New legislative push for open carry gun law in Texas stirs emotions

news-journal.com ^ | 1 December, 2012 | Richard Yeakley

[marktwain]

A sophomore Texarkana state representative caused a stir this week when he announced he would once again push for an open carry gun law when the legislative session convenes in January.

Rep. George Lavender hopes to spearhead legislation that would allow residents who have been approved for concealed-weapon carrying to carry holstered pistols in the open.

He was behind similar legislation that was not passed in the 2011 legislative session.

Texas is one of six states that forbids open carry in all forms.

“I definitely support open carry. The concealed handgun law to me is ridiculous... I am still carrying a gun on me, even if you don’t know. I honestly think open carry would be better because potential criminals could see right off ... Just the mere sight of a gun on a guy’s belt is a deterrent,” said Bob Godell, owner of The Gun Doctor in Longview.

Godell said firearms have been an important part of his life — so much that when he retired, he purchased the shop.

He said he has little tolerance for people who were more afraid if a gun was visible than concealed.

“It seems silly to me. Someone who has a weapon concealed is the same person with the same gun as someone who is open carrying. I see no purpose in hiding the fact that you are carrying the gun,” Godell said. “I would say, ‘Get over it.’ ”

Community activist Wray Wade said he was “100 percent against any type of open carry law.”

“An open carry law would only create more confusion in the gun control battle that exists now in this country,” Wade said.

[Theoria]

I know, thats why I brought it up.

[GeronL]

I must have misunderstood it, sorry

[onedoug]

“Wait a minute. Wait a minute. No one’s saying you can’t carry a gun. All we’re saying is that you just can’t carry a gun in town. Is that so bad?” —Tombstone

[Smorgasbord]

Idaho has open carry without a permit needed. Concealed carry needs a permit.

[Melas]

Sorry Mark, but it’s already DOA and everyone from the speaker to the lt. gov, and the gov have admitted as much. Got three minutes of news time though.

[Feckless]

I am sooooo tired of buying little guns.....

[MamaTexan]

Open carry for Texas is a step toward constitutional carry.

Okay...I STILL don't get why everyone thinks open carry doesn't exist in Texas. The Texas Constitution already says 'open carry' is legal in section 23 of the Bill of Rights.

The declaratory clause:
Every citizen shall have the right to keep and bear arms in the lawful defense of himself or the State;

The restrictive clause;
but the Legislature shall have power, by law, to regulate the wearing of arms, with a view to prevent crime.

-------

The thing about the Law is that it cannot negate itself, so the restrictive clause only means the legislature can regulate HOW arms can be worn......not if they CAN BE worn.

To assume the restrictive clause can cancel the declaratory clause makes every written Constitution pointless!

[Arrowhead1952]

He is the Lieutenant Governor in TX.

[DH]

With liberals common sense simply does not exist.

For example: If a thug was intent on robbing a store by violent means would he:

1. Walk in the store, look around for any signs of armed personnel and if none were seen, violently rob the store?

2. Walk in the store, look around for any signs of armed personnel and if one was seen, leave the store and find another one that fit rule #1?

The only way the thug could be sure of his decision would be by seeing a customer wearing a holder and a gun. Under concealed carry there would be no way for the thug to know and consequently, the robbery would go on.

[OldMissileer]

Virginia is considered a “Gold State” for open carry.

I really like it because I can carry either way and if my jacket or shirt moves and my pistol is uncovered I can’t get arrested.

I carry open or concealed as my mood and circumstances dictate.

[JRandomFreeper]

I'm working toward Constitutional carry in Texas. No permit, open or concealed.

When I'm working outside in some places, I want my .38 with snake-shot on my hip, near to hand without running afoul of the law.

Moving to what Virginia has would be a step forward for Texas. But Constitutional Carry is my end game goal.

/johnny

[OldMissileer]

Constitutional Carry is my end game goal.

I would like Constitutional Carry also, but I want it for every state so we do not run afoul of stupid laws while traveling/visiting.

Writing that, I do not want the Federal Government involved in any way. Having a Federal law would allow them to insinuate themselves even more into the situation and then they could start dictating terms. To the point where they could start narrowing the actual right into oblivion.

[TXnMA]

I supported George Lavender based on his promise to deliver an open carry bill. George even e-mailed me on Thanksgiving day about it. And, he delivered on his promise.

This morning, I talked FTF with TX Sen Kevin Eltife's local aide and asked him to convey to Eltife that we, his constituents, want him to sponsor Lavender's bill in the Senate.

I prefer to carry concealed for tactical and social reasons -- but I don't accept being considered a criminal should I choose to reveal my weapon.

It's that simple.