View Full Version : Newb with some thoughts on CC vs OC for debate
Hi guys/gals. Yeah I'm a newb on this forum, been around AR-15.com for a little while, but more of a lurker looking to learn as much as possible. Gun fan since I was 12, but frankly didn't grow up around many guns outside of the guns we used for hunting. Since then, I've definitely become the gun nut in the family and even moreso with the recent attack on our rights.
So, for a first post, I'd like to throw out some thoughts on concealed carry (CC) versus open carry (OC).
Having recently gone through the CC class with my spouse, I was somewhat brought back to thoughts I'd had years ago. These thoughts also lend toward others' thoughts on this forum in regard to the continuing non-gunner's attitude toward us. Why do we cower so much and choose to CC rather than exercise our rights to OC? I completely understand staying off the radar and not making yourself a target for anti-gun ire, or a target for some psycho at the wrong time, or a target for some cop who's had a bad day. I really get those points. BUT, had we and our predecessors chosen to OC more often over the years and communicate with those who don't understand, could the attitude toward carrying generally be very different?
There are always going to be a number of people who will never understand. I'd estimate that 10-20 years ago, that would be 20% of the population. So let's say, for debate's sake, that 80% of the population gets it, supports one or more well-trained sane people carrying in their presence or may be carrying themselves. Probably at least 75% of that 80% doesn't or never will carry, but could be swayed either direction if their confidence is increased in those carrying. Have we done ourselves any favors by hiding in the shadows? If handguns were a more accepted aspect of society, wouldn't we all be in a better position? Is it too late to change society's view of guns now, or could a different OC system be a way to slowly change perception?
A couple of suggested solutions to some of the existing issues:
1) Develop a system of training, much more stringent than the current CC classes, that provides the necessary (ongoing) training (and mental evaluation) to make a person an effective defender of the public and allows OC in any setting. The system of training itself should be funded by the individual (within a reasonable cost), developed by law enforcement, and there should be some way to easily identify that person's certification (a badge system)? This is a revenue opportunity for law enforcement at the city/county/state level, which politicians love. I suspect with enough participation that these "volunteer cops", something akin to volunteer firefighters but a little less demanding on time, would also lower the demands on law enforcement over a long period of time. These certified individuals can choose to CC or OC at their leisure. Retired law enforcement would be automatically certified.
2) On the issue of private firearm transactions, why can't we make it possible for the CBI (or other state organizations like it) to allow private use of its service? Another revenue opportunity for the state. If an individual purchasing a firearm were to sign-off on the use of CBI's background check for a firearm seller, maybe pay $10, how many of us would use it to confirm that the person buying our gun is legit? I would. I'd likely drop the price of the gun I'm selling by $10 for the peace of mind. The criminals won't use it, but it would help the more responsible gun owners in society to confirm their buyer isn't a bad guy. Seems like a heck of a lot of people on Armslist these days want to see a driver's license or CCW before selling. What the heck good does a driver's license do that person? A CBI check wouldn't solve all problems, but would damn sure help.
Keep in mind, I'm NOT proposing changing any of the existing CC regulations. I'm trying to change perception of the gun in society, which I believe would ultimately reinforce the 2nd and our way of lives.
So, G'HEAD, shoot holes in these thoughts. [AR15] I can take it.
I think the "volunteer cop" thing would attract too many of the wrong element. Speaking for myself (although I suspect there are more like me) I could care less about defendig the public - I carry to protect myself, my property, and my family. If the sheep are too pants-wettingly afraid to carry a big bad gun, then I'm all for them providing an enticing alternative for the criminal element to focus on. The answer is for EVERYBODY to carry. More cops just means more people to respond to a crime scene after its been perpetrated.
I like your idea of the private CBI usage, but the only way to prove that people are using it each and every time like Dear Leader and his sycophants want, would be to enter in a serial number of the guns involved. Which defeats the purpose of doing it privately.
tmleadr03
03-21-2013, 18:47
Lol. Defender of the public? I am cowering by CC over OC?
