Fox news in Ohio covers open carry of a firearm

[APatriot]

This link should provide for some interesting conversation.

Fox news in Ohio covers open carry of a firearm - Cleveland gun rights | Examiner.com

Once reviewed, it would be interesting to discuss the primary points. I wonder if this thread will stay on point, or be inundated with nonsense.

 

[majormadmax]

OK, once again we are seeing some bias in the reporting; but I'll just point out one example of it, that being the so-called poll that they mentioned.

The insinuate that 92.7% of the respondents are in favor of open carry; but if you look at the question (below), you realize what is being asked is that "the law allows this, so should it be allowed?"

Under the "Open Carry Law" in Ohio, law-abiding citizen are able to carry a loaded gun in public as long as it is not concealed.

Should you be allowed to carry a holstered gun in public?

• Absolutely
• Not Really Sure
• No Way

Sorry, but that's far from the same question.

Anyhow, the article does make some good points to ponder for those of us in a state that may (emphasis on 'may') allow open carry one day. For one, if a law is passed here allowing it, there will most certainly be a "period of adjustment" and even in a state where open carry has been allowed for a long time, there are still issues in doing so.

Secondly, it shows how where activity that normally does not draw attention or suspicion can very well do so if the person is armed. Let's face the facts, the general public is nervous around openly displayed firearms; and no matter what a person's individual rights may be, if someone is concerned by the actions of an armed individual in public, they will call the police.

Thirdly, you can't expect the police to be on your side in such a situation. Much like we've learned in other threads, they only have one side of the story and it's not favorable to the armed individual. Where we might think such actions as looking around an establishment aren't suspicious, when armed and witnessed by others it could be construed as "casing the place." As wrong as that may be, as we all know perceptions are reality, so while it's all well and good that the reporter states "personal bias against armed citizens can't dictate your actions" the truth of the matter is that it can. Law enforcement does not know what the armed individual is doing, or why someone called them because of their actions; so automatically expecting the police to side with you because it is the law will only lead to a rude awakening when that doesn't immediately happen.

That's only some of the things that must be considered when pursuing an open carry law. I am sure it will be more easily and readily accepted in some places, but in others I am sure it will be a huge pain. Honestly, if it were allowed I don't think I would go walking around downtown Austin openly carrying, but I might in Bandera. It's just some realities that must be taken into account when advocating changes that will radically affect society as a whole.

Cheers! M2

 

[MR Redneck]

The video didnt show me any reason why the Cops should "claim" he was Test The Law! What law could you possibly be testing if your conducting yourself in a legal manner?
My thoughts are, I dont think LE likes the idea of citizens carrying weapon and thats why we often see this sort of thing in the media.
This was a good experiance for both parties though. Everyone seemed to have acted with some decency and there were no post issues.

 

[APatriot]

Secondly, it shows how where activity that normally does not draw attention or suspicion can very well do so if the person is armed. Let's face the facts, the general public is nervous around openly displayed firearms; and no matter what a person's individual rights may be, if someone is concerned by the actions of an armed individual in public, they will call the police.

Thirdly, you can't expect the police to be on your side in such a situation. Much like we've learned in other threads, they only have one side of the story and it's not favorable to the armed individual. Where we might think such actions as looking around an establishment aren't suspicious, when armed and witnessed by others it could be construed as "casing the place." As wrong as that may be, as we all know perceptions are reality, so while it's all well and good that the reporter states "personal bias against armed citizens can't dictate your actions" the truth of the matter is that it can. Law enforcement does not know what the armed individual is doing, or why someone called them because of their actions; so automatically expecting the police to side with you because it is the law will only lead to a rude awakening when that doesn't immediately happen.

Cheers! M2

Excellent post. I would say your 2nd and 3rd points are "on point" as to why I am not a "fan" of OC.

 

[Texan2]

My thoughts are, I dont think LE likes the idea of citizens carrying weapon and thats why we often see this sort of thing in the media.

Most every cop I know is pro gun. That would include concealed carry, and open carry (even if they wouldnt do it themselves off-duty). Granted most of those I know are in Texas.
What makes you think LE would be against citizens being armed?

 

[APatriot]

The video didnt show me any reason why the Cops should "claim" he was Test The Law! What law could you possibly be testing if your conducting yourself in a legal manner?
My thoughts are, I dont think LE likes the idea of citizens carrying weapon and thats why we often see this sort of thing in the media.
This was a good experiance for both parties though. Everyone seemed to have acted with some decency and there were no post issues.

I will agree with texascop2 here. In Texas, there is what is referred to as the 1%ers = those LE who do not like CC. Although allow me to add, the knowledge of CC laws by LE is "less than satisfactory". I have had to "politely" educate a few on several occasions in the past.

 

[Bithabus]

What makes you think LE would be against citizens being armed?

In many States the Police are generally against armed citizenry. Texas is different.

 

[APatriot]

In many States the Police are generally against armed citizenry. Texas is different.

I would say that bias is restricted geographically, using the political benchmark of whether such state is predominantly "red" or "blue".

 

[Bithabus]

I would say that bias is restricted geographically, using the political benchmark of whether such state is predominantly "red" or "blue".

That is consistent with my experience. I grew up in NY...

