VIA FACEBOOK: IN RESPONSE TO DAVE PERRY’S NOV. 5 COLUMN: PERRY: Open season on open-carry critics proves how crazy some Colorado gun nuts really are
EDITOR: I have to say that when I first saw a guy open-carrying in the Southlands Walmart, I was surprised. I notified the manager who informed me that open-carry was allowed here (I had only been here a few months in September 2011).
Coming from the Bronx, NY by way of 32 years in Texas, guns don’t bother me, but for some reason open-carry does. As an NRA Endowment Life Member for many years and a concealed carry license holder (formally in Texas and now in Colorado) something tells me that it shouldn’t but it does. I think it is the internal voice that says “unless you’re a police officer or armed security guard in uniform, it isn’t necessary to display a firearm unless you’re going to use it.”
And therein lies my dilemma. I was trained by NRA master firearms instructors and responsible gun owners not to display my firearm or point it at anyone unless I am prepared to use it. I believe that is the responsible position to hold in a pluralistic society. I don’t want to alarm anyone with the visible display of my gun. A firearm can be extremely intimidating to someone who isn’t comfortable around them or used to seeing them.
I’m not sure how I would vote on a bill like you propose, but I’m certainly on your side that we need to have that debate because I don’t believe, like many of my fellow NRA members, that not displaying our firearms in public, open carrying, would be too much of an infringement on our ownership rights. I don’t display anyway and most others don’t either.
Matt Snider , Aurora, is a 2016 Democratic candidate for House District 56
A Democrat for more gun control, shocker!
Have a debate? Mr. Snyder, if you’re going to be a statesman you to need to pick a position and argue it clearly. This isn’t some super complex issue like a trade pact.
Personally I don’t believe in open carry because it causes confusion and wastes limited police resources when they have to conduct a stop to ascertain whether or not the person is a felon, crazy nut job (review the news before replying with some inane argument), or just a gun rights activist. From a tactical standpoint a person is also way better off going with concealed carry.
Michael Moore is an NRA life member as well. You are in good company. Didn’t the NRA support the 1934 and 1968 gun control laws? I would like meet a politician who actually supports the US constitution and will work to abolish ALL federal gun laws, which are ALL unconstitutional.
“I’m certainly on your side that we need to have that debate because I don’t believe, like many of my fellow NRA members, that not displaying our firearms in public, open carrying, would be too much of an infringement on our ownership rights. ”
I thought there was not suppose to be any infringement of our gun rights. Are you sure you are qualified for office?
“The right of no person to keep and bear arms in defense of his home, person and property, or in aid of the civil power when thereto legally summoned, shall be called in question”
I appreciate Mr Snider’s common sense interpretation of modern gun laws. As a voter I always take extra notice when someone takes the time to unpack some of the complexities of these issues. As Mr. Snider points out, “a firearm can be extremely intimidating to someone who isn’t comfortable around them…” Was it common 300 years ago to openly carry firearms? Yes. Have times changed? Yes. If you feel your rights are being violently infringed upon by concealing your weapon, perhaps it’s time to rethink if city living is the right environment for you
Let’s abolish the sneaky, Unamerican concealed carry.
Let’s make open carry the only legal option.
Be proud and let freedom ring!
Do it fr the children.