CEP meets real life: WWYD?

[moolarkey]

My X was in law enforcement and was required to carry at all times. The first time I went some place with him and knew that it was a very odd feeling and that was a trip to McDonald's. He always did concealed-carry though.

[jln]

Dec 16, 2015 17:55:37 GMT -5 epphd said:

I get that open carry is legal some places. I get that most people are not intending to use their weapons for harm. I get that military personnel and law enforcement carry weapons. The difference - in my view - is that MP or LE are required as part of their jobs to have special training and "continuing education" as it were of how to handle and discharge their weapons. They likely have dedicated professionals who inspect and ensure their weapons are functioning properly. And while I'd like to *think* that the same would go for a gun afficionado who open carries, the reality is that any dipshit with cash and vocal cords can purchase a gun in most places and be on their merry way with no training or oversight. So in that way, seeing a gun on a patron would unnerve me like crazy.

Yep, this is exactly where I am.  But, in 2 weeks open carry becomes legal here in TX.  I am very fearful of seeing someone with a gun while I'm out.  

[jln]

Dec 16, 2015 20:32:51 GMT -5 Kristinmo said:

Dec 16, 2015 19:41:57 GMT -5 Smolinsk said:

This article is kind of old but it seems like open carry is legal in way more states than I realized.

www.wsj.com/articles/BL-NB-1715

I'm stunned Texas isn't one of them.

January 1 it is.  

[KateAggie]

I get feeling uncomfortable, I do. But considering there are only 5 states where this isn't allowed, there really isn't anything you can do. And it's not just a "southern" thing.

[AJL]

Dec 16, 2015 20:32:51 GMT -5 Kristinmo said:

Dec 16, 2015 19:41:57 GMT -5 Smolinsk said:

This article is kind of old but it seems like open carry is legal in way more states than I realized.

www.wsj.com/articles/BL-NB-1715

I'm stunned Texas isn't one of them.

We just passed the open carry law in this legislative session. It will go into effect on January 1, 2016.

[marriedfilingjoint]

Dec 16, 2015 21:07:58 GMT -5 KateAggie said:

I get feeling uncomfortable, I do. But considering there are only 5 states where this isn't allowed, there really isn't anything you can do. And it's not just a "southern" thing.

Yeah.

[marriedfilingjoint]

What is the thought process behind open carry being legal for everyone and conceal carry requiring special training, licenses, permits, etc?

[epphd]

Dec 16, 2015 22:22:41 GMT -5 tillie said:

Dec 16, 2015 21:39:02 GMT -5 marriedfilingjoint said:

What is the thought process behind open carry being legal for everyone and conceal carry requiring special training, licenses, permits, etc?

This I don't know. I agree anyone carrying should be licensed and trained. DH currently conceal carries now. Even if open carry were legal here he wouldn't do it.

I honestly don't think this is even enough. I think it should be like practicing medicine... if you want to treat a broken body you have to be licensed and trained, and undergo continuous education, and regular recertification. If you want to possess something that can break a body, or many a time, you should be required to undergo regular training and recertification as well as regular inspections. If your car has to be smog checked, certainly a weapon should be checked to ensure it complies with local and federal laws. If those situations existed I'd feel much more comfortable with widespread possession and carrying.