Unnamed NRA Writer Pulls a Zumbo

Gun Watch ^ | 4 June,2014 | Dean Weingarten

[marktwain]

On May 30th, in a 1400+ word essay, an unnamed NRA-ILA writer ignited a firestorm against Second Amendment supporters in the opposition media.  In a few badly chosen words near the end of the essay, the unnamed staffer gave the opposition priceless ammunition to smear open carriers.    This should be a lesson to everyone to choose their words carefully.   I do not know if editorial control was exercised.   It is clear that the word choices were emotionally loaded and welcomed by those who desire a disarmed population.

In other words, the unnamed writer pulled a Zumbo.

Here are the offending sentences:

Let's not mince words, not only is it rare, it's downright weird and certainly not a practical way to go normally about your business while being prepared to defend yourself. To those who are not acquainted with the dubious practice of using public displays of firearms as a means to draw attention to oneself or one's cause, it can be downright scary.

The writer simply ignores the positive effect that the open carry demonstrations have had in Texas, where the open carry of modern handguns is effectively banned.   Because of the demonstrations, both governor candidates have pledged to support the open carry of handguns if elected.

It was only because of successful disinformation campaigns by those opposed to the Second Amendment that the restaurant chains issued their mild half-rebukes, while still refusing to ban open carry in their restaurants.  The NRA cites the Jack in the Box case, based on what amounts to a hoax.   The original story that those opposed to an armed citizenry published was that the restaurant workers were so scared that they locked themselves into the cooler/freezer.   Except it never happened.   I do not know about the Chipotle incident.   I was not there, nor have I read reports of the people who were there or have I seen video of it.   But Second Amendment opponents seldom have to worry about exaggeration or outright falsehoods.   Their old media allies cover for them.

The NRA-ILA writer then points a finger at open carriers, not realizing that three of his own fingers are pointing back at him:

 But when people act without thinking, or without consideration for others – especially when it comes to firearms – they set the stage for further restrictions on our rights. Firearm owners face enough challenges these days; we don't need to be victims of friendly fire.

Unfortunately, the writer did exactly what he preached against.   His words have become a classic case of "friendly fire" directed at one's own troops.  Using words such as "weird", "dubious", and "scary" to describe a political movement that has gained a multitude of grassroots supporters and seen significant success in Texas, is particularly unwise.   He could have warned about Second Amendment opponents predilection to exaggerate and use emotion.   Instead, he seems to buy into his opposition's disinformation campaign.

I suspect that the writer, unnamed, will escape the Zumbo label.   They ought to reflect on their near miss, and exercise better judgment in the future.

©2014 by Dean Weingarten: Permission to share is granted when this notice is included.
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Update: NRA says criticism of open carriers was a mistake:

Posting the criticism "was a mistake," he said. "It shouldn’t have happened. I’ve had a discussion with the staffer who wrote that piece and expressed his personal opinion. Our job is not to criticize the lawful behavior of fellow gun owners. Our job is to effectuate policy changes that expands and protects our members’ right to self-defense."

[ExSoldier]

We have met the enemy, and he is us.

As an aside, in general I am not a fan of open carry. Not that I think it shouldn’t be done at times and some places. Personally, in the manner of my self defense, I prefer concealed. I just as soon surprise “them”.

AMEN! Well said. I agree, but I may be "warming" to the idea of OC if it catches on. Especially for trips out of town. Just more comfy behind the wheel and easier to access in the event of an incident while behind the wheel like a carjacking in a strange city. When I went to the Sig Academy last summer, we trained exactly for that scenario in real vehicles both moving and static.

[ExSoldier]

Agreed! That's an awesome idea.

[pabianice]

>>The left is truly masterful at such infiltration and subversion. Hundreds of charities, foundations, and clubs have been taken over, and their original purpose discarded in favor of the leftist agenda.

Which is why most gun clubs have bylaws limiting the number of new members that will be accepted in any year.

[ExSoldier]

Which is why most gun clubs have bylaws limiting the number of new members that will be accepted in any year.

Not my IDPA CLUB! Of course they'd have to show up and fire a match first and so I doubt the anti gunners are going to force themselves to lay hands on the object of their fear and fury and even if they did, we'd know right away the situation and escort them away.

[ChildOfThe60s]

When I travel (not locally) I keep the gun out of the holster and easily accessible even with my seat belt on. Kentucky has an interesting (good) statute. For those (like my wife) besides legal open carry, even those without a CCDW can legally conceal a gun in their own car. The key is that the concealed location must be an original part of the car.

Another thought as regards the auto. When my daughter was in the SFPD Police Academy one of the cadets asked the instructor how could they get at their gun quickly with the seat belt on. He responded, you are driving a 3000 pound weapon. RV/Car Carry Without A Permit/License

527.020 Carrying Concealed Deadly Weapon.

(8) A loaded or unloaded firearm or other deadly weapon shall not be deemed concealed on or about the person if it is located in any enclosed container, compartment, or storage space [regularly] installed as original equipment in a motor vehicle by its manufacturer, including but not limited to a glove compartment, center console, or seat pocket, regardless of whether said enclosed container, storage space, or compartment is locked, unlocked, or does not have a locking mechanism. No person or organization, public or private, shall prohibit a person from keeping a loaded or unloaded firearm or ammunition, or both, or other deadly weapon in a vehicle in accordance with the provisions of this subsection. Any attempt by a person or organization, public or private, to violate the provisions of this subsection may be the subject of an action for appropriate relief or for damages in a Circuit Court or District Court of competent jurisdiction. This subsection shall not apply to any person prohibited from possessing a firearm pursuant to KRS 527.040.

