intimidation. As they have discovered, it works fairly well, but has limits they have not discovered yet. At some point, their firearms are going to have a different effect - confrontation by the people they seek to intimidate. That is the point at which those firearms are most likely to be used. That is the tipping point.
Most good-hearted, progressive people who come to such public demonstrations have no intentions of violence. It never really crosses their minds, and they often assume that the armed people they encounter also do not want violence. Sadly, however, they are wrong. Some of those armed individuals on the right actually do want to be violent, and are looking for an excuse that justifies a violent reaction. Some of those armed people are not completely right in the head, as well. Perhaps even most of them.
Just above is a video of one such person, who repeatedly takes his semi-automatic pistol out of its holster and threatens others with it. He doesn't fire it, but it is a very short step to taking that action. At some point, some unbalanced, angry, fearful, or unhinged person with a firearm will fire it at people. When that happens, other armed people will almost certainly ready their arms. It is a disaster waiting to happen.
In too many places in this country, open carry has become a norm at events like these. I expect a tragedy is just waiting to happen, and it will at some point.
What's the answer? Well, laws that prohibit carrying firearms at public demonstrations like this would be a good start. But, that's not likely to happen in places where such laws are not already in place. So, if you're at one of these events, identify locations where people are actively carrying and be aware that nearby areas are potentially very dangerous. Participate, but avoid putting yourself in the line of potential fire. Know the risks and behave accordingly.
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