OK, it's time for a poll about CC vs. OC

[Starboard Tack]

Last edited Wed Sep 25, 2013, 06:13 PM - Edit history (2)

Some of you may be aware of my views on firearms, as well as some recent interaction with a few of our Gungeoneer friends. Well one of them suggested I post a poll here, regarding Open Carry vs. Concealed Carry.

First of all, let us not get into the debate about carrying as a constitutional right. I think we all recognize how ridiculous that notion is. However, given the reality of the current situation and a right leaning SCOTUS, it would be interesting to see how people who care more about public safety than individual rights, might think.

Personally, I deplore the practice of CC. I prefer to know what I'm dealing with. As abhorrent as OC may be, at least one has the option to stay, leave or avoid. I like to conduct my own risk assessment.

These posts from Hockey Mom and myself sum up my thinking on the subject
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1172&pid=132375
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1172&pid=132380

6 votes, 2 passes | Time left: Unlimited
	Let each state decide whether CC or OC, or both, is legal.
	4 (67%)
	Prohibit OC, but allow CC, if no option exists to prohibit both
	0 (0%)
	Prohibit CC, but allow OC, if no option exists to prohibit both
	0 (0%)
	Let individuals decide for themselves whether and how to carry with no restrictions.
	2 (33%)
	0 (0%)
	0 (0%)
	2 DU members did not wish to select any of the options provided.
Show usernames Disclaimer: This is an Internet poll

[denverbill]

1. I wanted to prohibit both OC and CC without a permit but that wasn't an option.

Also, I would allow OC when the gunowner is part of a 'well regulated militia', although AFAIK no militia has been called into service since the 1800's.

[Hoyt]

3. Me too. Carrying guns in public, particularly cities, parks, etc., is just wrong.

[Starboard Tack]

14. I agree, but that isn't what the poll is about.

Wouldn't you rather know when they are carrying, rather than wondering who might be?

[CTyankee]

6. I agree with you and I resent the fact that our option is not included.

Therefore, I refuse to participate in this.

[Starboard Tack]

15. Which option is not included?

[CTyankee]

18. I don't like either one. I feel it is a false option for those of us who are not in agreement with

the RKBA folks.

[Starboard Tack]

21. Neither do I, but we live in a reality where both exist right now.

The poll is not about an ideal world, but rather chipping away at the evil which is being perpetrated on the American people by gun manufacturers and the NRA. By choosing the lesser evil, we show our disdain for their machinations and politicians may start listening.
Only a small percentage of gun owners carry, but that number grows daily as more and more carry concealed and will continue to grow until we stand together and yell loud enough.
I say, let them carry openly, as long as it is legal and common sense tells me that won't be very long if they insist on carrying after CC without a permit is banned on a federal level.

[CTyankee]

23. No, that is a ploy to get folks used to seeing people walking around with guns and accepting it.

I don't buy what you are telling us.

[Starboard Tack]

24. You've gotta be kidding. I give up

Damned if you do, damned if you don't.
Are you trying to tell me that people in Florida would be comfortable if every CCW holder started walking around open carry? That's about 2.5 million gun toters.

I lived in Florida for 4 years when it was legal to open carry there. In all that time I saw ONE person carrying and the looks this idiot got were only matched by the distance people put between him and them.

Jeez, I've seen OC people backed away from in Nebraska and Nevada, where there are no restrictions on OC.

This issue needs to be federalized. No CC anywhere without a federal permit.

[Starboard Tack]

11. I think most of us would like to see both prohibited, but that is not the point of this poll

Please choose between the lesser of 2 evils. We are not going to turn the country around overnight on 2A, but we can still be heard.

[CTyankee]

19. No to the "lesser of two evils." Sorry, no dice.

[CTyankee]

20. forget about it. You don't get to tell us what we choose.

We know who you are, so please don't try so hard to be "reasonable." Give it up. We know you..

[Starboard Tack]

30. WTF. In my poll I get to determine the choices.

Who the hell do you think I am? And who is "we"?
What is your problem with me exactly?

[CTyankee]

33. I think I have been pretty clear.

You need to accept it and move on.

[upaloopa]

2. I don't want to be around anyone carrying a gun.

I can't have my way right now but if the pressure is kept up I feel some day it will go back the way it was most of my 67 years on earth.
Because we have right wing jurists and state politicians and the likes of ALEC all sanity has gone out of the debate.
I don't believe I am in the minority.

