Don’t Mess With Texas
When I say, Don’t Mess With Texas I mean it. Yesterday I read an article on the Dallas Morning News Website covering the increase in concealed handgun licenses in Texas. With the increase in crime and changes in laws regarding individual gun rights there was an almost 5 percent increase in first-time and renewed gun licenses over the first six months of 2007. The concern over personal protection is rising and over the past couple of months this is the most talk I’ve ever heard about gun ownership. I also want you to check out my post about the open carry debate and how it’s picked up steam with over 18,000 people signing an electronic petition to urge lawmakers to make this an option for gun owners.
I’m interested to see where this all goes. I personally think it will make the local authorities job harder, but at the same time as Americans we have the right to protect ourselves. Where do you draw the line when it comes to protection of yourself or personal property? If a group of black men or even a group of Middle Eastern people (all U.S. citizens) were walking around the mall open carrying legally acquired handguns would people view things differently? Only time will tell.
July 10th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
This is really what Open Carry is all about, changing perceptions about your rights and responsibilities as a citizen. Once people who flinch at the sight of guns in public realize there’s nothing to worry about and that regular citizens do responsibly carry, they’ll quit thinking only law enforcement has a legitimate claim to arms and special powers. Law enforcement are just citizens we pay to do a job, they don’t have any special gfts or abilities. It’s on you to make sure your family, your neighbors, your community can take care of itself. Once the public gets used to seeing black men and Middle Easterners publicly excersizing their rights responsibly, it’ll be no big deal.
Open Carry is really a political excersize, Concealed Carry is great at deterring crime as criminals aren’t sure who’s carrying.
July 10th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
HTownTeja,
Thanks a whole lot for your insight on this topic! It’s definitely a position I hadn’t considered. I think the public getting used to see people exercising open carry, will take some time even though most people would rather remain concealed. I heard a firearms instructor on the radio make the comment that he teaches his students they would probably be noticed first as a target if they chose to open carry.
July 10th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Oh definately. I carry concealed fairly regularly, but if I was ever to consider open carry I’d take a weapons-retention class first. I’d also use a holster with a retention strap. Concealed I don’t have to worry about those things.
July 10th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Unfortunately not everyone is as responsible as you seem to be. I have been considering getting my CHL. I want to take some firearms training first though. If you have any recommendations on some good places for training here in the DFW are, feel free to post.
July 10th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
I think you’d be surprised how responsible people are, after all, you’re looking to get training before you even take the CHL class. Most important is to remember the Four Rules.
I’m not familiar the DFW area, sorry. This guy blogs about shooting and rights in the DFW area though and I’m sure he’d point you in the right direction if you email him.
July 10th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Thanks, I’ll do that.
I have to be safe. I have a pre-schooler and newborn in the house and can’t afford any mistakes.