Open Carry vs. Racism
Posted by nsnelson 8 years, 4 months ago to Legislation
I've been contemplating a parallel between some new gun debates and Rand's essay on Racism. Texas passed new legislation to allow licensed open carry of handguns. For years now, I have been licensed to carry concealed wherever permitted. I do not intend to open carry, but I support the liberty to choose whether one carries concealed, openly, or not at all. But the ignorance surrounding this new legislation is astounding. The legislators who passed it displayed irrationality and fear-mongering (I watched them debate the bill). The opponents and local media are increasing the spread of ignorance and fear. But I'm particularly disappointed with average people who supported the legislation.
I have been a member of two Facebook groups: Open Carry Texas, and Texas Carry. Both made amazing strides in getting this legislation passed, even overcoming opposition by the NRA. But now roughly half of the group members are upset that so many local stores (e.g., grocery stores) are posting signs legally prohibiting open carry on their premises. Many open carry supporters are now saying this is a violation of their second amendment rights, and now they want to pursue legislation that requires these stores to allow open carry.
Never mind that the 2A is a limit on the Government, not on private businesses. Never mind that private property rights are the foundation of liberty, and even of our right of self-defense (and the tools of self-defense). Some of these people are making the comparison between the bakers (etc.) who have been sued for refusing certain products to certain homosexual events, saying that stores should not be allowed to discriminate against those who want to exercise their second amendment rights. That's right: they want to make open carriers a protected class.
The other half of the group members (myself included) seem to recognize the importance of private property rights. But it is Facebook, the land of misinformation, of not addressing arguments, of anonymous name-calling, and of never convincing anyone. It's just frustrating to watch, and I needed to share this with people who understand.
Anyway, it reminded me of Rand's treatment of racism. What she said very aptly applies to this debate: some on the pro-gun side started by appealing to individual rights in order to be allowed to open carry, now they want to violate the rights of private business owners.
“One of the worst contradictions, in this context, is the stand of many so-called ‘conservatives’ (not confined exclusively to the South) who claim to be defenders of freedom, of capitalism, of property rights, of the Constitution, yet who advocate racism at the same time. They do not seem to possess enough concern with principles to realize that they are cutting the ground from under their own feet. Men who deny individual rights cannot claim, defend or uphold any rights whatsoever.”
https://www.galtsgulchonline.com/post...
I have been a member of two Facebook groups: Open Carry Texas, and Texas Carry. Both made amazing strides in getting this legislation passed, even overcoming opposition by the NRA. But now roughly half of the group members are upset that so many local stores (e.g., grocery stores) are posting signs legally prohibiting open carry on their premises. Many open carry supporters are now saying this is a violation of their second amendment rights, and now they want to pursue legislation that requires these stores to allow open carry.
Never mind that the 2A is a limit on the Government, not on private businesses. Never mind that private property rights are the foundation of liberty, and even of our right of self-defense (and the tools of self-defense). Some of these people are making the comparison between the bakers (etc.) who have been sued for refusing certain products to certain homosexual events, saying that stores should not be allowed to discriminate against those who want to exercise their second amendment rights. That's right: they want to make open carriers a protected class.
The other half of the group members (myself included) seem to recognize the importance of private property rights. But it is Facebook, the land of misinformation, of not addressing arguments, of anonymous name-calling, and of never convincing anyone. It's just frustrating to watch, and I needed to share this with people who understand.
Anyway, it reminded me of Rand's treatment of racism. What she said very aptly applies to this debate: some on the pro-gun side started by appealing to individual rights in order to be allowed to open carry, now they want to violate the rights of private business owners.
“One of the worst contradictions, in this context, is the stand of many so-called ‘conservatives’ (not confined exclusively to the South) who claim to be defenders of freedom, of capitalism, of property rights, of the Constitution, yet who advocate racism at the same time. They do not seem to possess enough concern with principles to realize that they are cutting the ground from under their own feet. Men who deny individual rights cannot claim, defend or uphold any rights whatsoever.”
https://www.galtsgulchonline.com/post...
And will you answer my questions in the order asked? If not, I wonder why.
Sight Picture its a double entendre with either spelling. Where I'm coming from, What I'm looking at.
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radios, and that was the subject of the video ... these
radios do not have good owners' manuals. -- j
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It's a tool. Treat it with the respect due any tool.
As for the subject at hand, yes I would prefer not to show my weapon around for that makes me a mark. I'm stating that as a civilian, it doesn't apply to lawkeepers. I would think that was obvious, but since you didn't get it well, you'd be marked by the law and hence, you could become a target automatically. I'm not saying that open carry shouldn't be allowed, I'm saying I'd rather keep my business to myself and not expose myself automatically, in any given scenario. A detective, for instance; would get my point inmediately.
Are you suggesting that only an unreasonable paranoid conspiracy theorist would want the People as strong as the domestic Government? If so, I think you are the one who needs a better look at history. All murderous dictators prefer an unarmed citizenry. Even in our own nation, king George wanted to disarm the colonies. To think this could never happen to us, today, because we are superior - is very naive. Our founding fathers were wise to bequeath to us the second amendment.
If self-defense requires it, are you against the use of lethal force in general? Or just guns in particular?
You are against open carry because it makes you a target. Why do you think most professional security guards open carry? Are they just stupid in their understanding of tactics? Or maybe the see a value in it that you don't see. Another thing to think about: Most criminals prefer weak (i.e., unarmed) victims. Look like a victim (because your strong weapon is concealed), become a victim.
To show another perspective; a small group or even an individual can "enforce" himself on others, going as far as holding people ransom and captive agaisnt their will. I believe this is what the main factor is being motioned, to avoid these extremes that; honestly, aren´t really an exception to the rule anymore if you ask me. Again, history speaks for itself.
Yes, I think guns are not the best solution. And if I´m extending the change in ammo to the government well, it means applying it on industry so as to stop selling deadly ammo. But it´s clear that you want to have the right to kill on your own account despite anyone or anything. Use of Brute Force. I´ll stand by ingenuity on my comment, yes. You have to work for real solutions. And "scum" isn´t law of nature, it´s lack of effort.
And what do you mean by "easier to start this way..." So you are actually advocating banning firearms if I read this correctly? Just 1 step at a time. Tell me you were kidding.
I live in Alabama but open carry is still a rare sight.
My most notable sighting was over half a year ago in a Walmart.
It was a pretty blonde young mama with three little kids. She wore a skirt and a hefty-looking revolver in a holster on her hip. .
I carried in in my right back pocket up until 1972 when I read in a newspaper that location is an easy target for pickpockets. The year is easy to recall.
That wallet was Summer 1973 in my right front pocket during an eventful month long trip throughout the American Southwest when I was age 26.
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