Texas Open Carry – Positive

[BigD_htl]

i want to open carry i'm waiting lol

[mr surveyor]

Maybe a very simple way to incrementally establish OC, and gain some acceptance, would be to let the businesses that would openly engourage/accept open carry to post an "OC Friendly" sign. Make it such that those that wish to expose their firearms could do so in establishments that posted in the affirmative, and allow the other businesses to remain unhindered by the new signage. It could very well be that a few businesses may either "make it or break it" economically over the issue, thus answering the question of whether businesses would support or outright oppose firearms in their private establishments.

Me, I still want to take my jacket off when eating such quisine as crawfish

surv

[03Lightningrocks]

What a sad state of affairs. When I was a kid (even a teenager), you could walk around just about anywhere with a long-gun and no one would give you a second look. I could easily have taken a weapon (pistol,rifle,knife,etc) to school as a visual aid (teacher's permission) and everything would have been fine. Now, look where we are today. It sickens me.

I think that may have depended upon were one lived. I went to elementary school and middle school in Pasadena Texas from 70-75 and High school in Plano Texas from 75-79. Neither place would it have been acceptable to walk up and down the streets carrying a rifle. Neither place would have permitted a firearm be brought to school either.

The olden days you speak of must have been in the more rural communities. The big cities don't seem real OK with brandishing weapons in public. I think mainly because in the cities, there isn't a whole lot of perceived need in squirrel and rabbit hunting.

If Austin, TX is your defintion of "rural" then what is the "big city"?

OH... is Austin the same size and demographics now as it was when you were a kid? Regardless... In my long life...walking around with a rifle slung over your shoulder in any of the Cities I lived in would get you nothing but grief. I could only assume you lived in a rural area where that kind of thing is seen as normal. I didn't realize you were a kid just after the events at the Alamo . Y'all probably had to be prepared in case of Indian attack.

[03Lightningrocks]

I went to elementary school and middle school in Pasadena Texas from 70-75 and High school in Plano Texas from 75-79. Neither place would it have been acceptable to walk up and down the streets carrying a rifle. Neither place would have permitted a firearm be brought to school either.

The other factor is WHEN. I believe flintknapper is about my age, so his growing-up years would have been in the late fifties and/or early sixties. Lots of people's attitudes toward lots of things were different "back in the good old days, when I was young".

LOL...I thought he was closer to my age. My Mom and Dad grew up in the fifties in a little eastern Kentucky town called Summerset. I know they all toted guns around...mostly to protect their moonshine... . My grandmother told me stories of my dad going to school after going squirrel hunting every morning, with his 22 Rifle. He would put it in his locker...nobody thought twice about it. Summerset had all of 300 people living there at the time. That same town now has issues with gang violence and drugs. I bet they wouldn't let you put your rifle in the locker now.

Didn't You fellers grow up before cars were considered common place... ?

[frazzled]

What a sad state of affairs. When I was a kid (even a teenager), you could walk around just about anywhere with a long-gun and no one would give you a second look. I could easily have taken a weapon (pistol,rifle,knife,etc) to school as a visual aid (teacher's permission) and everything would have been fine. Now, look where we are today. It sickens me.

I think that may have depended upon were one lived. I went to elementary school and middle school in Pasadena Texas from 70-75 and High school in Plano Texas from 75-79. Neither place would it have been acceptable to walk up and down the streets carrying a rifle. Neither place would have permitted a firearm be brought to school either.

The olden days you speak of must have been in the more rural communities. The big cities don't seem real OK with brandishing weapons in public. I think mainly because in the cities, there isn't a whole lot of perceived need in squirrel and rabbit hunting.

Yes in my high school, had you brought a firearm to school, you would have been treated as a gun toting threat and taken away by the police with extreme hostility. People bringing knives were expelled-escorted out by the principals and regional security dude. Someone with a gun? Please.

[frazzled]

If Austin, TX is your defintion of "rural" then what is the "big city"?

Austin when? When I was growing up, there were 50,000 people in Austin. It was rural at the time.

[Conagher]

Thanks for everyone's reply.

Any more suggestions on how we get this item as a sanctioned TSRA legislative project for the 2011 legislative session?

Thanks & Have a Nice Day!

Conagher

[flintknapper]

If Austin, TX is your defintion of "rural" then what is the "big city"?

Austin when? When I was growing up, there were 50,000 people in Austin. It was rural at the time.

60's and 70's to be exact. Austin was hardly "rural" during those times. I should think that would be "contemporary" enough.

[flintknapper]

"03Lightningrocks" wrote:

OH... is Austin the same size and demographics now as it was when you were a kid?

Now there's an intelligent question for ya. I think you might have me stumped on that one. I gonna go with NO?

Regardless... In my long life...walking around with a rifle slung over your shoulder in any of the Cities I lived in would get you nothing but grief.

'Mkay

I could only assume you lived in a rural area where that kind of thing is seen as normal.

