the consequences of insanity

I work at a family entertainment venue during the summer.

Last night, had someone arrive with an open carry pistol ---- no, not a toy revolver --- a semi-auto pistol.

To my knowledge, he wasn't breaking any laws --- we simply don't feel that real open carry guns mix well with family entertainment.

We asked him to remove the firearm from the property. It's just not the tone we'd like to have around.

His responses:
- haven't you seen what's going on?
- this is America
- we need to stand up for our rights and protect our children and family

I'm grateful he eventually agreed to follow the requests.

That said - I think the Aurora shootings have an impact nation-wide. I think they impact the way people think and act ---- and for now ---- people seem a tad bit irrational.

I feel for the victims and their families. Can't imagine what they're going through - and would rather not imagine, frankly.

That said - we moved away from the front range to get away from lunacy. I resent what this nut has done for the world - including our mountain town.

And I would rather see an open carry.

What about all the people who have concealed carry on the premises. They are ok because it isn't visible?

What there a conspicuous sign that said 'no guns' or something to that effect?

All the way back in 1984, I attended a training seminar in Cheyenne, WY focused on emergency management. First responders were also in attendance. At one table, a gentleman wearing typical casual for WY sat himself down at the table and very calmly, but resolutely, pulled out a handgun and placed it on the table in front of him. The rest of the class participants at the table simply got up and moved themselves to other tables. They apparently were very unsettled by what this person had done. Turns out, he was a Sheriff's deputy and considered himself to be off-duty while attending the class. There were uniformed law enforcement attending the class, as well. Their weapons were holstered, but obviously in view. In talking with some of the uniformed officers later, I was told the only reason they did not draw their own weapons on this individual was because they knew him personally. They also told him in no uncertain terms to "put it away". Legal or not, open carry or concealed carry - each of us has our own "comfort" levels with them. I don't know if it's asking too much, but I, for one, would like to please give those who've suffered, and continue to suffer, so much in Aurora the opportunity to at least make funeral arrangements before we get into a discussion of this very "hot" political potato we call "gun control". TEACH PEACE!

I think you will see more open carry and CCP. If you expect people to know when to get out when there is a fire and not wait to be called, more will choose to be responsible for self and others and not rely on delayed response from LE.

Open carry is legal in this state, but I question the usefulness of it. Why put people on edge? And if there is a crazy who is going to do evil, an open-carrier has just tipped their hand - they will most likely be the first on taken out. OTOH, I heard of crimes (specifically robberies) that were stopped before they started because the perp saw someone in the store with a sidearm. There's a lot of debate about open carry vs. concealed carry. I personally prefer to conceal. But I can see reasons to carry openly too.

Either is fine with me.

But if you want to see people go ballistic at the grocers in Conifer just do an open carry. Guess it is ok if they don't know a person has a concealed weapon. Go figure.

I carry concealed often but find no need to carry openly. Why make people uneasy? With modern holsters and belts it is just as comfortable to hide it.

I get the impression that those who are open carrying don't have CCWP nor feel a need to get one.

Or people who want to show off?