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Open Carry is now the Enemy

acmariner99

Regular Member
Joined
Feb 12, 2010
Messages
655
Location
Renton, Wa
I have been seeing all over the internet today that it is the fault of the OC movement that prompted Starbucks to make the choice they did today. This is from many pro-2A persons and organizations. I spent more time than I should have defending OC as a right and viable means of self-defense against gun rights people in the CC crowd. I think the long gun folks did put too much of a spotlight on us and it has always been the policy of this forum to not discuss or engage in long gun open carry. However, I have been said that I am immature, irresponsible, and uncivilized for carrying in a manner that would "scare the majority of other people." Heck, I was even threatened by a CCer who said he would have his hand ready on his weapon if he ever saw me OC. We on this forum know this to be pure fallacy, but perception is reality to the rest of the world. It really doesn't matter if that is true or not. People are blaming the veracity of OC as being the reason for Starbucks doing what they did.

Maybe we did take things too far - Starbucks didn't like being used as a platform for being a harbinger for the rights of gun owners. They never wanted that. Again, it doesn't matter what we think or what our intentions were, that is how it is being perceived.

I am not saying OC should cease - I am wondering how best to move forward now that I think that OC is going to be viewed as an extreme fringe, even in the rest of the 2A community. Honestly, some of the comments these guys made scared me.

The blog below is an example of what I mean: http://practicaltacticalpodcast.com/starbucks/
 
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MAC702

Campaign Veteran
Joined
Jul 31, 2011
Messages
6,331
Location
Nevada
The vast majority of OC is not activism, but just people going about their daily business. People who lump all in a category with the "activists" are found everywhere, including in gun-rights advocates.
 

marshaul

Campaign Veteran
Joined
Aug 13, 2007
Messages
11,188
Location
Fairfax County, Virginia
I was never one parading around Starbucks in front of a camera with my AR in the first place, so I don't really see what this has to do with me.

I really don't care about the opinion of some guy with the word "tactical" in his "podcast" or blog. Most of those folks have too large a stiffy for law enforcement to be genuinely pro-rights, as is revealed by how they squirm the first time anybody acts outside their comfort zone. (What a surprise: I just checked, and both of those "practicaltactical" dudes are current or former LEO. Their opinions: worthless.)

This doesn't affect how OC will be viewed. Starbucks themselves – the source of all this hubbub – haven't actually even meaningfully changed their policy (although the long gun meetups will probably be considered "disruptive" now).

So I see no reason to change anything "going forward".
 
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mpguy

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 25, 2012
Messages
689
Location
Suffolk Virginia
I oc on a regular basis a m&p .45. Not a ar-15. I have never been to Star bucks in my 33 years on this earth. There are people out there who could give 2 cents about Star bucks. They've made a choice, now it's up to each individual gun owner to make there's.

I personally think Star bucks should be left up the individual, because we have a bigger problem.

The problem is there is nothing to do for people who need to be committed for mental reasons. The problem is both Hp and the navy didn't do there job for screening. If the story doesn't stay on those 2 issues, it's going to cost the firearm community big time.

It's already been reported 50 Newtown residents are at capital hill complaining. It's going to get worse.

Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk 2
 

77zach

Regular Member
Joined
Feb 5, 2007
Messages
2,913
Location
Marion County, FL
Like someone said, tempest in a coffee pot. That said, I don't think long gun OC does anything for us in general. Of course it is rightful activity, just not helpful. More people going about their day with holstered handguns helps the freedom cause, imo.
 

davidmcbeth

Banned
Joined
Jan 14, 2012
Messages
16,167
Location
earth's crust
Maybe Starbucks should not sell a drug that is a stimulant. :lol:

As for people who carry ARs. So what. The 2nd amendment says keep and BEAR .. not keep it in your closet.

Sure, one will take notice ... even have a higher degree of cautiousness in areas with such individuals. I think its human nature. Of course, then one has the option of also carrying a AR themselves.

When antis see a handgun carrier its like pro-RKBA seeing a guy with a lit fuse that leads to a pile of dynamite ... they automatically think an explosion is imminent.

I've been approached by cops when I have my AR in my car ... "people see that thing blah blah blah .." I say "are you done talking now little girl? Am I free to go? If you have any questions, please ask them in court".
 
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