Saw an Open Carry March today in Watauga/Fort Worth

[trentwhite778]

I stopped in at Kohls today on 377 right as a group of 20 or so people, including families with children, were walking southbound on the sidewalk. I waved and gave them a quick . They were carrying the American and Texan flag, and they all had shouldered rifles of some kind. I'm not a huge fan of what's been going on with walmart and starbucks where OC advocates are causing a scene and getting (IMO) the wrong kind of attention, but this was nice and it made me happy.
However, just as I walked into the store, I heard an older lady telling the manager, and I quote, "You need to put this whole building on lock down right now! and Call the police! They're out there with American Flags and guns. I think they're terrorists!" I followed them at a distance back to the front door to see what they would do. By this time, they were already down the street so it was very apparent that they were not about to bust in and shoot up Kohls.

[RoyGBiv]

However, just as I walked into the store, I heard an older lady telling the manager, and I quote, "You need to put this whole building on lock down right now! and Call the police! They're out there with American Flags and guns. I think they're terrorists!"

You missed an opportunity to educate that lady, and offset her opinion with the store manager.

Something polite.... "Those folks are Patriots, not terrorists. We should all be proud of them standing up for the Constitution while we carry on our holiday shopping. I'm a bit embarrassed that I didn't join them, actually. We should support them, there's nothing to be afraid of."

[scottmeador]

So this is why the Sprouts posted the new 30.06 signs. I'm all for OC and would do so myself but these folks are going to ruin any chance of it passing anytime soon.

[WildBill]

However, just as I walked into the store, I heard an older lady telling the manager, and I quote, "You need to put this whole building on lock down right now! and Call the police! They're out there with American Flags and guns. I think they're terrorists!"

You missed an opportunity to educate that lady, and offset her opinion with the store manager.

Something polite.... "Those folks are Patriots, not terrorists. We should all be proud of them standing up for the Constitution while we carry on our holiday shopping. I'm a bit embarrassed that I didn't join them, actually. We should support them, there's nothing to be afraid of."

I understand your point, but she was the one who missed an opportunity.

[MadMonkey]

"They're out there with American Flags and guns. I think they're terrorists!"

Sad state of affairs

[mojo84]

Considering nothing happened, I think the point was made. They stayed on public property and the cops didn't take the bait, sounds like it worked out.

[steveincowtown]

Considering nothing happened, I think the point was made. They stayed on public property and the cops didn't take the bait, sounds like it worked out.

Mojo I get your post, but "the cops didnt take the bait?"

- like they didn't stop a woman from from voting?

- like they didn't stop a street preacher from preaching?

- like they didn't stop someone from entering a public area?

I don't agree with the tactic, by nevertheless they aren't doing anything less than what it is certainly legal under Texas law and the constitution.

There is no bait, unless the fish is so eager to eat something that is nether prey nor edible...

[mojo84]

That's my point. If they aren't doing anything illegal, the cops need to leave them alone. Cops do what they are supposed to and all works out.

[suthdj]

So this is why the Sprouts posted the new 30.06 signs. I'm all for OC and would do so myself but these folks are going to ruin any chance of it passing anytime soon.

When did they post it I was there this afternoon carrying an never saw it? I guess we will have to shop somewhere else.

[Texsquatch]

"They're out there with American Flags and guns. I think they're terrorists!"

Sad state of affairs

It's reactions like this woman who screw up the general public's views on OC. So now, she's going to tell her story over and over how these wild domestic terrorists were carrying guns and American flags. No one will listen to or care about gun rights, they'll just hear how scared this woman was.

Yes, her comments were idiotic, but it's our job not to feed the idiots.

[jimlongley]

She is probably a card carrying member of the "Moms Demand Action."

[Munk]

Are we not for the complete 2nd Amendment? Or are we for part of the 2nd Amendment? In my book it's all or none. I'm not saying I would do it but the option should be there.

[G.A. Heath]

Are we not for the complete 2nd Amendment? Or are we for part of the 2nd Amendment? In my book it's all or none. I'm not saying I would do it but the option should be there.

Trust me, I want it all. However I do know I can't get it all back in one go so I will work toward getting it back bit by bit until then, and I won't trade what I have already got back for another part I don't have. I promise you this though, I will not accept nothin because I do not have all.

[MasterOfNone]

"They're out there with American Flags and guns. I think they're terrorists!"

Sad state of affairs

Sounds like she read Napolitano's guidance.

[TexasGal]

The reality is that business owner likely thought to himself that he has enough to worry about here at Christmas without dealing with hysterical people responding to other people wanting to make waves carrying visible guns around. If approval of open carry of handguns means those same people parade around inside his store armed, he probably will be looking into 30.06 signs. It will be the easiest way to keep hysterical customers and gun toting "nuts" out of his hair. I sorely wish the button pushing would stop. I love being able to carry concealed into 99% of the places I go. When the signs go up to stop me from doing that, then as far as I'm concerned these well-meaning folks' behavior have just caused me to lose my gun rights. I don't think open carry is wrong. I think being unnecessarily impolite and inconsiderate of the fears and concerns of others is wrong. Making people afraid who have a right to go about their day unruffled is not going to make them like guns any better. It will make them believe they must get involved in the politics of putting a stop to it.