[basil]

I agree with you. I prefer to make my own choices.

The 2AS says what the 2A says—nothing more and nothing less

[Petruchio]

As an aside, in general I am not a fan of open carry. Not that I think it shouldn’t be done at times and some places. Personally, in the manner of my self defense, I prefer concealed. I just as soon surprise “them”.

I agree.

I prefer concealed carry, however -if- my shirt tail rises or another "clothing malfunction" happens exposing my sidearm . . . I don't want it to be the cause of my being busted.

[Hugin]

the proper response for those restaurants should be to provide gun racks for their patrons' long guns.

Awesome idea? I think it's stupid. What good is a gun for self defense if it's sitting in a rack on the other side of the restaurant? And what's to stop any random nut from picking one up and using it? You are responsible for your firearm, and you can't control it if it's sitting on a rack. Are you carrying for self defense, or just to make an "in your face" point? If it's the former, putting it on a rack negates the purpose. If it's for the latter it's very likely to backfire in terms of public opinion. Even people who support self defense are going to get nervous if a bunch of guys with AR15s stroll into the place.

[marktwain]

“Even people who support self defense are going to get nervous if a bunch of guys with AR15s stroll into the place.”

I think you are projecting. Much depends on specifics.

It the people with AR15 “stroll in the the place” as part of a clearly political act, as a way to exercise their Constituitonal rights, I do not see most people seeing it as a problem.

If they carry the AR15s slung, never pointing them at anyone, and are acting jovially, they are not a threat.

Now, if they carry the weapons at the ready, as the Black Panthers did 50 years ago at the California legislature, and act in a threatening manor, as they did, and are careless with how they point their muzzles, as the Panthers did, yes, then people are likely to be nervous.

[ExSoldier]

In the state of Arizona (I'm told by a buddy who moved there) if an establishment forbids the OC of handguns, they are required by law to provide lockers to store the weapon. A lot of movie theaters do this, it seems. When my friend moved to his new town, he showed up in open carry and was forbidden entrance to the movies. He whipped out a copy of the law and demanded his locker. The manage looked over at the old, broken down wall lockers and said: "So that's what those are for! All these years, nobody knew!" They had to refurbish a few of the lockers just for my buddy and his movie going friends!

What I had in mind was a small rack next to each table for the M4's or say a .30-30 lever action carbine to keep them from dropping over if simply leaned along the table's edge. Why bring it inside? Why leave it in a pickup truck rack as a tempting target to thieves?

Go to any beach in Israel. You'll find very attractive young ladies playing beach volleyball with their M4's resting under guard nearby. Look in the grocery stores there and you'll see the same thing as reservists shop. Or even as private citizens shop. That's why Israel has a very low crime rate and an even lower Jihadi attack rate using armed terrorists. They go the cowardly IED route.

Back in the 1970s, a favorite target for terrorists were the Israeli schools. That stopped the very instant educators were issued Uzi's. So where did they store them while teaching? My guess would be racks somewhere inside each classroom. That's the way it ought to be here!

[Hugin]

“Even people who support self defense are going to get nervous if a bunch of guys with AR15s stroll into the place.”

I think you are projecting. Much depends on specifics.

It the people with AR15 “stroll in the the place” as part of a clearly political act, as a way to exercise their Constituitonal rights, I do not see most people seeing it as a problem.

I probably should have said "some people", but my guess is a lot would. Maybe some wouldn't, but I know some would. Anyway how do you communicate ahead of time to everyone there that it's "part of a clearly political act, as a way to exercise their Constitutional rights"? Walk in and say don't worry, nobody's going to get hurt? Pass out flyers? I agree it's pretty stupid if Texas law allows you to carry long guns loaded in public but not holstered handguns, so I see the point, and if it worked to bring attention to it in Texas that's good. But in a lot of places the result would be public support to have legislatures outlaw carrying long guns too.

One more thing. Comparing this statement to Zumbo's is mixing apples and oranges. Zumbo stated he didn't care if the government outlawed "assault weapons" because nobody needs one. That's fundamentally different than thinking a particular tactic will backfire and hurt the fight against the hoplophobes.

[marktwain]

“We had some activists “pushing the boundaries” with open carry in California a few years back. The net result is that open carry got banned there in 2012.”

If California had not banned open carry in 2012, we would not have got the Peruta decision in the Ninth Circuit requiring “shall issue” in 2014.

If you cannot exercise your rights for fear of being arrested, you have already lost. Californians just made that clear, and that is why Peruta was decided the way it was.

[PapaBear3625]

If California had not banned open carry in 2012, we would not have got the Peruta decision in the Ninth Circuit requiring “shall issue” in 2014.

Good point!