Nice first post with emotionally loaded language, been watching the democrats at politics again have you?
Another problem with the private CBI usage is exactly what you said. Criminals won't use it. So we're left with the decades-old problem of further complicating things for people who already obey laws. I personally don't care what somebody does with my gun after I sell it - that's between them, God, and the almighty state. Once it leaves my hands, it's no longer my responsibility - other than to ensure I don't sell to some partially-myelinated teenager.
We already had a good system of face to face sales. The criminals and the law-abiding alike had access. Which meant people could choose how or if to defend themselves against the 1% represented by James Holmes. Now, the only thing that has changed is that the law-abiding will undergo the irritation of a background check to prove that they're law abiding. Herman-Jamal Rodriguez Chollo Achmedinedad-derkaderk will still get his guns the old fashioned, off the books way, while we stand in line at the counter for CBI to clear us.
I think the "volunteer cop" thing would attract too many of the wrong element. Speaking for myself (although I suspect there are more like me) I could care less about defendig the public - I carry to protect myself, my property, and my family. If the sheep are too pants-wettingly afraid to carry a big bad gun, then I'm all for them providing an enticing alternative for the criminal element to focus on. The answer is for EVERYBODY to carry. More cops just means more people to respond to a crime scene after its been perpetrated.
I like your idea of the private CBI usage, but the only way to prove that people are using it each and every time like Dear Leader and his sycophants want, would be to enter in a serial number of the guns involved. Which defeats the purpose of doing it privately.
The "wrong element" would be removed, as much as humanly possible, from this equation through thorough checks and evaluation.
No reason to register a gun with the private CBI usage, just one person checking out another's background. Nobody would need a record of the gun.
centrarchidae
03-21-2013, 19:01
1) Develop a system of training, much more stringent than the current CC classes, that provides the necessary (ongoing) training (and mental evaluation) to make a person an effective defender of the public and allows OC in any setting. The system of training itself should be funded by the individual (within a reasonable cost), developed by law enforcement, and there should be some way to easily identify that person's certification (a badge system)? This is a revenue opportunity for law enforcement at the city/county/state level, which politicians love. I suspect with enough participation that these "volunteer cops", something akin to volunteer firefighters but a little less demanding on time, would also lower the demands on law enforcement over a long period of time. These certified individuals can choose to CC or OC at their leisure. Retired law enforcement would be automatically certified.
My question is, why?
What problem exists, to be solved by a new government program? I'll respectfully submit that there isn't one. There are a few people who insist on OC in places where it probably isn't a great idea. There are one or two who have insisted on OC on private property where the owner has flatly said that they're not wanted. But that's just a few attention-starved assclowns demanding that the rest of us pay them attention. Having some new regulatory regime won't make anyone safer or anything like that.
Also, call me crazy, but I have a funny feeling that any program billed as "volunteer cops" will attract a bunch of mall ninjas, ready to enforce every nonsense parking violation and non-existent noise ordinance around.
Edited to add:
The "wrong element" would be removed, as much as humanly possible, from this equation through thorough checks and evaluation.
That's a nice theory. How will you create a cost-effective (okay, never mind "effective," how about "not cost-prohibitive") system to screen out criminals, people on power trips, etc.?
Holger Danske
03-21-2013, 19:04
Too long too read the whole thing. I prefer CC. And, welcome.
Great-Kazoo
03-21-2013, 19:07
EhMOE rhymes with nynCO
My question is, why?
What problem exists, to be solved by a new government program? I'll respectfully submit that there isn't one. There are a few people who insist on OC in places where it probably isn't a great idea. There are one or two who have insisted on OC on private property where the owner has flatly said that they're not wanted. But that's just a few attention-starved assclowns demanding that the rest of us pay them attention. Having some new regulatory regime won't make anyone safer or anything like that.
