by C. Richard Archie » Thu Jan 20, 2011 10:28 pm
Having listened to the audio, (thanks David) I must state that I am concerned with Bob's current take on the Concealed vs. Open carry issue. To promote a move backwards from what we currently have is troubling.
I lived in TX a the inception of Carry initiative there, and was involved with advocating for it's passage. I was in line in Austin the Day they let us apply, it was similar to the situation in TN related to the "No Income Tax" we had a presence in the State Capitol by a lot of advocates. Lots of Liberal Democrats in TX, it is the home of LBJ, and the fight was not easy, nor quick to attain the right to carry. The Luby's mass shooting carried the day, or there might still be no legal carry in TX. Their old 'across the county travel" law seemed to be enough for a lot of folks, and if you had connections, you did not get bothered.
Depending on the Police force of specific areas, concealed carry is problematic, they have that niggling little "Printing" issue, and if a LEO force is anti-carry, (and there are plenty that are), they can "make" you with ease. You do not have to display the weapon, such as the "wind blow your jacket or shirt up" mantra, they literally can take your weapon if they can discern that you are carrying.
With all that I have, as effort to stand against that becoming our Law, I will fight to keep that from creeping in to our State.
"It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds." Samuel Adams
TFA/NRA Life Member
Chapter Leader, West TN Regional Chapter