Originally Posted by Dan Riffle View Post

      I think this is a coming-together moment. Why don't we all take a moment and just say it out loud:

      "I will no longer discriminate against naked, gun-toting, homosexuals."

      There. Doesn't that feel better?
      Let's completely test that theory. Visit me again, and this time, just add a gun. We'll have our answer.

      (Man, I hope I made that clear. That joke can be misunderstood several ways.)
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      • Profile picture of the author Dan Riffle
        Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

        Let's completely test that theory. Visit me again, and this time, just add a gun. We'll have our answer.

        (Man, I hope I made that clear. That joke can be misunderstood several ways.)

        So, the usual for you and I bring a gun?
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        • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
          Originally Posted by Dan Riffle View Post

          This won't end well.
          There it is!


          Originally Posted by Dan Riffle View Post

          So, the usual for you and I bring a gun?
          And a turkey baster. You always forget the turkey baster.

          added a minute later; Hey! I just got that! On the other hand, there is no way to see this where you come out smelling like a rose. Maybe cocoa butter...but not a rose.
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  • Profile picture of the author David Maschke
    Gun owners and the NRA have been on the defense for far too long, and they have done a very bad job marketing their (myself included) point of view. Boneheads who carry so called "assault weapons" into public and try force their message onto others, like gays who say everyone should celebrate their lifestyle, is not the best decision in my opinion.
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  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    One word about Steve's likelihood to carry a gun in public...........

    I'm familiar with Caldwell Idaho and if it's like it was when I moved out of the area - I wouldn't go there unless I was packing either. Serious deal. I hope they've cleared out all those little gangs of illegals who thought it was so much fun to potshot up everything and everyone for laughs.

    Second -- I appreciate people carrying their weapons if they have them with them. We don't need a bunch of thugs stealing guns out of cars while people are in getting coffee, etc. There are people out there that it only takes around 30 seconds to break into a car and clean it out. They are not who you want in ownership of "Saturday night specials". Trust me on that one.

    The people that scare me are the people that take psychotropic drugs that have a warning right on the label that they can cause "homicidal" tendencies. I'm okay with suicidal tendencies. If the warning is there and you want to risk your life because you can't handle reality, great - but don't kill everyone else over it. Those people scare me if they've got guns, knives, or even car keys. Man - we've got one hella load of drugged stupid people on the roads up here - and that is scary.
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    • Profile picture of the author SteveJohnson
      Originally Posted by HeySal View Post

      One word about Steve's likelihood to carry a gun in public...........

      I'm familiar with Caldwell Idaho and if it's like it was when I moved out of the area - I wouldn't go there unless I was packing either. Serious deal. I hope they've cleared out all those little gangs of illegals who thought it was so much fun to potshot up everything and everyone for laughs.
      LOL - nope, not much has changed Home invasion 2 nights ago, 3 blocks over from us.

      We're moving within a couple of weeks.
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      • Profile picture of the author BigFrank
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        Originally Posted by SteveJohnson View Post

        We're moving within a couple of weeks.
        Why would you move? You have guns. Are you not able to protect your home and family? I thought that was the whole idea of packing, and I ain't talking about your bags.

        Cheers. - Frank
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        • Profile picture of the author ThomM
          Originally Posted by BigFrank View Post

          Why would you move? You have guns. Are you not able to protect your home and family? I thought that was the whole idea of packing, and I ain't talking about your bags.

          Cheers. - Frank
          Probably because the notion of protecting his home and family is more important then the current method he has to use.
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          • Profile picture of the author BigFrank
            Banned
            Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

            Probably because the notion of protecting his home and family is more important then the current method he has to use.
            Not trying to be cute, but I don't understand what you meant by that.

            Supposedly he has guns to protect his family. Are you saying that 'moving' is a better way to accomplish that goal? If, so - I agree.

            Cheers. - Frank
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            • Profile picture of the author ThomM
              Originally Posted by BigFrank View Post

              Not trying to be cute, but I don't understand what you meant by that.

              Supposedly he has guns to protect his family. Are you saying that 'moving' is a better way to accomplish that goal? If, so - I agree.

              Cheers. - Frank
              I'm saying if you live in an area where you have to have a gun for protection then moving to an area where you don't (if possible) is a better idea, yes.
              Steve mentioned in a post that there was a home invasion near him a couple of weeks ago. I have no doubt where he currently lives, having a gun for protection is necessary.
              I also doubt Steve likes the idea of needing to have a gun for protection. Just because he lives in an area where he needs a gun for protection doesn't mean he wants to use the gun. I have a fire extinguisher for protection from a fire burning the house down. It doesn't mean I want to use it.
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              • Profile picture of the author BigFrank
                Banned
                Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

                I'm saying if you live in an area where you have to have a gun for protection then moving to an area where you don't (if possible) is a better idea, yes.
                Well, like I said - then I agree. I tend to always agree with common sense solutions.

                Cheers. - Frank
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                • Profile picture of the author ThomM
                  Originally Posted by BigFrank View Post

                  Well, like I said - then I agree. I tend to always agree with common sense solutions.

                  Cheers. - Frank
                  Some places are dangerous to live in.
                  It's common sense to have whatever tools are legally available to protect yourself and family until you can get out.
                  It's also common sense to get out when you can.
                  The first is a temporary solution, that could buy you the time to try the more permanent one.
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  • Profile picture of the author TLTheLiberator
    Not saying I agree with everything said on this comic but it did make me laugh.


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    • Profile picture of the author SteveJohnson
      Originally Posted by TLTheLiberator View Post

      Not saying I agree with everything said on this comic but it did make me laugh.
      It's probably not far from accurate, although "...before hundreds of rounds of flesh-ripping ammo fill the air." is a quite a bit of a stretch.

      I'd be a little suspicious of someone carrying around an AR15 or an AK, too. Not your normal carry weapon. People who carry those around and flaunt them have more than one screw loose.
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      • Profile picture of the author ThomM
        Originally Posted by SteveJohnson View Post

        It's probably not far from accurate, although "...before hundreds of rounds of flesh-ripping ammo fill the air." is a quite a bit of a stretch.

        I'd be a little suspicious of someone carrying around an AR15 or an AK, too. Not your normal carry weapon. People who carry those around and flaunt them have more than one screw loose.
        Not to mention implying all O.C.P.'s are racists is pretty ignorant.
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