Recently I have been thinking about RKBA as a civil rights issue just like any other. Some of you may have this view already, but for me, this is a new stance.
I propose we peacefully protest:
Sort of like blacks would hold "sit ins" in public areas that were restricted for "whites only". No shouting, no picketing, just peacefully gathering and let our presence be known.
For example, in California, it is perfectly legal to open carry an unloaded pistol in a holster. Exercising that right would make RKBA issues blatantly present to non-gun owners. It is not normal to see a civilian openly carrying. If a group of 5 or 6 (or more) people open carried at a coffee shop, people would notice. Curious individuals would ask questions and see that:
a) lawful gun owners are not maniacs, gangsters, and anarchists but intelligent, peaceful, and friendly people and
b) guns are perfectly safe when in the right hands.
Of course there will be opponents, that may even voice their opinion aggressively, and it is the RKBA-persons job to "take the high road" and not react emotionally. A smile and, "I'm sorry you feel that way. If you'd like to learn more and know the truth about firearms, please visit [your favorite website]."
Imagine if we peacefully protested by openly carrying (where lawful) in groups of 5 or 6 in multiple locations at once. The media could not ignore us and neither could those that are opposed to guns. If we gathered once a month, in a coordinated effort, it would be pro-active and highly effective on multiple levels.
Why do I believe peaceful protests are effective?
1) peaceful protests are a PROACTIVE action rather than reacting (to negative publicity, etc.). We actively take a stand for our rights in a manner that is peaceful, intelligent, friendly and fun. Too much of our movement is reaction based, trying to stop laws being passed, etc. Think of it as a peaceful guerrilla movement in which we educate and make our presence known to the people. Congressmen won't pass laws that their constituents don't want, if it is a majority of the people.
2) peaceful protests prove that gun-owners are not the ignorant, trouble making, irresponsible people that media and Obama would paint us as. When we organize peacefully, within the law, and have intelligent responses to the questions that will inevitably be asked, it establishes a new stereotype for "gun owners" and 2A activists. We will show non-gun owning Americans that the majority of gun owners are not gangsters, anarchists, and ignorant maniacs, but caring, friendly, intelligent, and family oriented people who care about our safety.
3) a group of RKBA supporters is more of a presence, and more effective than an individual. An individual who openly carries at the super market can easily be perceived as a potential threat. Shoppers don't know why he is carrying and they are ignorant to open carry laws. It's easy for his active exercising of rights to be misunderstood. However, a group gathering at a coffee shop is less suspicious and more easily perceived as "safe" by an ignorant public. We could take it one step further and wear t-shirts that say, "Ask me why I'm LEGALLY carrying a pistol" and it would further put people at ease and also get more curious people interested in our cause.
Do you see any more benefits to a peaceful protest? Perhaps you are a detractor?
I believe peaceful protests to be a powerful message, and if we are organized and make a coordinated effort, it will be even more powerful.
