To the grocery store tonight. Could have stopped on the way home from work (not carrying) but wanted to get home to give my kids a kiss goodnight, and knew if I stopped they would already be asleep. Got home, kissed them goodnight, holstered, and headed to the store. CPD officer working there tonight was someone I hadn't yet met or talked to. After getting the usual soda, dog food, and beer, walking back to the registers, he stopped me casually and asked why I carry.
My response: "2nd amendment". He said he was completely for that, but my OCing could cause people to get upset, even though I am within my rights. I said something along the lines of, "they needn't and shouldn't be, and wished that more people OC'd."
He stated that he didn't want everyone to be walking around with a gun on their side, to which I replied, "I would have no problem with that because only the law abiding citizens would OC, and the criminals would continue to hide their guns in their waistbands."
He asked me how long I had been carrying (6 months), how many times I had been stopped and questioned (I told him he was the first, and that I had had conversations with other officers working at that same supermarket while carrying, and my OCing was never even brought up).
He then asked if I had a CCW. "No. I don't." and then explained why I don't: SIS involuntary manslaughter charge from an auto accident 20 years ago where a friend of mine died on the way home from high school because of stupid teenage driving. You cannot get a CCW in this county if you have ever been convicted of, or plead guilty to a felony. He didn't understand, because it was SIS. I had to explain that, even though I have no felony conviction, I had to plead guilty in order to get the SIS, and that is what kept me from getting a CCW. Furthermore, that in speaking with the Major in the Sheriff's department, I was told that I should have appealed my denial, which would have been overturned with ease due to the circumstances, and would have helped changed the wording of the CCW permit laws here.
Having nothing better to do than come home and make this post, I further explained that I hadn't even been sure if I could legally own a gun, when I bought the gun I carry. To make sure, I went to an FFL dealer and explained my situation, who phoned the NICS, who authorised the purchase of a random handgun at his store, then he voided the sale, and I ordered my Glock online shipped to him.
Officer ******* said, "Well, if the Feds approve, you're good." or something along those lines.
He extended his hand to shake, and I shook it, wishing him a good and pleasant night. Went through the checkout line, and am now here typing this.
Hopefully, I have been a positive influence in his mind concerning OC.
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