re: which OBer open carrying in walmart scaried a customer

quote:

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so the real problem is creating public fear. There is a clear line between public fear and public panic. Yelling "FIRE" repeatedly in a crowded building will create public panic. This is an example of an intentioned action with a predictable result and thus is illegal. Intentionally open carrying and drawing attention to your firearm and yourself in an effort to create concern is intended to create a reaction and id foolhardy at best and illegal if the weapon is brandished. However, going about your day and open carrying for those of us that carry every day, is an action with no intent of causing public panic. True it may create some public fear for some members of the public. But we have strived in this country to move away from governing against illogically feared persons and objects. I could easily say that a group of young black men wearing all red and black clothing with gang tats on their arms and necks, or a group of young Hispanics with clear gang tats and corresponding apparel, or a couple of skinny un-kept nervous mid 30 yr old whites with bad acne and black teeth and swastika tats, all create more logical fear than the illogical fear created by an open carried firearm. Do we make these people conceal who they are? Do we make laws against their appearance? Do we do these things just because it scares some of the general public? Of course not. That would be discrimination, bigotry, and possibly racism.

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You're missing my point.

I think Roger has hit the nail on the head.

I'm not against open carrying, I am against unreasonable open carrying because I fear it could lead to restrictions on carrying. You can make all of the most rational arguments you can think of, but when it comes down to public perception influencing the courts, reason and logic can take a back seat.

It's up to gun owners to police themselves, because if they don't, the State will police them.