Also, call me crazy, but I have a funny feeling that any program billed as "volunteer cops" will attract a bunch of mall ninjas, ready to enforce every nonsense parking violation and non-existent noise ordinance around.
Like I said, the problem that exists is perception IMO and its my observation that sitting around doing what we're doing ain't working. I'm with you guys, but I see negative perception growing and we're losing ground with those that can be convinced. I'd love to think that everyone thinks the 2nd is as important as I believe, but I'm afraid we're losing the battle. Maybe I'm reading it wrong and will concede if the next elections go our way, but I'm afraid society, by a majority, just doesn't get it anymore.
HBARleatherneck
03-21-2013, 19:10
the problem with OC is the pussification of America. in the early 1800s 95 percent of Americans lived rurally, by the late 1800 hundreds 35 percent lived in cities, by the 1920s there were more Americans living in the city than in rural areas. Now over 75 percent of Americans live in cities. To live in the city, you have to be pussified. Clearly this isnt everyone, but by and large, if you live in the city you live by city rules. you dont piss off your front porch, you dont shoot coyotes off your back porch, you cant grow your own food or kill your own food. you live in a gentile world and in the gentile world, gentile people dont carry guns.
Guns should be at the fucking checkout counter next to the cigarettes. Nobody under 18 without parental permission. No further restriction necessary. And yes, I mean all guns - full auto, silencers, 12" shotguns.
Holger Danske
03-21-2013, 19:13
the problem with OC is the pussification of America. in the early 1800s 95 percent of Americans lived rurally, by the late 1800 hundreds 35 percent lived in cities, by the 1920s there were more Americans living in the city than in rural areas. Now over 75 percent of Americans live in cities. To live in the city, you have to be pussified. Clearly this isnt everyone, but by and large, if you live in the city you live by city rules. you dont piss off your front porch, you dont shoot coyotes off your back porch, you cant grow your own food or kill your own food. you live in a gentile world and in the gentile world, gentile people dont carry guns.
well said
The problem is that the agenda controlling this incremental takeover is not going to be dissuaded by bootstrap, grassroots political statements and action. It is a global, insidious, metastatic evil which will not be removed by anything short of global disaster. We're not fighting the damnocrats... they're just a finger attached to the larger body of evil.
the problem with OC is the pussification of America. in the early 1800s 95 percent of Americans lived rurally, by the late 1800 hundreds 35 percent lived in cities, by the 1920s there were more Americans living in the city than in rural areas. Now over 75 percent of Americans live in cities. To live in the city, you have to be pussified. Clearly this isnt everyone, but by and large, if you live in the city you live by city rules. you dont piss off your front porch, you dont shoot coyotes off your back porch, you cant grow your own food or kill your own food. you live in a gentile world and in the gentile world, gentile people dont carry guns.
I don't live in a gentile world. I live in a rural mountain area. Problem is just what you're saying and the majority of people living in the cities ain't helping the cause, it'll only get worse for us as the metro populations continue to grow (outvoting us dramatically) and further pussifying the system we have to live under.
HBARleatherneck
03-21-2013, 19:19
melvin is that you again? how many times do you have to be banned?
melvin is that you again? how many times do you have to be banned?
Does have a general air of sermon about it. No offense to the OP, but this is a sore subject for most of us here, and has been beaten to death. We're doing what we can thru legal channels to reverse the damage, stocking up on everything controversial we can get our hands on, and generally praying for Chicken Little to finally be right and turn us loose on the world...
Or maybe that's just me. :-)
Guns should be at the fucking checkout counter next to the cigarettes. Nobody under 18 without parental permission. No further restriction necessary. And yes, I mean all guns - full auto, silencers, 12" shotguns.
Agreed. But "should" ain't gonna happen unless the tide reverses. I haven't proposed one thing here that takes away anyone's rights, just volunteer programs that fight the tide.
