Except when working on the ranch, or in a similar environment, or out in the woods; I just don't see the need to open carry. I see plenty of need or I should say "Potential" for need, to carry concealed. Now, if for some reason you aren't allowed to carry concealed, but can legally carry openly, then that is a different story. But I am not too familiar with places that allow open carry but don't allow concealed carry. If so, there is something wrong there.
Aran; if you want to disagree with me, then fine. But until you know what you're talking about, you should keep personal opinions and attacks to yourself. You have absolutely no idea what my beliefs are; let alone my past that has earned me the right to have such a belief. So, disagree with what I say, but until you have any idea what you're talking about, keep the personal attacks out of it.
The fact remains that the majority of those who carry openly "In Public", do so to make a "Political Statement". That does absolutely nothing for enhancing 2nd amendment rights or gaining sympathy or support from the general public who may be initially against guns. Many may be polite and not say anything to you. Some may be afraid and simply avoid you. But for many, it's simply a person carrying a weapon who thinks they live in the wild west. And for them; that doesn't comfort them in any way. And those are the people who can and will push for stricter gun laws and the reduction of our rights. To people; truth is 99% perception. Until someone shows, proves, or explains to them the actual truth, they will believe that truth is what they perceive. I live in one of the most pro-gun states in the country. No doubt about it. And yet, there's an appropriate time to openly carry and a time to conceal carry. And there isn't anyone here who is entitled to carry a gun openly that can be denied to carry concealed. We have a large percentage of concealed carry citizens. We also have one of the lowest crime rates in the country. We live based on "Common Sense" laws.
Yes, sometimes some people try too hard to exercise their rights. And in turn, they alienate the populous. That's why certain communities have banned cigarette smoking in all public establishments. Instead of being "Considerate" and asking the person at the table next to you if cigarettes bothered them; they instead got on their high horse about "THEIR RIGHTS". Well, do that enough and you'll get citizens petitioning the city council and mayor to ban cigarette smoking. Same with open carry. People understand that some times people will carry guns openly. It's done quite often here. But you can tell the difference between purposeful carrying and doing it for political reasons. (Exercising their rights). One is totally acceptable. One is looked down upon.
