Man arrested for bringing gun into Thornton movie theater

[sellersm]

Here's my two cents... A big part of the 'argument/discussion' here is because of what's known as "outcome-based" decision making. It's been taught the past few decades, it's everywhere in our country now. Bottom-line is that we make choices based on the outcome of that choice. Sounds good, right? Gosh, we don't want to <fill in the outcome>, so we better not <fill in action>.

Somewhere along the line, our country adopted this 'new' way of thinking (it existed before post-modernism), and it's completely contrary to the process of decision-making that was used by our Founders.

For me, I make decisions based on what is RIGHT and WRONG. I have rights and I'll make choices based on those rights, not the perceived outcomes of exercising those rights. Look back in history and see where we'd be if our "heroes" made choices based on the outcome instead of on what's right.

As I posted in another thread about pics on FB, should we not let the sun shine today because 70 people were sunburned yesterday?

If we let the perceived outcome of our choice dictate our choices, then we're in trouble, and I'm very grateful to those in our past that did not.

Just my few tuppence...

[SuperiorDG]

I've read all the responses and comments in this thread. I am really saddened, though not too surprised, by those who think Mapes acted inappropriately.

It's legal to do what he did, regardless of whether or not anyone believes he used poor judgment or discretion. The only reason this incident happened is because someone freaked out at the sight of a gun. A legal gun. A holstered gun. A safe gun. A gun carried by a man who was, by all accounts, not acting any differently than any of the other moviegoers with the exception that he chose to take responsibility for his own safety and was exercising a Constitutional right.

For those who think he used poor judgment then please tell me: at what point does exercising a God-given right constitute using poor judgment? At what point should we choose not to protect ourselves for fear of offending others? Because those are the only two arguments I've seen. I'd really like to know how much liberty I need to sacrifice in order for some of you to feel comfortable.

It brings to mind the old argument hashed and re-hashed right on this forum from those who would have more strict, government mandated training standards in place for issuance of a concealed handgun permit. Their only argument is they "feel" the need for people to have more training. They "feel" unsafe knowing there are people in the wild carrying concealed handguns who only have a minimal amount of training. No one has yet been able to produce a tangible, verifiable argument that the standards in place put anyone in real danger.

Well, for whatever it's worth, I don't think the guy did anything wrong. As a matter of fact, I commend him for taking responsibility for his own safety. I commend him for exercising his second amendment rights and refuse to condemn him for any perceived lack of proper discretion or judgment.

Furthermore, any condemnation from me will be directed towards the Thornton PD officers involved for violating this man's freedom. It's appalling to think they had to fabricate a charge in order to arrest this man. It's more appalling that the city attorney hasn't put this no-brainer to bed and had the PD issue a statement that no charges will be filed and Mapes' (illegally) confiscated and legally possessed property with be returned to him forthwith.

In the words of Ricky Ricardo... "Thornton! You got some 'splaining to do."

Okay now I'm off the fence (I was leaning this way more predominately) and with you Bailey. Perhaps after the theaters were emptied out by the manager the LEO didn't have the balls to do what was right. The mob ruled the day. I hope he/she learns from this and does not do it again in the future.

[TFOGGER]

I can't dispute Mapes right to do what he did. I think the theater manager overreacted, and the actions of the Thornton police were definitely out of line. In light of the lawsuits following the Aurora shooting. the theater manager probably felt he was erring on the side of caution by calling the police. I blame the police for 1) Not knowing the law, 2)over reacting and blowing the incident completely out of proportion.

All of that being said, I'll continue to conceal. I see no reason to attract undue attention to myself, nor give up a significant tactical advantage.

[Byte Stryke]

I'm just glad I got out of Coloradofornia before you guys rolled over...

[10mm-man]

I'm just glad I got out of Coloradofornia before you guys rolled over...

I'm starting to feel this site as been rolled over by libs.... I'm gonna get out too!!

[Byte Stryke]

Sad part is that I moved to a state with No Constitutional Open carry
You have to have a Permit to carry AT ALL.
We just repealed the "public gathering and restaurant" clauses that prohibited carry at any public gathering or any establishment that serves alcohol(TGI Fridays, Hooters, etc).
Before you say CCW means Concealed, getting caught means 5-10 Felony and Permanent No 2a
We are working on the right to carry in Church as allowed by the church owner.
Currently, it doesn't matter if Christ appears and grants permission, it's illegal in GA to carry onto any property whose primary purpose is religious worship.


I guess it's true, you don't know what you have until its gone...

[tmckay2]

to OPEN carry in a theater in this neck of the woods this soon after such a tragedy is a whole new level of stupid and i have no sympathy for anyone dumb enough to do that. exercising your right doesn't mean being a complete idiot. you have to know thats going to get a rise out of people and i honestly don't blame them, people are scared enough to even go to a movie right now let alone with a guy who has a pistol on his hip, especially when the management and most of the theater attendees are likely not gun owners and don't know the laws. i mean come on, thats just retarded.

[Bailey Guns]

to OPEN carry in a theater in this neck of the woods this soon after such a tragedy is a whole new level of stupid and i have no sympathy for anyone dumb enough to do that. exercising your right doesn't mean being a complete idiot. you have to know thats going to get a rise out of people and i honestly don't blame them, people are scared enough to even go to a movie right now let alone with a guy who has a pistol on his hip, especially when the management and most of the theater attendees are likely not gun owners and don't know the laws. i mean come on, thats just retarded.

[sarcasm]Yeah, you're right. What else can we give up to make non-gun owners feel more comfortable?[/sarcasm]

Stupid, dumb, idiot, retarded gun owners.

[jslo]

Would be interesting to know how the other movie goers felt. Myself, I probably would have sat close to this guy.

[O2HeN2]

For me, I make decisions based on what is RIGHT and WRONG.

Excellent point.

Personally, I think we need to shut down this site since it's logo is a picture of the rifle that was used in Aurora, as is its name. A year or two should suffice. After all, we need to be sensitive.

Again, I am dismayed at the replies. I am convinced now that we shall all hang separately.

O2