jim640,
A boy of perhaps 9 or 10 years made a couple of astute observations and what seems, to me, an amazing connection. He made a well mannered approach, posed his question, and made his argument respectfully. We socialize our children (and our pets) more by example than by instruction. If you have not picked it out of my narrative, let me point out that I hold an Oregon CHL: my concealed weapon was entirely legal. Let me also point out that the boy’s only clues were my conversation with the waiter (he was clearly paying attention) and his knowledge of his Dad’s behavior. Nothing in my knowledge of Oregon law, local attitudes, including law enforcement’s, or the immediate situation suggests a need to lie to the boy by commission or omission. Certainly there was no cause to rebuff him. For my risk, such as it was, I was rewarded by the boy’s and the father’s reactions. I gained, the boy gained, and, in the final analysis, the father gained.
And now, your turn: why would I not politely receive the boy’s approach and question? What had I to fear from answering him truthfully? What had I to gain by lying or dodging? You imply that you would have behaved differently. Do you carry concealed, that you might actually find yourself in the same situation?
Finally, how is my narrative in any possible way anti-CCW or a joke? Please, in the words of many beloved and hated teachers of my past: Show your work.