10mm-man
03-21-2013, 19:32
EhMOE rhymes with nynCO
Nice connection! O no not another...........[Bang]
HBARleatherneck
03-21-2013, 19:32
how come your location says denver if you live in a rural mountain area..... like evergreen?
dwalker460
03-21-2013, 19:35
Hi guys/gals. Yeah I'm a newb on this forum, been around AR-15.com for a little while, but more of a lurker looking to learn as much as possible. Gun fan since I was 12, but frankly didn't grow up around many guns outside of the guns we used for hunting. Since then, I've definitely become the gun nut in the family and even moreso with the recent attack on our rights.
So, for a first post, I'd like to throw out some thoughts on concealed carry (CC) versus open carry (OC).
Having recently gone through the CC class with my spouse, I was somewhat brought back to thoughts I'd had years ago. These thoughts also lend toward others' thoughts on this forum in regard to the continuing non-gunner's attitude toward us. Why do we cower so much and choose to CC rather than exercise our rights to OC? I completely understand staying off the radar and not making yourself a target for anti-gun ire, or a target for some psycho at the wrong time, or a target for some cop who's had a bad day. I really get those points. BUT, had we and our predecessors chosen to OC more often over the years and communicate with those who don't understand, could the attitude toward carrying generally be very different?
There are always going to be a number of people who will never understand. I'd estimate that 10-20 years ago, that would be 20% of the population. So let's say, for debate's sake, that 80% of the population gets it, supports one or more well-trained sane people carrying in their presence or may be carrying themselves. Probably at least 75% of that 80% doesn't or never will carry, but could be swayed either direction if their confidence is increased in those carrying. Have we done ourselves any favors by hiding in the shadows? If handguns were a more accepted aspect of society, wouldn't we all be in a better position? Is it too late to change society's view of guns now, or could a different OC system be a way to slowly change perception?
A couple of suggested solutions to some of the existing issues:
1) Develop a system of training, much more stringent than the current CC classes, that provides the necessary (ongoing) training (and mental evaluation) to make a person an effective defender of the public and allows OC in any setting. The system of training itself should be funded by the individual (within a reasonable cost), developed by law enforcement, and there should be some way to easily identify that person's certification (a badge system)? This is a revenue opportunity for law enforcement at the city/county/state level, which politicians love. I suspect with enough participation that these "volunteer cops", something akin to volunteer firefighters but a little less demanding on time, would also lower the demands on law enforcement over a long period of time. These certified individuals can choose to CC or OC at their leisure. Retired law enforcement would be automatically certified.
2) On the issue of private firearm transactions, why can't we make it possible for the CBI (or other state organizations like it) to allow private use of its service? Another revenue opportunity for the state. If an individual purchasing a firearm were to sign-off on the use of CBI's background check for a firearm seller, maybe pay $10, how many of us would use it to confirm that the person buying our gun is legit? I would. I'd likely drop the price of the gun I'm selling by $10 for the peace of mind. The criminals won't use it, but it would help the more responsible gun owners in society to confirm their buyer isn't a bad guy. Seems like a heck of a lot of people on Armslist these days want to see a driver's license or CCW before selling. What the heck good does a driver's license do that person? A CBI check wouldn't solve all problems, but would damn sure help.
Keep in mind, I'm NOT proposing changing any of the existing CC regulations. I'm trying to change perception of the gun in society, which I believe would ultimately reinforce the 2nd and our way of lives.
So, G'HEAD, shoot holes in these thoughts. [AR15] I can take it.
Youre one of those Libera type fellas, arent ya? Believe that regulation is the answer to all problems?
10mm-man
03-21-2013, 19:36
how come your location says denver if you live in a rural mountain area..... like evergreen?
A liar on top of it!!! Geez
The tide's not going to reverse. Populations growing, cities expanding, cities = indoctrination centers, cities vote, common sense loses, things get worse, the police state globalizes, God pulls the plug.
