The Easy Way, or the Hard Way?

[Carlos Cabeza]

Well, I didn't say I don't like the black plastic and nylon, it is just a bit over the top for me. Clothes don't make the man either. Some of the worlds most ruthless criminals wear a suit and tie.
It all comes back to passing judgment on a person based on how they look.

If its wrong, then its wrong on ALL levels.

We in the U.S. are still battling racism even though most would agree that it is wrong. This is no different. The aversion to guns comes from conditioning and the (bad) experiences one has with them.

 

[bogie]

We will never sway the anti's into thinking our views are ok

I'm not talking about antis.

I'm talking about the millions upon millions who've never really formed an opinion on the matter, because they've never actually had to think about it.

THOSE are the people who we need to reach.

Gunnies - hey, we're there already, so as far as a PR campaign, we don't matter.

We're not going to be able to convince the hard-core antis, so let's not even try.

But there's a LOT of folks sitting in the middle.

Now, are you gonna be nice to 'em, or are you going to try to intimidate them into agreement?

Hint: of the above two strategies, one will actually maybe work, and one will definitely drive them in the other direction.

 

[Ske1etor]

Now, are you gonna be nice to 'em, or are you going to try to intimidate them into agreement?

I understand that you are talking about the fence sitters. Those who are in the gray area between that pro's and the anti's.

That is exactly who I am talking about. The anti's are a lost cause. We can forget about them. The fence sitters though need to see the truth, not some polished up version of the truth.

If we expect to win the open carry fight we need to be the upstanding citizens that we are with 100% honesty. Helping sway someones opinion by hiding the full and honest truth in my opinion is morally wrong.

People have a right to choose and sorry to say it if they choose to be anti, more power to them but I won't take part in using slime-ball tactics to pull the wool over a soccer mom's eyes by dressing up in a suit and tie while doing what I do.

If a person is too judgmental to see past what I am wearing and see that I am a nice, law abiding person then I don't want them on our side for they won't be on our side for long.

Honesty is the best policy and getting people on our side by being honest will result in those people who choose our side to stay here for good.

 

[tigre]

I didn't get that bogie was suggesting business attire or anything, just reasonably tasteful and/or normal clothes. The example in the OP was someone trying to draw attention to themselves, not someone simply dressed casually. Heck, I could dress more casually if I could OC than I can if I conceal - shorter shirts, tighter jeans, etc., none of which would cause panic in the streets or anything.

 

[Superlite27]

I've been OC'ing here in Missouri since spring (finally worked up the nerve). I have never had anyone so much as glance at me twice because I have always dressed nicely and been very warmly outspoken towards strangers nearby.

"Hi! How are you today?", to anyone who looks at me.

Now, I definately believe there are different situations for each mode of carry. If I'm headed to downtown St. Louis, I usually conceal because I anticipate the heightened possibility of needing my firearm for protection, therefore, the tactical advantage of concealment. But if I'm merely headed to the local gas station, or McDonalds for a burger, I don't raise my situational awareness from yellow to orange like I do in urban areas, therefore, I open carry as a political statement. I believe the general public needs to see normal everyday citizens carrying handguns to make them aware that we actually exist and are not just a statistic mentioned in a newspaper.

This being said, It was only a matter of days after I started growing a beard before I was approached in Wal-Mart by a group of managers and asked if I was a police officer. (Obviously the beard must have suddenly made me seem a dangerous felon because I have openly carried there numerous times before......beardless). The chief manager stated that he was unsure if a civilian carrying a firearm was allowed in the store by company policy. I pleasantly informed him that I was certain that it was or else I wouldn't be doing it. They all suddenly became disinterested and walked off. I think this is because I maintained a confident and pleasant demeanor...regardless of the beard. I finished my shopping expecting a SWAT raid, but I left the store after making my purchases without incident.

Easy way is the only way.

 

[bogie]

The fence sitters though need to see the truth, not some polished up version of the truth.

Can't we tell them about it a little at a time, rather than bludgeoning them with it? Lead 'em. Don't drag them. Because dragging doesn't work. Forcing an issue -automatically- pushes a great majority folks in the other direction. Is that what we want to do?

It isn't about "suit and tie." It's about "nice." And "safe." And "this is the person who I want to have around."

Superlite - if you carry into STL City, you're going to get charged with brandishing. I'm pretty sure the county and St. Charles county are also that way.

shorter shirts, tighter jeans, etc., none of which would cause panic in the streets or anything.

Speak for yourself - If the Bogie wears short shorts, babies cry, grown men faint, and fashion artists everywhere cringe...

 

[Gordon Fink]

I’ve gotten some surprised looks the few times I’ve done it, but the only person to comment on it simply said that he’d never seen anyone outside of Texas (where he was from) do it.

Isn’t open carry “illegal” in Texas?

~G. Fink

 

[springmom]

Isn’t open carry “illegal” in Texas?

Yes it is, except on your own property or when you're out hunting. I can OC up in the Sam Houston National Forest when I'm hunting (who would care anyway during deer season!?!?) and on our ranch.

But not down to the grocery store.

Springmom