 

[Texan2]

That is consistent with my experience. I grew up in NY...

I grew up in the south... more gun culture, hunting down south. Guns are just generally accepted I suppose.

 

[proforguns]

Do you think its fair for LE to push local businesses post signs to ban weapons?Some people would think it might be a hint that they would be served better if they did what LE tells them.That to me seems like LE is "TESTING" the law.

 

[MR Redneck]

Do you think its fair for LE to push local businesses post signs to ban weapons?Some people would think it might be a hint that they would be served better if they did what LE tells them.That to me seems like LE is "TESTING" the law.

Makes since.

 

[APatriot]

Do you think its fair for LE to push local businesses post signs to ban weapons?Some people would think it might be a hint that they would be served better if they did what LE tells them.That to me seems like LE is "TESTING" the law.

Post signs to ban weapons? What support do you have of that happening? Where do you live? Several years ago I was taking my son to an AMC theater, and there were "No Weapons Allowed" signs. Just for my own edification, I asked this Constable about the signs, and his response was: That's right. You can't carry guns in public.

I just walked away I am not sure very many LE types understand the CC laws is my point, so what advice could they be giving businesses? Maybe to post "No Guns Allowed"....

 

[MR Redneck]

I will agree with texascop2 here. In Texas, there is what is referred to as the 1%ers = those LE who do not like CC. Although allow me to add, the knowledge of CC laws by LE is "less than satisfactory". I have had to "politely" educate a few on several occasions in the past.

Sounds good to me. If its true i'll be happy and have no comment. The cops I know have mixed emotions about citizens with guns. Most of them prefer open carry. Some of them dont care one way or the other. I even know of some that have natzi opinions, " they wont be cops long". Their young and from what I have seen they end up with other career's .
Here in Midland Texas, a friend of mine has a public event place that i attend often. Most of the time you'll see me at his place with a 45 hangin out of my pocket. I simply help him with equipment for the place, things like that. He would hire Midland off duty cops to work security but they never did anything. They kinda started telling the man how he was going to do things but he didnt listen. One day while we were out there getting the place ready, one of the city cops showed up talking about something. The old man was kinda getting frustraded so I walked over there to hear what was going on. With the 45 hanging out of my pocket, the cop asked if I had a CHL. NOPE! Then here we go with this I can arrest you crap!
At that time the old man went in the door and came back out with his posted liquor license. I started laughing. The cop didnt even know why I was laughin as I asked him the go study the Texas penal code. When he was leaving I told him I charge of the equipment out there and he still didnt know what I was talking about.
I dont know if that was anti-gun or just not knowing what your talking about. Either way it gets old and im just sick and tired of it.

 

[MR Redneck]

Post signs to ban weapons? What support do you have of that happening? Where do you live? Several years ago I was taking my son to an AMC theater, and there were "No Weapons Allowed" signs. Just for my own edification, I asked this Constable about the signs, and his response was: That's right. You can't carry guns in public.

I just walked away I am not sure very many LE types understand the CC laws is my point, so what advice could they be giving businesses? Maybe to post "No Guns Allowed"....

He was talking about the video where the chief told the reporter lady they were contacting local businesses to inform them of signs and such.

 

[APatriot]

Test question for our LE personnel on site: At "Clicks" near Hollister and Pinemont, they have a sign outside which says: "The licensed or unlicensed carry of firearms on the premises is illegal". Does this sign apply to CHL holders?

 

[APatriot]

He was talking about the video where the chief told the reporter lady they were contacting local businesses to inform them of signs and such.

Sorry. I didn't connect those dots.

 

[Texan2]

Test question for our LE personnel on site: At "Clicks" near Hollister and Pinemont, they have a sign outside which says: "The licensed or unlicensed carry of firearms on the premises is illegal". Does this sign apply to CHL holders?

This constant attitude of trying to proves cops wrong, make them look foolish and bash LE has grown stale....

 

[Charlie]

I know many of the law enforcement community in my county and worked closly with when I worked with the local school districts. I can't say I ever found one anything but polite, helpful, and when we weren't discussing an individual or a case, we usually talked about hunting and guns. That's not to say there aren't some jerks with attitudes out there 'cause as we all know there's always a few..........in any vocation! And of course, this is Texas, and it's small town Texas where I live. Why don't we bash lawyers for a while, or teachers, or retail clerks, or construction workers, etc. I know what Mr. Redneck is saying and to an extent, it's true but those types of experiences have not be prevalent in my life. It just seems about every other thread regardless of subject goes down hill fast into a "........cops are all jerks or cops can do no wrong......". I hope I don't offend anyone but........geesh it's gettin' old! Just my two bits worth.

 

[Texan2]

Cops do things wrong just like anything else. The degredation you speak of on these threads seems to stem from some guy just doing his job, and not violating anyones rights I would estimate that most here that are always bashing LE are actually frustrated with the law and that disdain should be directed at the legislature.

But the regular guy who is enforcing the law on the books always seems to catch the brunt of it.

Do cops make mistakes? Yes.
Are there cops who should be in another profession due to their bad attitude. For sure.
Are most cops anti gun nazis who are out there to violate your rights and make your life diffifcult? Not even close.