10mm-man
03-21-2013, 19:37
Youre one of those Libera type fellas, arent ya? Believe that regulation is the answer to all problems?
This is going good for the guy! Should have just stuck with: Hello! I'm new here, I'm a conservative, F Obama! Would have got you a lot further....[LOL][panic]
Great-Kazoo
03-21-2013, 19:41
Agreed. But "should" ain't gonna happen unless the tide reverses. I haven't proposed one thing here that takes away anyone's rights, just volunteer programs that fight the tide.
What you did was SUGGEST implementing ANOTHER LAYER OF HOOPS TO JUMP THROUGH. SOUNDS LIKE impeding MY RIGHTS
how come your location says denver if you live in a rural mountain area..... like evergreen?
Denevr goes up to lookout mtn and redrocks. CITY FOLK feel anything on a hill IS the mountains. You'd be surprised how much the Mountain Folk become upset when a coyote chows down on little pugsley their "prize member of the family" THEN fail to understand how "these predators" are able to wander around their Homes. [facepalm]
I'm trying to change perception of the gun in society
I have a better chance of tossing a grapefruit and hitting Mars than you do of changing perception of guns in society. You are up against every media outlet and school board in the country, you might be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, but you will not change the perception of guns in society. Viewpoints, on the whole, are trending against your goal, not toward it.
What you did was SUGGEST implementing ANOTHER LAYER OF HOOPS TO JUMP THROUGH.
What hoops? Volunteer OC system to get guns out more openly and publicly accepted and opening up CBI to private sellers to check on private buyers when approved by both parties. What hoops again?
dwalker460
03-21-2013, 20:00
For the record, when me and my friends open carry in public no one seems to act differently. Parents do not hurry thier children across the street, teenagers do not stare, and little old ladies do not scream in terror. Occasionally, someone will stare, but that usually seems like curiosity rather than fear.
Not sure we really need to change the perception...
Great-Kazoo
03-21-2013, 20:00
Develop a system of training, much more stringent than the current CC classes, that provides the necessary (ongoing) training (and mental evaluation) to make a person an effective defender of the public and allows OC in any setting. The system of training itself should be funded by the individual (within a reasonable cost), developed by law enforcement, and there should be some way to easily identify that person's certification (a badge system)? This is a revenue opportunity for law enforcement at the city/county/state level, which politicians love. I suspect with enough participation that these "volunteer cops", something akin to volunteer firefighters but a little less demanding on time, would also lower the demands on law enforcement over a long period of time. These certified individuals can choose to CC or OC at their leisure. Retired law enforcement would be automatically certified.
So i reread this "IDEA" of your 3x to make sure i didn't misread what you posted.
SURE THE FUK ENOUGH IT'S NOT MY MEDS IT YOUR FUKIN LUNACY.
MENTAL EVALUATION BY WHO ???
The same medical profession who as a group / AMA sees serious issues with people who own guns and their interaction in society??
Mother fuker, someone ban this clown before i clown his ass.
BTW: I AM A VOLUNTEER I VOLUNTEER to CCW to protect and defend myself and family from a potential threat be it at home or out in Public.
Holger Danske
03-21-2013, 20:06
What hoops? Volunteer OC system to get guns out more openly and publicly accepted and opening up CBI to private sellers to check on private buyers when approved by both parties. What hoops again?
why, dont you strap on your hog leg and jump start a grass roots oc movement? I cant believe we are 26 posts in on this subject. Sheesh.
Eh, I think the scent of blood just has everybody circling now.
HBARleatherneck
03-21-2013, 20:14
ok its not melvin. he would have attacked us all by now.
Not Melvin. (poking with a stick)......(nuthin') I get everybody's pissy about this stuff and not trying to goad anybody, just feel like we're losing the battle and should start thinking differently. I hope this recent shit is enough to turn the tide in the next elections, but not feeling at all confident about where this country/state's headed.
10mm-man
03-21-2013, 20:29
should start thinking differently.
