I think these types of demonstrations will quickly result in new laws restricting open carry. People just aren't going to ever be comfortable around someone with a weapon out in the open.
My take is that society has this bass ackwards. It seems to me that it should be legal to carry anywhere as long as it is concealed. This avoids scaring the women and children and protects rights. Any criminal wanting to carry is going to conceal anyway, so making that illegal only hurts the law abiding.
Actually, the trend is going the other way. We now have CCW nearly nationwide. The next step is open carry nationwide. Alaska did this last year, and the New Hampshire House passed this earlier this year.
People just aren't going to ever be comfortable around someone with a weapon out in the open.
That's a very small minority. Most business in Virginia and elsewhere don't ban carry, and most people don't call 911 when they see someone open carrying. As more people carry openly, the sheeple will become acclimated to it.
The important thing is for Freedom-minded folks not to get all defensive about it. That's what the statists want you to do.
It seems to me that it should be legal to carry anywhere as long as it is concealed.
Constitutionally, it IS legal to carry open or concealed anywhere, anytime. I personally prefer concealed carry in crowded areas, but open carry is more comfortable, especially here in Florida.
avoids scaring the women and children and protects rights
Using that rationale, would it be okay if the state required certain "minority group" to disguise themselves to look like the majority so they wouldn't scare mindless soccer moms?
The purpose of America is not to "avoid scaring women". If they don't like Americans carrying firearms openly, then maybe they should move to China or some other hellhole where only the military and police have guns.
Any criminal wanting to carry is going to conceal anyway, so making that illegal only hurts the law abiding.
Yep.
Really? I see guys carrying guns in the open all the time refilling ATMs. The people with the money are not so stupid as to leave any doubt that they will fight to prevent the theft of their money. Sounds reasonable to me.
I disagree, four of us went to lunch today after Church, two of us were carrying open, and one concealed. The only response from anyone, was the restaurant owner, who I have known for years, said he didn't know I carried.