Actually no. We did have property outside of Austin...but I grew up in the city. I graduated high school in 1972...and it was common place for students to have longarms in gunracks...and even stand in parking lots handling them and discussing hunting, etc.... Part of the problem here is your propensity to "assume" rather than "listen".

There was scarcely a male student (excepting certain nerds) that did NOT have (and carry daily) a pocket knife of some sort to/in school. It was routine for a teacher to borrow a knife from a student to open a package, mail, whatever.

I attended two high schools in Austin (the old Austin High and new Anderson in NW hills). I would not characterize either of these as "rural". The acceptance of firearms and knives at that time was consistent at both regardless of YOUR experiences.

I didn't realize you were a kid just after the events at the Alamo . Y'all probably had to be prepared in case of Indian attack.

Very funny, I am sure people tell you that all the time. No "Indian attacks".....or "attacks" of any other kind. That is precisely why we were allowed to have weapons in our vehicles and on our person (knives). We didn't attack each other with guns and knives. Disputes were settled with fisticuffs AFTER school (with most of the school in attendance). Once settled...participants often went on to become friends, not enemies to be stalked down and shot up via a "drive by". School shootings were virtually unknown.

There was no such thing as "gangs/colors" in school back then. No one was "dissed" because RESPECT back then was EARNED, not something you were "born with"....or entitled to

So, you can joke, scoff and laugh if you like. But that is how things were....(where and when) I grew up. If you did not experience the same thing, what a shame.

I may be an "Old timer" in your eyes (or that of others), but I am glad to have grown up in those "Old" times, and wish those same values existed today. Sadly....they so not.

Flint.

[03Lightningrocks]

I was not joking or scoffing....I was simply pointing out that in the areas and time frame I grew up, times were not as friendly about firearms as where you grew up. Yes...you appropriately picked up on my sarcasm with the question on size and demographics of Austin then vs now because I believe it does make a difference in the way these things are viewed. i also believe the same situation exists today. People who live in very large areas such as DFW or Houston are going to be more wary of open carry than people living in smaller rural areas. Again, I am not saying either opinion is right or wrong.

Since we don't have legalized open carry i have nothing to base experience on. I have my concerns and having concerns seems threatening to some in the open carry movement. Instead of feeling threatened and insulting folks who have concerns, maybe they would be better served to address the concerns. Calling folks "ant-gun" and "Brady supporters" does nothing more in my mind than marginalizing the group who is behind this movement. Drawing parallels to other rights in the BOR serves no purpose when the rights you are trying to parallel aren't an immediate threat to my life or my loved ones if misused.

Playing games with peoples comments on forums(yes...I saw the thread where I was accused of comparing OC to wearing swastika's... ) in an effort to discredit people also serves no purpose. It just makes the folks behind the movement look like nuts with zero credibility. This is not said so much in reference to anything you have posted, I typically read your responses and posts with a bit of respect and interest for what you have to say. It is meant more for the benefit of folks in "the movement", that are sure to be reading this thread.

[flintknapper]

I was not joking or scoffing....

Yes, you were. Unless you will now claim semantics.

I was simply pointing out that in the areas and time frame I grew up, times were not as friendly about firearms as where you grew up.

A moot point then, since the subject matter was: where and when I grew up.

Yes...you appropriately picked up on my sarcasm with the question on size and demographics of Austin then vs now because I believe it does make a difference in the way these things are viewed.

Do tell.

i also believe the same situation exists today. People who live in very large areas such as DFW or Houston are going to be more wary of open carry than people living in smaller rural areas. Again, I am not saying either opinion is right or wrong.

Please elaborate.

Since we don't have legalized open carry i have nothing to base experience on

.
Then this speaks to the need to keep an "open mind" OR look to other states for information/statistics that might shed some light on the subject. Even if the situation is not exactly the same as with Texas, there must be certain things we can "glean" from it.

I have my concerns and having concerns seems threatening to some in the open carry movement. Instead of feeling threatened and insulting folks who have concerns, maybe they would be better served to address the concerns. Calling folks "ant-gun" and "Brady supporters" does nothing more in my mind than marginalizing the group who is behind this movement. Drawing parallels to other rights in the BOR serves no purpose when the rights you are trying to parallel aren't an immediate threat to my life or my loved ones if misused.

There is simply too much here to address, except to say: If that is your position....fine, I accept that as your opinion. I agree with parts of it, not with others.

Playing games with peoples comments on forums(yes...I saw the thread where I was accused of comparing OC to wearing swastika's... ) in an effort to discredit people also serves no purpose. It just makes the folks behind the movement look like nuts with zero credibility. This is not said so much in reference to anything you have posted,

Good, because I have said nothing of the sort, nor made inferences of the same. I recommend you PM those who did author the things you find offensive.

I typically read your responses and posts with a bit of respect and interest for what you have to say. It is meant more for the benefit of folks in "the movement", that are sure to be reading this thread.

I don't know what "movement" you are speaking of. I stand alone in my presentation of the convictions and opinions I have shared here.

