General Categories > Carry Issues
open carry almost gone bad in lincoln
D.A.D.:
After reading this string, I thought I would make a short, less-than-all-encompassing comment. I have both open and conceal carried without benefit of a CHP when I felt it was necessary thus reaping the benefits and hazards of Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-1202(1)(b). At this time I hold the opinion that I am (as others might be) wrestling with two issues rather than one.
I have ramped up my progress on obtaining a CHP, but have hit a wall due to a policy of my employer stating that employees cannot have firearms in their vehicles on company property. If I do not have a CHP, I only violate company policy by choosing to possess a firearm in my vehicle for protection while travelling to and from work. It is a risk and it has its consequences. If I obey the policy, my guns are largely relegated to be well-preserved treasures for my kids and grandkids to sell or keep and enjoy my investments. Not all bad, but I bought the things to use not to just store.
If I get a CHP, I not only violate company policy, but I can earn myself a Misdemeanor charge and revocation of my CHP which would further justify the belief of some that gun owners/carriers are shady people. Darned if I do and darned if I don't.
The fears of hardline concealed carry folks are justified in many instances because they don't want people to know they are armed, and they have permission to do so. It is not a direct constitutional right, they have only received permission from the State to do so under a separate set of laws. It is a permission that can be revoked as easily as it has been granted, and if it is revoked then they are "only" left with the rights recognized under the Constitution. Which brings us back full circle to the subject of standing up for our rights.
In the fears of the hardline concealed carry camp lies the smell of what Thomas Paine addressed in his pamphlet "Common Sense" in which he successfully argued against the fears of those who sought compromise and conciliation with the British while they enjoyed some liberties that were practiced substantially in secret. After all, they didn't want to lose those secret liberties and make the King angry, and declaring full independence sounded too messy and dangerous.
But on the other hand, I don't have the energy to refight the Revolutionary War every day which makes me a lazy sort of patriot. Nothing to be proud of, I would fight if I had to, but some days I just want to go to work, go home, eat supper, and give God thanks for the blessings afforded me by His grace and those who laid down their lives so I would have the opportunity to do just that.
I am angling toward getting involved with more public education and awareness of the right to keep and bear arms whether open or concealed. I think that is the real issue. We need to lose the adjectives "open" and "concealed". But the population is and has been poorly informed of the 2nd Amendment rights, and, for whatever reason, that is a very unfortunate state of affairs. For now, most of my "educational" efforts have centered around my immediate circle of family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. My initial interest in hunting and firearms has had a positive educational impact on three children (one is a Marine), one wife (that should be enough for anybody), and is progressively being passed on to several grandchildren. I have encouraged many to take up hunting and shooting sports, and have done more than my share to support the firearms and ammunition manufacturing industries.
It helps me at this time to keep the two issues separate and in perspective. Of top priority is the protection of the life and well-being of me and my own. When I can, I will do what I can to help educate and promote liberty in any way I can. As I gain knowledge (now that is power!), I will willingly share it with anyone who will listen. But I have learned that it isn't appropriate to try to bring an instantaneous, mature understanding into the mind of a fearful, anti-gun citizen in a public setting anymore than you than it is to teach the details of human sexuality to a pre-schooler. But you can create the opportunity for them to witness the birth of kittens or puppies which sets their minds in motion.
I have eaten several cattle in my lifetime, but never all in one setting. Slow and steady wins the race. But you do have to get into the race to compete and win.
P.S. - As for the well-qualified gentlemen in the video, I found it interesting that they chose a hidey-hole near a man-made lagoon for their back drop. Smell the fear?
AAllen:
D.A.D good comment, I especailly liked the end. Slow and steady is needed not only in dealing with the anti gun or just not informed but also with legislation.
--- Quote from: D.A.D. on August 04, 2012, 02:23:36 PM ---If I get a CHP, I not only violate company policy, but I can earn myself a Misdemeanor charge and revocation of my CHP which would further justify the belief of some that gun owners/carriers are shady people. Darned if I do and darned if I don't.
--- End quote ---
I'm trying to understand how having a gun in your vehicle would be a misdemeanor, I understand the violation of company policy which could carry punishment including being fired, but there policy does not make having the firearm in your vehicle (secured) a violation of the law. In fact there are protections in the law for those with CCW to keep their firearm in their vehicle (which unfortunately does not apply to employment policies).
The good news is that it sounds like it will be a priority for the NRA, and the NFOA will be involved as well as some others that we are working with, to give parking lot protections in the next legislative session.
D.A.D.:
--- Quote from: AAllen on August 04, 2012, 02:49:12 PM ---I'm trying to understand how having a gun in your vehicle would be a misdemeanor, I understand the violation of company policy which could carry punishment including being fired, but there policy does not make having the firearm in your vehicle (secured) a violation of the law. In fact there are protections in the law for those with CCW to keep their firearm in their vehicle (which unfortunately does not apply to employment policies).
--- End quote ---
Thanks for the comments, Andy. It would become a legal issue because the company would do like they just did last week and contacted the police regarding an employee who had a long gun locked in his car, but fully in view. Another employee reported it to management and they called LPD. The company I work for has so far made a strong stand against firearms on company property. They are ignorant in some specifics of the law (and I am content to let them remain that way so it doesn't make it worse), but if I had a CHP and another employee noticed me locking it up in my glovebox in my locked vehicle and it was reported to LPD, then I would be in violation of Neb. Rev. Stat. 69-2441(2) if the parking lot was posted and employees notified.
Check with Chris Z. about an email I sent to him today on this matter. Have him forward you the attachment, too.
Doug
Dan W:
--- Quote ---If I get a CHP, I not only violate company policy, but I can earn myself a Misdemeanor charge and revocation of my CHP which would further justify the belief of some that gun owners/carriers are shady people. Darned if I do and darned if I don't.
--- End quote ---
D.A.D. While I find that educating the public is an admirable trait, it is imperative that you not give out the false impression that keeping a firearm in your vehicle on work property is a crime, because it is not, regardless of your employers policies.
I also take exception to your use of the word "hardline" when describing CHP devotees that do actually know the laws
D.A.D.:
Dan, please see my freshly posted response to Andy. Would I not be violating Neb. Rev. Stat. 69-2441(2)?
By "hardline" I mean those who will accept no other means of carrying other than concealed carry. This seems to demonstrate a refusal to accept any circumstance under which open carry may have an advantage.
Respectfully,
Doug
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