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open carry almost gone bad in lincoln

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BV:
Well I just got back from doing a little grocery shopping in Lincoln, during which I was open carrying. I do have a CHP and usually conceal, but sometimes if I'm not going to be out long I'll open carry. It's rare for me, but it does happen. Anyway, as I'm checking out I overhear a conversation between another customer and the clerk in the next lane over. They're using phrases like "crisis averted", but talking fairly quietly. I grab my bags and start to leave when the customer from the next lane gets my attention and tells me that "you should wear something (while motioning in the area of his left breast, in the general location LEOs wear their badge) that says its ok for you to have that.(pointing at my pistol)" and "I almost tackled you on the way in." I politely informed him, as well as both cashiers since they were watching intently, that Nebraska is an open carry state and explained to them what that meant. I also informed him, as politely as I could, that tackling me for simply trying to go grocery shopping could quite likely end up with him being arrested for assault. His reply to that was "and thats the sad thing". At that point I reiterated that what I was doing was perfectly legal and then continued on my way.
I'm posting this because I've seen in some of the older threads where people have asked for any negative stories regarding open carry. But I'm also posting because I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions for what I can do to help raise people's awareness of the law. I'm certainly not looking to try to provoke a situation just to provide an oppurtunity to talk to people. Had this man actually tackled me on my way into the store, all I would have know was that I was being attacked. That alone is a dangerous enough situation, but if he'd attempted to disarm me, the situation likely would have turned lethal as all I would know was that a large man was attacking me and trying to take my pistol. All because a well intentioned but very misguided citizen thought he was doing the right thing. This is an extreme example, but a good reminder of why I usually conceal in this state.
Bottom line, I'm looking for something I can get involved with that helps educate the public about the law without turning into a youtube spectacle.

lneuke:
It's sad that open carry is frowned upon and incites reactions such as this from the general public.  It really would be great if open carrying would be acceptable in a public place, however, we do not live in such a world.  Open carrying in public is one heck of a way to NOT gain any support for gun rights, all it does is hurt our cause through creating additional fear.  In our anti-gun society, it is not a good idea to be showing off our rights in the faces of gun-hating voters (especially when you have a CHP already). 

I know this video is a little long (14 min) but you should definitely watch.





As far as creating awareness, first I would think we would need to raise acceptance of firearms in general.  When people see that guns aren't "evil" and are merely tools wielded by humans, then they may find open carry acceptable.

Mikee Loxxer:
"I'm certainly not looking to try to provoke a situation just to provide an oppurtunity to talk to people."

However you did just that and as you pointed it out could have been tragic (a very needless tragedy). Why weren't you carrying concealed? I don't see how the duration of your trip has any bearing on your method of carry.

dcjulie:

--- Quote from: BV on July 23, 2012, 07:19:32 PM --- But I'm also posting because I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions for what I can do to help raise people's awareness of the law. I'm certainly not looking to try to provoke a situation just to provide an oppurtunity to talk to people. Had this man actually tackled me on my way into the store, all I would have know was that I was being attacked. That alone is a dangerous enough situation, but if he'd attempted to disarm me, the situation likely would have turned lethal as all I would know was that a large man was attacking me and trying to take my pistol. All because a well intentioned but very misguided citizen thought he was doing the right thing. This is an extreme example, but a good reminder of why I usually conceal in this state.
Bottom line, I'm looking for something I can get involved with that helps educate the public about the law without turning into a youtube spectacle.

--- End quote ---

Well, here at the NFOA, we have just the thing for you ... :)

Seriously, if you want to get involved, simply speak up.  The board of directors meet online at the beginning of every month, and we are looking for people willing to step up and help out.  If you are interested in being more active, please let us know (you can send me a PM if you want).  I can bring it to the BOD this next meeting and we can get you involved.  We have new elections coming up soon, so if you want on the board, let us know that, too. :)

Otherwise, hang in there.  People are stupid and react emotionally to many things.  I'm glad that you didn't get injured, and that you did not have to defend yourself against assault.  I'm actually somewhat surprised that the guy did say something to you, as I've seen people turn their heads and walk away - not wanting to get involved.  Hopefully, you gave this guy something constructive to think about.

Dan W:
All I can say is your timing is very poor considering recent events

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