Flint.

[frazzled]

To Flint:
***I should note I have nothing against Austin, especially as I live there…

Actually no. We did have property outside of Austin...but I grew up in the city. I graduated high school in 1972...and it was common place for students to have longarms in gunracks...and even stand in parking lots handling them and discussing hunting, etc.... Part of the problem here is your propensity to "assume" rather than "listen".
****When I was in high school, truckers had racks as well. However no one walked around with a weapon except out in country. Handguns were NEVER seen in that fashion. Of course there was a raft of thefts and people quite carrying them (of course back then to drive a truck/SUV was to be considered a redneck-times have changed).

There was scarcely a male student (excepting certain nerds) that did NOT have (and carry daily) a pocket knife of some sort to/in school. It was routine for a teacher to borrow a knife from a student to open a package, mail, whatever.
***True that, but anything larger and you were expelled.
Very funny, I am sure people tell you that all the time. No "Indian attacks".....or "attacks" of any other kind. That is precisely why we were allowed to have weapons in our vehicles and on our person (knives). We didn't attack each other with guns and knives. Disputes were settled with fisticuffs AFTER school (with most of the school in attendance). Once settled...participants often went on to become friends, not enemies to be stalked down and shot up via a "drive by". School shootings were virtually unknown.
***In many areas of the state that is the past or never.

***I respect your opinion (hey whats wrong with being an old fart? old farts rule ). In actuality I think your arguments are supporting my argument. Any OC would have to structured such that local jurisdictions could limit it. No?
EDIT: I'd be interested in your view on this question Flint (?) as its seems to be a key factor (at least to me). Were I in old Sugarland this wouldn't be an issue, but in new Sugarland the mocha latte soccer moms would have the SWAT coming faster than you can spit (and yes my wife are one).

[03Lightningrocks]

I was not joking or scoffing....

Yes, you were. Unless you will now claim semantics.

No I wasn't! Are you a LIAR???? NO???? Then don't accuse me of being one. Thanks for your courtesy!

i also believe the same situation exists today. People who live in very large areas such as DFW or Houston are going to be more wary of open carry than people living in smaller rural areas. Again, I am not saying either opinion is right or wrong.

Please elaborate.

Nothing to elaborate on. The statement speaks for itself...and is a fact.

Since we don't have legalized open carry i have nothing to base experience on

.
Then this speaks to the need to keep an "open mind" OR look to other states for information/statistics that might shed some light on the subject. Even if the situation is not exactly the same as with Texas, there must be certain things we can "glean" from it.
Yes...and keeping an open mind is even more important for the folks who want to achieve open carry. So far i don't see this as the case with them. They seem to take the stance of "it's my way or no way".

I have my concerns and having concerns seems threatening to some in the open carry movement. Instead of feeling threatened and insulting folks who have concerns, maybe they would be better served to address the concerns. Calling folks "ant-gun" and "Brady supporters" does nothing more in my mind than marginalizing the group who is behind this movement. Drawing parallels to other rights in the BOR serves no purpose when the rights you are trying to parallel aren't an immediate threat to my life or my loved ones if misused.

There is simply too much here to address, except to say: If that is your position....fine, I accept that as your opinion. I agree with parts of it, not with others.

Glad to see you could find some common ground with a city slicker.

Playing games with peoples comments on forums(yes...I saw the thread where I was accused of comparing OC to wearing swastika's... ) in an effort to discredit people also serves no purpose. It just makes the folks behind the movement look like nuts with zero credibility. This is not said so much in reference to anything you have posted, ,

Good, because I have said nothing of the sort, nor made inferences of the same. I recommend you PM those who did author the things you find offensive.

Again...you use wording that is inappropriate. And i noticed you cropped out part of my comment that would have answered this question for you. better still, it would make your question unnecessary. Playing more games??? I don't find it OFFENSIVE. So there is no need in attempting further communications with misguided individuals.

I typically read your responses and posts with a bit of respect and interest for what you have to say. It is meant more for the benefit of folks in "the movement", that are sure to be reading this thread.

I don't know what "movement" you are speaking of. I stand alone in my presentation of the convictions and opinions I have shared here.

The open carry movement...but then you actually knew that...didn't ya...LOL . Playing some games with semantics of your own here?
Flint.

[03Lightningrocks]

Quite frankly Flint....I find it offensive when you cut and chop a post,taking it completely out of context to the point of destroying any point or meaning the post had to begin with. Is this done to simply play games??? Because it sure does nothing for the RKBA .

Any of us can play the same game but it serves no purpose other than simply to argue for the sake of arguing.

[03Lightningrocks]

...snip.... Were I in old Sugarland this wouldn't be an issue, but in new Sugarland the mocha latte soccer moms would have the SWAT coming faster than you can spit (and yes my wife are one).

I haven't seen Sugarland in more than 30 years...funny...I still pictured it as somewhat rural. I about choked when you said they had a Starbucks there.