Soccer parents wince at prospect of guns at games

[PennsyPlinker]

Originally Posted by danp

SFN, I'm glad you got your permit back, but I hope you realize that you are doing more to harm open-carry in this state than any bad sheriff could ever imagine. Supposedly the goal of open carry is to introduce people to, and get them comfortable with the idea of responsible people carrying firearms. All you are doing is alienating and pissing off the very people you're trying to win over.

You guys need an actual strategy that doesn't involve the idea "I CAN CARRY 18 GUNS TO A PETTING ZOO BECAUSE ITS MY RIGHT" if you want to actually accomplish your intended goals.

If your purpose is activism, discretion is the better part of valor.

Dan, I have to respectfully disagree with you here. Meleanie has done a huge amount of good for the OC cause. How? She has shown that the full force of corrupt law enforcement can be brought to bear on an individual, and the justice system still works to preserve our rights as codified in Pennsylvania law. She has given encouragement to many people who are watching and who never post. People are seeing that there are people willing to stand up for their rights, and that there is a support network available for them. And with her being a woman, it is that much more valuable to the cause, because it is not just another macho guy who has to carry a gun because he has a little wiener.

Look at the comments coming from the antis. There is a lot of rage, but no substance. The best they are managing over there is personal insults. It is much like little children throwing a tantrum. The absolute worst thing she could do at this point is cave in and cover up. Then they win, and they win in the worst way, by using hatred and bluster to get what they want when they could not bend the law to their will. What is the old saying? All that is needed for evil to prosper is for good men to do nothing. Well we can include good women in that as well.

[Pa. Patriot]

Originally Posted by gnbrotz

I certainly understand Dan's comments, and philosophically, I agree. The problem is that I also highly identify with mjfletcher's comments on a personal level..

Me to. Especialy this one:

Originally Posted by mjfletcher

...Political activists who choose to be discrete never get anything done because nobody ever notices them. .

People OC'ing normally is what normalizes OC
I do not agree that discretion goes out the window, but what I consider "normal" is where I OC... or not.

Originally Posted by BKeen

Do you think for a second we can sway the anti gun folk out there! I think SFN said what SHE wanted and felt . Not what WE think of feel . Bottomline it always easier to arm chair quarterback than actually play the field. We as gunowners will never change liberal morons!

Yep, I agree. I do not OC to convince Sara Brady. I want to educate those with an open mind and demonstrate that regardless f the anti's hysteria, OC and guns, are normal.

[fingers80002]

Originally Posted by P-11 shooter

I said the same thing in the first thread.

Public spanking? Wait, am I still in the dinner thread?

As we speak "gun owners" think we're nuts. They are on the same page as the anti's on this issue. Everybody needs to stick together especially now, and we need to watch how we're perceived.

It's important.

So who are "WE"?????

[P-11 shooter]

Originally Posted by fingers80002

So who are "WE"?????

Well..... I guess I was talking about us "activist" types. I can't seem to make my thoughts translate to the keyboard tonight so I can't really explain how I feel. There's been more drama today than a spanish soap opera.

You guys keep talking. I'm sure someone will say what I'm thinking sooner or later.

[PennsyPlinker]

Originally Posted by P-11 shooter

Well..... I guess I was talking about us "activist" types.

This is an important point. We do need to think about how we are perceived. We need to stay focused, and represent our cause well. As I mentioned in a previous post, the other side has been reduced to personal insults as their sole weapon in this war of ideas. Part of that is because a lot of activists kept hammering on them and would not let them spew their clichés unchallenged. And all the pro gun posts I can recall were polite, if strongly worded.

Originally Posted by P-11 shooter

There's been more drama today than a spanish soap opera.

That wouldn't be a Spanish soap opera with guns, would it?

[fingers80002]

Originally Posted by danp

This entire thread is a perfect example of how NOT to run a public relations campaign.

Seriously, you OC guys need to rethink your strategy.

SFN, I'm glad you got your permit back, but I hope you realize that you are doing more to harm open-carry in this state than any bad sheriff could ever imagine. Supposedly the goal of open carry is to introduce people to, and get them comfortable with the idea of responsible people carrying firearms. All you are doing is alienating and pissing off the very people you're trying to win over.

You guys need an actual strategy that doesn't involve the idea "I CAN CARRY 18 GUNS TO A PETTING ZOO BECAUSE ITS MY RIGHT" if you want to actually accomplish your intended goals.

If your purpose is activism, discretion is the better part of valor.

Dan, with all due respect, I disagree.

First, it's a LTCF, not a permit, (pet peeve), OC'ers are getting the message out, WE are not going to be victims.

If some Hoplophobe, wets their panties at the sight of a firearm, too bad!!!!!

This country, that I served for 9yrs., is going down the crapper.
When I was a teen, I carried my 30-30 through town, rifle racks were common, with guns in them.
I am ashamed at what WE have become.
Hunters against target shooter, against cc'ers,against oc'ers,etc....

ENOUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

IF we aren't for everyone, we might as well line up like they did in the UK, and AU

One reference, Rosa Parks!!!!!!!

Rant over.


I approve this post

[bogey1]

sfn, you're doing a great job. don't give up. bogey

[Brown-Bear]

" Rosa Parks" Good refference Jim. I agree that a line has got to be drawn in the sand somewhere. I would also like to point out that Long ago, Pre-ban for Brown-Bear I said that too much OC would generatre some seriously bad press, and it seems to have doen that. It has also produced a wonderful amount of good press and people maybe coming around to out way of thikning.

Part of me agrees with DanP, and I also agree with Greg and Rich, I'm just damned confused I guess.

Dave

[fingers80002]

Originally Posted by Brown-Bear

" Rosa Parks" Good refference Jim. I agree that a line has got to be drawn in the sand somewhere. I would also like to point out that Long ago, Pre-ban for Brown-Bear I said that too much OC would generatre some seriously bad press, and it seems to have doen that. It has also produced a wonderful amount of good press and people maybe coming around to out way of thikning.

Part of me agrees with DanP, and I also agree with Greg and Rich, I'm just damned confused I guess.

Dave

The confusion will cause you to decide.

[Pa. Patriot]

Originally Posted by Brown-Bear

Part of me agrees with DanP, and I also agree with Greg and Rich, I'm just damned confused I guess.

I think that danp's main point is that some may be biting off more than we are ready to chew. In a way he is correct, and I agree. I have offered my opinion on ideas (related to OC) that I thought were ill advised, or at least at this point in time.

BUT

Many people are simply OC'ing normally, as individuals, as a normal practice.
This is working wonders IMO throughout the state to normalize OC and guns. Unfortunately, there will be places (soccer games) that some folks will think are over that proverbial line. Or at least at this time.
We will never all agree. I just hope that no matter where people decide to OC that they do so with care and respect. IF there is a negative reaction or an incident, how you respond can be more important than where you were when it happened. Remember that the world is watching you and make sure to act accordingly is all I ask people.