I can't believe that I'd want to read JG's input on this subject, but here goes...
This NYT article caught my eye:
StarBulletin.com - Mobile Edition
My first thought was "Ruh-roh, this can't end well..." but on further reflection I think it's an interesting statement on how the media manipulates public perception.
I've been around firearms all my life, although I don't bother to own or carry one. (Submarine sailors + firearms = one of the most deadly Darwin Awards known to man.) When I leave the house, I already have enough possessions on my body to keep track of, and I think a holster would just be hot/sweaty. I personally feel that packin' heat tempts testosterone-poisoned individuals to barge into situations that I'd be better off avoiding (or running like a scared bunny) and in Hawaii it's very inconvenient to own even a licensed firearm. I certainly don't want to be in that database when the patrol car checks my license plate.
But when I read the article I automatically assumed that a Starbucks full of firearms is a bad thing. Intellectually I know that's not the case, and now I wonder about the causal correlation between open carry and crime rates. (Open carry::accident rates is another correlation that I can probably already predict.) I'd attend one of these events just to see what's fashionable.
Is this activism causing a fuss on the Mainland, or is it just media hype? Any other perspectives?
This NYT article caught my eye:
StarBulletin.com - Mobile Edition
My first thought was "Ruh-roh, this can't end well..." but on further reflection I think it's an interesting statement on how the media manipulates public perception.
I've been around firearms all my life, although I don't bother to own or carry one. (Submarine sailors + firearms = one of the most deadly Darwin Awards known to man.) When I leave the house, I already have enough possessions on my body to keep track of, and I think a holster would just be hot/sweaty. I personally feel that packin' heat tempts testosterone-poisoned individuals to barge into situations that I'd be better off avoiding (or running like a scared bunny) and in Hawaii it's very inconvenient to own even a licensed firearm. I certainly don't want to be in that database when the patrol car checks my license plate.
But when I read the article I automatically assumed that a Starbucks full of firearms is a bad thing. Intellectually I know that's not the case, and now I wonder about the causal correlation between open carry and crime rates. (Open carry::accident rates is another correlation that I can probably already predict.) I'd attend one of these events just to see what's fashionable.
Is this activism causing a fuss on the Mainland, or is it just media hype? Any other perspectives?