[truebluegreen]

4. + a zillion

[safeinOhio]

5. Good reason to get a

Democrat elected again as POUS to have a different mix on the SC.

[BainsBane]

8. Like someone who can read the constitution without the gun lobby

whispering in their ears.

[upaloopa]

9. agreed

[Starboard Tack]

16. I agree 100%. So, please vote.

If we show them that carrying concealed weapons is unacceptable, then the few who still insist on carrying openly will quickly find themselves ostracized and laws will hopefully be changed and SCOTUS will re-examine the true desire of the founders.

[BainsBane]

7. Why can't we prohibit both

except it special circumstances? I know it's not realistic, but if we're voting our druthers, that's mine.

[Starboard Tack]

28. Because that would be a different poll.

If you invited me and others to play poker, I would accept or decline your invitation, but not suggest we all play pool.
Feel free to post your own poll.

[BainsBane]

31. Then why PM me, asked me to look at the poll again

only to tell me off for a post from much earlier today?

[SheilaT]

10. I'm thinking we shouldn't disappoint those who are convinced

that a lot of people are planning to confiscate their guns.

In any case, while gun ownership is still legal, I don't think people should be carrying guns in public, period.

[billh58]

12. Carrying a gun

in public, whether it is visible or not, is anti-social behavior and should be treated just like smoking in public. It may be your "right," but it is obnoxious and poses a serious health threat.

[mike_c]

13. hmm, I originally voted for "Prohibit CC unless with a federal permit."

That remains my position, so I've deleted my vote since that option was changed. Thanks to the OP, by the way, for PM'ing me that the option had been changed and my vote might no longer reflect my opinion.

[Starboard Tack]

17. Thanks Mike

I should've left the federal permit in there, but I don't want to edit again and start pissing people off. So, maybe I'll rework the poll and post in GD to see how the "masses" feel about this. I think it is the biggest issue right now. Gun ownership is here to stay, it seems, but this insanity of carrying guns around can be stopped if we can come together and agree that CC is stoppable. But as long as each state has the power to allow it, then we're screwed. This should be a federal issue.

[gopiscrap]

22. Ban all guns was my vote

[Starboard Tack]

29. Good luck with that.

The poll is meant for those of us who are interested in discussion, compromise and progress. Not for extremists who like to derail other members posts.

[BainsBane]

25. What's going on with the second to last option?

[orpupilofnature57]

26. None of the above .

[rdharma]

27. Open carry in public is for jackasses!

I vote call the cops when some creep shows up with a gun in an inappropriate location. Let the cops sort out the "legality".

[Starboard Tack]

36. Very true and CC in public, without a damned good reason, is for sneaky jackasses

[Rochester]

32. CC should be legal, OC should be illegal

Carrying a gun openly is too close to using it to intimidate others or to "make a statement", even if that is not one's intention. Powerful weapons should not be used thus. By all means, carry it "just in case", but keep it out of sight unless/until it is needed.

[jimmy the one]

34. precluding national reciprocity ccw

choices: Let each state decide whether CC or OC, or both, is legal.
Prohibit OC, but allow CC, if no option exists to prohibit both
Prohibit CC, but allow OC, if no option exists to prohibit both

stbd: I deplore the practice of CC. I prefer to know what I'm dealing with. As abhorrent as OC may be, at least one has the option to stay, leave or avoid.

I don't care for either OC or CC, prefer may issue per demonstrated need, but I see your point of view & it makes sense to a degree even tho it simultaneously would create elevated stress in places with a gunnut wearing his gun. Just the thought of maybe 5% of people walking about with a gun showing is a bit distressing. I see it enough at hunting season as I live rural, what with rifles but that's a different even understandable special case which doesn't bother near as much as in town would.
.. I chose 'let each state decide' since neither the other two choices appealed. As well, by letting each state decide on it's own would preclude a 'national reciprocity ccw law', where every state would need accept a ccw permit from out of state visitors. Thus the sanctity of may issue states would remain intact.
.. And if red states want to enable carrying concealed on demand that's their problem, at least it preserves the right of some states not to (states which comprise near 30% of population of US).
.. I also think 'may issue' (whether open carry or concealed) should have been included as a choice, whereas I would've picked that. I guess may issue 'open carry' is somewhat oxymoronic tho, except in rural areas.

PS to Robb, no problem with locking 'heads up'; I even thought it could be off topic, but meant it more as a 'hear ye hear ye' & it even works as one since no one was replying anyway, & readers can still read the message as locked.