Really? I am gonna sit back enjoy this........ Jim, you there? [ROFL3][AR15]
Great-Kazoo
03-21-2013, 20:30
Not Melvin. (poking with a stick)......(nuthin') I get everybody's pissy about this stuff and not trying to goad anybody, just feel like we're losing the battle and should start thinking differently. I hope this recent shit is enough to turn the tide in the next elections, but not feeling at all confident about where this country/state's headed.
This [RECENT SHIT] has been going on since the early 90's, actually way before that, where you been ?
Bailey Guns
03-21-2013, 20:31
The OP is a perfect illustration of why true lovers of the Constitution, specifically the Second Amendment, are screwed. Even the people who say they're with us are actually against us. This person, EhMOE, really and truly doesn't get how liberty translates to personal responsibility with minimal governmental intrusion or involvement. Yet he/she thinks what he/she has proposed is a good idea. It's a true reflection on the efficiency with which otherwise rational people have been conditioned to the "evils" of guns.
Holger Danske
03-21-2013, 20:33
The OP Probably like ponies too
Great-Kazoo
03-21-2013, 20:54
The OP is a perfect illustration of why true lovers of the Constitution, specifically the Second Amendment, are screwed. Even the people who say they're with us are actually against us. This person, EhMOE, really and truly doesn't get how liberty translates to personal responsibility with minimal governmental intrusion or involvement. Yet he/she thinks what he/she has proposed is a good idea. It's a true reflection on the efficiency with which otherwise rational people have been conditioned to the "evils" of guns.
At least he's being Reasonable[Bang]
centrarchidae
03-21-2013, 21:12
Like I said, the problem that exists is perception IMO and its my observation that sitting around doing what we're doing ain't working. I'm with you guys, but I see negative perception growing and we're losing ground with those that can be convinced. I'd love to think that everyone thinks the 2nd is as important as I believe, but I'm afraid we're losing the battle. Maybe I'm reading it wrong and will concede if the next elections go our way, but I'm afraid society, by a majority, just doesn't get it anymore.
Yeah, I get that. So how is another batch of government bureaucracy going to make anything better?
Bailey Guns
03-21-2013, 21:14
Yeah, I get that. So how is another batch of government bureaucracy going to make anything better?
OH! OH! I know, I know. Pick me!
[pick-me]
Byte Stryke
03-22-2013, 07:00
Yeah, I get that. So how is another batch of government bureaucracy going to make anything better?
OH! OH! I know, I know. Pick me!
[pick-me]
we won't be safer, but we will 'feel' safer...
[facepalm]
Listen. We already have enough shit in place that everyone is already tired of. Stop trying to bring another damn thing up! If you want to do something productive, find the dumb asses that want "more" done, and go slap some fucking common sense into them for us. Then, give yourself a big pat on the shoulder for doing what we all wish we could, then go to jail, but become our favorite guy that we never met behind bars.
Great-Kazoo
03-22-2013, 08:52
Finally figured it out. The OP is one of the Gun owners who voted for the BGC at gun shows years back, because it "made sense and kept illegal guns off the streets"
So if BGC's are ok, why not ONE More reasonable compromise for we the gun owner.
The reasonable gun owners are a nation wide epidemic.
http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_1_5/1458942_What_is_all_the_hate_about_background_chec ks_.html
HBARleatherneck
03-22-2013, 08:55
Jim, the problem is...Those of us who want to quote and live by the bill of rights are RADICALS. At least in the liberal tinted minds of these people. Either you are for Freedom or you are for Tyranny. Either you are a free Man or you are a subject to be ruled.
Finally figured it out. The OP is one of the Gun owners who voted for the BGC at gun shows years back, because it "made sense and kept illegal guns off the streets"
So if BGC's are ok, why not ONE More reasonable compromise for we the gun owner.
