I know, I know, another gun thread....

[EMom]

I'm in Texas and I'll tell you right now, I don't like open carry. I have no problem with concealed weapons for those with the proper permits, in area where they are allowed. But if I'm shopping at Kroger, I don't want to see people with guns left and right. It screams "gun nut" to me and more "nut" than "gun." No thanks. I just want to buy my roasted chicken, grab some Blue Bell, and get my shopping done in relative peace. I don't want to have to worry if macho macho men are going to feel the need puff their chests and settle some issue in the produce aisle.

I don't care if that guy is Black or White or what neighborhood he's in. He is trying to stir up trouble.

 

[Jdbsfw]

Terrible idea in an urban environment where you know the overwhelmingly majority will be not OK with it, cops will be called and problems will arise. I was in a rural gas station/diner many years ago in Texas and an old man walked in with his deer rifle, nobody cared......If there is a crazy wanting to shoot up the place, if he sees that open carry guy guess who's going to get targeted first and likely will be a shot in the back.

 

[lustergirl]

Asinine.

 

[penn19]

If the guy's a legitimate nutcase, he should have a competency hearing. Of course, that would require someone taking action, which all too often doesn't happen.

Let me decide if he is competent or not. Nope. He's not. Turn in your gun.

 

[okeydokey]

His intent is to intimidate and rile people up. I think he's an ***.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I think it is a form of intimidation. From the things I've read over the weekend (and who knows if they are true or not, but I did read them on the internet so they must be true) he doesn't live in the area and takes a bus to purposely go to that neighborhood. There haven't been any reports of him eating in restaurants or shopping at the local businesses. He seems to be doing it simply because he can. The fact that he is white and picking a black neighborhood seems like intimidation.

I would agree.

(And I am pretty neutral when it comes to guns.)

 

[Albort]

If he's license to carry it, why can't we just let him be?
A cop is licensed to carry a gun too, should we go after them too?

what does race have to do with anything? can't we just say a man carries a gun around a neighborhood.

 

[LisaR]

If he's license to carry it, why can't we just let him be?
A cop is licensed to carry a gun too, should we go after them too?

what does race have to do with anything? can't we just say a man carries a gun around a neighborhood.

He's not going out doing his weekly errands and bringing his gun along in case he has to thwart off any robberies, terrorists, mass shootings, or other nut jobs. He is getting on a bus, traveling into a neighboring area where he doesn't live, and walking around on the streets. He isn't there to shop, eat, make small talk with business owners, visit friends, etc. He is seeking out a predominately black neighborhood for a reason. If a young black male was doing this in a white neighborhood, he'd have been shot by now, especially if Zimmerman lived nearby. If this guy is just expressing his right to carry his gun, why not stay in his own neighborhood and do this?

 

[bcla]

We had an open carry law in California that allowed anyone at least 21 (and eligible to own a gun) to carry a handgun openly and unloaded without need for a carry permit. It got kind of silly since the law also authorized any law enforcement to conduct spot checks. After a while the law was changed and open unloaded carry was banned. The same guys went to carrying long guns (Black Panther style) and that law was changed.

Still, the law only applies to incorporated areas. Open, loaded carry is still legal elsewhere, although one needs to be careful about borders.

 

[andiraye]

I would FREAK OUT and alert the police if anyone of any color was walking around brandishing a gun, whether behind or in front of his back. Why would anyone be holding a gun out in the open if not to use it (or intimidate with it)? And if someone is just a weirdo without an intent to use....well, I'm not comfortable at all with a weirdo carrying around a gun.

 

[DSLRuser]

have zero problem with this.

I do have a problem with criminals, white and black, carrying guns I can't see.

 

[DeaverTex]

I'm in Texas. I CAN legally carry a rifle or shotgun, loaded, pretty much anywhere except places that prohibit guns.

I don't, because I can't see any reason that I would need a rifle to go to the grocery store, or to walk through the Trail of Lights when it opens. I mean, we haven't had a Comanche attack in a few years now, and there aren't any outbreaks of zombies or hostile aliens at the moment. (think Falling Skies) Besides, it's such an unusual sight that people aren't accustomed to it, and it makes them nervous. Why would I want to make people nervous? I have no axe to grind, I'm not trying to make a point, and I don't feel the need to exercise this right all the time.

However, as long as the person is carrying the weapon in a safe manner, and not acting strangely or suspiciously (and something like a white man or a black man carrying a rifle in a 100% Mexican immigrant neighborhood would be suspicious), it doesn't bother me at all.

 

[ols386]

It doesn't seem like there is a legitimate reason for him to do this.

I think he is trying to intimidate folks.

Wonder if there is anything police can do about it since the guy has a license to carry it?

I wouldn't like someone walking through my neighborhood carrying a rifle on his back.

It's like he's trying to prove something.

 

[ols386]

If he's license to carry it, why can't we just let him be?
A cop is licensed to carry a gun too, should we go after them too?

what does race have to do with anything? can't we just say a man carries a gun around a neighborhood.

I wouldn't care what color the guy was, but if I saw someone walking through my neighborhood with a rifle on his back, my first thought would be WTH?

 

[3Gsandme]

In my opinion, he's a terrorist. Plain and simple.

If someone of ANY color was stalking around my neighborhood with a gun, I'd feel threatened and/or terrorized. He's a terrorist and it's an absolute shame h can't be arrested for terrorizing these people.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

I wouldn't care what color the guy was, but if I saw someone walking through my neighborhood with a rifle on his back, my first thought would be WTH?

Local university went on lockdown after seeing a guy walking around with a shotgun - turns out, he was on his way to the gunsmith for a repair. I don't know if he had a case or not, but I don't think my father-in-law has one for any of his rifles/shotguns. Personally, I'd feel a little weird walking around with one just strapped on my back as if I were on my way to the deer stand.

 

[3 MEN AND A BOAT]

1st-I think he's strolling around looking for some sort of confrontation possibly looking for the police to violate his rights.

2nd- the barber shop owner in the article doesn't sound very stable himself, he admits to cussing at the man, challenging him to a fight all while police where their and being upset that the police were more concerned with him.

 

[Kies99]

I've never thought of it that way. I'm fine with owning guns in your own home, but have never been a proponent of concealed carry or open carry UNLESS it comes with extensive training. Since there isn't a single state here that requires extensive training...

Just curious...what do you consider "extensive training"? There are a number of states that require training before issuing concealed carry permits (Ohio and Virginia are examples).

 

[robinb]

Just curious...what do you consider "extensive training"? There are a number of states that require training before issuing concealed carry permits (Ohio and Virginia are examples).

You mean like Virginia's online concealed carry class? $40 and 20-45 minutes and 20 true/false online questions later and you're good to go: http://wtvr.com/2012/09/11/holmberg-online-concealed-carry-classes-just-too-easy/ .

You don't live in Virginia? Don't worry! http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/09/0...y-for-non-virginia-gun-owners-to-get-permits/ .

 

[rajak73]

Just curious...what do you consider "extensive training"? There are a number of states that require training before issuing concealed carry permits (Ohio and Virginia are examples).

Nebraska is another one, I know this goes against arguments, but not anybody can walk into a gun store, buy a gun and concealed carry without checks and training including range training. Our CC has to come from the State Patrol and you have to apply IN PERSON not by mail or internet. Also the permit is not good forever, I think 5 years and has to be renewed.