ProLibertate
Marksman
I don't quite understand what your issue is with OC? Like you said, in your experience OCers abide by the law. I still have yet to hear a single coherent argument defending the "OC is retarded" fallacy.
The reason I did not delve further into my opinion of OC is because it was not the topic at hand. I didn't feel the need to justify my opinion at the time. I do support the right to open carry. I already said that in plain English.
I did offer partial clarification by adding the words "socially" and "tactically" before retarded.
I also don't like the Westboro Baptist Church protesting military funerals either, but I do support the First Amendment. As a matter of fact, I have taken two oaths to defend the Constitution; One as a Marine, and once again as a police officer.
But, since it seems I've been backed into a corner here, here goes...
Open carry makes absolutely NO sense tactically. None.
If you visibly display a weapon, you automatically forfeit the ability to choose a time and place of involvement. You lose your ability to "fade into the background" and disengage.
With OC, you are advertising that you have a gun, and therefore by implication that you will involve yourself in a violent situation should one arise. This may not seem like a bad thing until you consider two things:
1) If you are outgunned from the beginning, tough sh*t... You are involved now whether you wanted to be or not.
2) Contrary to popular belief, the mere sight of your sidearm does not strike terror into the hearts of criminals everywhere...
As a matter of fact, Suicide by Armed Citizen is on the rise. Another INGO member just found out last night the hard way that some people simply don't back down to a gun. It either doesn't frighten them or they have nothing to lose.
Those are the basic reasons I feel OC is running-with-scissors-blindfolded retarded.
Now you've heard a logical argument against OC. Just once, I would like to hear a logical argument FOR open carry besides, "It's my right!"
I don't dispute your right. I never have. In summary, I just feel it makes no sense to give up the tactical advantage of surprise and the ability to disengaged in less than ideal circumstances just to prove a point and show the world your piece.
For the record, I have been in a gun fight right here in Indy in May of 2006. It was at a Village Pantry at 71st and Georgetown. The robber entered the store with his gun in hand- no mask. He completely ignored my presence until I went for my [concealed] sidearm, at which time he opened fire. He missed, I didn't. Had he seen my gun when he first walked in, before I had seen him, there is no doubt in my mind I would not be typing this right now.
You cannot convince me OC is wise. Nobody can watch their 360 24/7. Period.
Sorry for the long post.