The reasonable gun owners are a nation wide epidemic.
http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_1_5/1458942_What_is_all_the_hate_about_background_chec ks_.html
Here's a bold new idea... Hey government, shut the fuck up, maintain the military, collect taxes (at reasonable damn rates), sometimes (and I do mean very rarely) step in to moderate commerce, give me my guns, and leave me the fuck alone! I think we can all agree with that one over the OP's hairbrained scheme... [Coffee]
I'm with you there, except I want A tax - single flat rate, and commerce be damned.
Hello, and welcome to the forums.
I'll try to shoot holes in your thoughts gently. I'll just point out what Ihave noticed.
1) Why do we cower somuch and choose to CC rather than exercise our rights to OC? -Are you deliberately trying to piss people off by implying that because youdon't see people in your local Walmart utilizing OC, that those with CCW are"cowering"? I find it interesting that you start off a post trying topersuade us to consider your point of view with a thinly-veiled insult. As youare a self-professed gun nut, you will know which counties allow OC and whichdo not, correct?
2) BUT, had we and ourpredecessors chosen to OC more often over the years and communicate with thosewho don't understand, could the attitude toward carrying generally be verydifferent? I need to understand this straw man argument: areyou suggesting that because "we" didn't opt to "educate"everyone around us, or simply get people so used to OC that they don't thinkanything more of a gun as an accessory than they do a fancy pair of cowboyboots, that the anti-gun sentiment is actually our fault? You are suggestingthat guns are such a foreign idea to people; that they never see them on TV, inthe media, in books, games and so on and so forth- so it's no wonder theirattitude isn't different? If only people could read a book or find someone thatteaches classes so that they could learn....oh, wait. That would mean thatpeople would genuinely be interested in guns, and would be open to learning about them.Had you seen any part of emails, posts, taken part in any of the committees ormeetings involving anti-gun legislators and gun owners, you would have seenimmediately that they are not open to learning about guns. Blue-skying about"would it be different if..." is as useful in this instance asconsidering the road less traveled. Newsstories about gun owners actually saving lives rarely get promotion.
3) Your statistical argument makes very little sense. Again, it implies theassumptions that gun owners would have 80% sorta-support from the population,meaning 3/4 of them would not stop us. As much as I would enjoy that idealisticscenario, political machinations make public opinion a tool that is wieldedagainst us.
4) Your first scenario implies that gun owners own firearms solely for the goodof society, acting as a defacto police force- sort of a grander version of a neighborhoodwatch in which the participant (gun owner) is trained at their own cost (thuspaying for their OC privilege) and provided badges (to be easily confused withactual authority figures). I'm sure LEOs on this forum will be able to speakwith more authority on this topic, but the little I know and understand is thatpolice officers must undergo psychiatric testing to determine if they arementally fit for the particular stressors of the job. What would happen in thisscenario if they were determined "unfit" in an LEO sense? Who gets todetermine the "mental" fitness? Would their right to OC be revoked?Would this testing be filed away? How many of us are actually suited for LEOtesting? How slippery a slope do you think this would be, for someone anti-gunto get ahold of those "mental tests" and determine that those verypeople are unfit to own a firearm? Do you see the problem?
One of the main problems I see with the whole "Can't we all just getalong?" aspect is that it's utterly one-sided. I see very little effortbeing made for those that want to inhibit aspects of the 2nd Amendment tounderstand either history or to consider anything outside of their own littlebox. In fact, the very audacity of the responses of, "I don't see anyreason why anyone would have a semi-automatic assault weapon," or the moreprevalent, "You don't need that," shows the lack of imagination andthe misguided perception that they hold any sway over what others"should" and "should not" have.
In the aspect of looking back in time to see if maybe we should have offeredgreater education as far as guns were concerned, I posit this: I wish theywould have put in the Unspoken Law: Above all else, We the People have theRight to be Left the Hell Alone. Frankly, the idea the education would makepeople suddenly understand and accept guns is idealistic at best. You can leada horse to water, etc etc.
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