General Discussion

kentuck

(116,157 posts) Sat Sep 28, 2013, 10:53 AM Sep 2013

148

A terrible precedent is being set with guns in public places... [View all]

We read of people walking thru the malls with AR-15's slung over their shoulders. We hear of people going into Starbucks with automatic weapons. We read on DU about someone clearing a soccer field, where kids are playing, because somebody shows up with a gun in his holster, because he can.

This seems to be more and more commonplace. Some people feel the need to go into public places with their guns. Of course, all these people are law-abiding and stable individuals. Of course...

But I would argue that there is something wrong, something unstable, about individuals that would want to show off their guns in such a way. Who would not be intimidated or frightened for their children if a stranger walks into a public place with a gun?

There is no good ending to this story.

201 replies

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A terrible precedent is being set with guns in public places... [View all] kentuck Sep 2013 OP

yep obxhead Sep 2013 #1

No doubt AlbertCat Sep 2013 #143

Every case I've read about, including the Soccer game stunt, has been for publicity. NYC_SKP Sep 2013 #2

It is domestic terrorism. kentuck Sep 2013 #3

Yup. NYC_SKP Sep 2013 #4

Which raises more questions pintobean Sep 2013 #11

Watch out or you'll be accused of being an Infowars addict. NYC_SKP Sep 2013 #34

Ironic that RBKAers have to worry that excersing their "rights" might look like terrorism coldmountain Sep 2013 #55

Oh yes, gun control advocates spend a lot of time truebluegreen Sep 2013 #122

Sadly true. inch4progress Sep 2013 #164

It's not terrorism, just a stupid method of protest that works against them NutmegYankee Sep 2013 #13

Terrorism doesn"t require violence... kentuck Sep 2013 #19

There has to at least be a direct threat of violence. NutmegYankee Sep 2013 #25

These assassins seldom give a warning. kentuck Sep 2013 #29

I think they are using the legal definition rather than a definition based on the effects of the act Dragonfli Sep 2013 #40

There is a threat of violence. JoeyT Sep 2013 #33

This same logic has justified countless crackdowns on peaceful oppositions. NutmegYankee Sep 2013 #38

Fair enough. JoeyT Sep 2013 #45

Open carry is stupid. It convinces no one to support it. NutmegYankee Sep 2013 #73

Your comparison is silly, unless the demonstrators are carrying machetes or guns or other objects Dragonfli Sep 2013 #49

History proves you are wrong. NutmegYankee Sep 2013 #75

I didn't deny there are fascists governments attacking protesters. Dragonfli Sep 2013 #149

Disagree. NutmegYankee Sep 2013 #150

I am sorry, I can't even take you seriously, armed gunman doesn't equal peaceful protester. Dragonfli Sep 2013 #152

Adios. NutmegYankee Sep 2013 #158

Ridiculous. kcr Sep 2013 #59

Nope, I do not agree nt Tumbulu Sep 2013 #64

DEFINITELY! How could it not be viewed as a threat? calimary Sep 2013 #119

Bingo! pitbullgirl1965 Sep 2013 #138

There is the implied threat of violence, IMHO. kestrel91316 Sep 2013 #133

I understand. Open carry is stupid. NutmegYankee Sep 2013 #142

There has to at least be a direct threat of violence. AlbertCat Sep 2013 #145

Thye word I'm leaning toward is Sedition. nt NutmegYankee Sep 2013 #147

Wouldn't terrorism require a law to be broken? Flatulo Sep 2013 #79

Are you walking your dog to make a point? jberryhill Sep 2013 #92

Does it matter? Intimidation is in the eye of the beholder. Me, I'm terrified of kittens. Flatulo Sep 2013 #97

Yes, intent matters jberryhill Sep 2013 #104

In your example, it would depend on why you undertook that action. If I was about to be hit Flatulo Sep 2013 #112

"it would depend on why you undertook that action" jberryhill Sep 2013 #127

I can honestly say that I've never heard of walking a dog 'with intent'. Flatulo Sep 2013 #129

"I'm sure it depends in large part on the circumstances and venue" jberryhill Sep 2013 #130

How can the law determine the intent, other than after the fact? Flatulo Sep 2013 #131

There can be jberryhill Sep 2013 #139

Great explanation, John. Thanks for taking the time. Flatulo Sep 2013 #153

Lol jberryhill Sep 2013 #156

jberryhill, that is one of the best responses I have ever read on this board. yourmovemonkey Sep 2013 #162

Thank you Stryder Sep 2013 #140

Jberryhill and I go back a few years. I've always been impressed with his wit and humor and Flatulo Sep 2013 #154

But if you pick up the dog... kentuck Sep 2013 #135

Making verbal or written threats can sometimes be construed Art_from_Ark Sep 2013 #168

Please be careful with this definition, any protest or movement could fall under terrorism charges pediatricmedic Sep 2013 #87

No it couldn't. kentuck Sep 2013 #107

Some peaceful protests get pretty angry, what with bullhorns and many people shouting slogans Flatulo Sep 2013 #118

Terrorism requires terrorizing people AgingAmerican Sep 2013 #56

No it does not, just walking into a public place Tumbulu Sep 2013 #60

I'd be very interested in seeing how many people sought medical attention after this stunt. Flatulo Sep 2013 #80

Should the same rules you propose apply to people who walk through busy streets with Flatulo Sep 2013 #93

injured and killed. Niceguy1 Sep 2013 #126

There are rules about these dogs in most cities Tumbulu Sep 2013 #160

I think a large part of the 'terrible suffering and anxiety' that the presence of a BB gun causes is Flatulo Sep 2013 #173

By the way, can you provide me with links to the news of the lockdowns your town has endured Flatulo Sep 2013 #174

No links, just calls from the Superintendent Tumbulu Sep 2013 #189

I'm truly sorry that these events have caused you and your community so much anxiety. Flatulo Sep 2013 #192

I have no idea why Tumbulu Sep 2013 #193

Ah, thanks for the clarification. I'm of the opinion that if our 24/7 blood and guts news media Flatulo Sep 2013 #194

Yes, I agree with you that the feeding frenzy Tumbulu Oct 2013 #198

Two points nadinbrzezinski Sep 2013 #170

So you think shoving a gun in your face is not a direct threat of violence. Bandit Sep 2013 #175

Now I'm getting tired of the unhinged responses. NutmegYankee Sep 2013 #178

If you think that the general population has not been Tumbulu Sep 2013 #191

and Penile Inadequacy Compensation. lastlib Sep 2013 #37

Your right on about this. Tippy Sep 2013 #47

Yes, but not really a good masquerade Tumbulu Sep 2013 #62

That's exactly what it is, these swaggering lunatics spoiling for a fight Warpy Sep 2013 #177

I (almost) wish that all gun nuts would do the "Open carry in stores and public places thing"... BlueJazz Sep 2013 #90

You may get your wish on that one davidpdx Sep 2013 #165

Anyone who would do that G_j Sep 2013 #5

It's "ass hattery" in the first degree! n/t rdharma Sep 2013 #6

I would call the police warrior1 Sep 2013 #7

Calling the police is the best solution. rdharma Sep 2013 #24

It is public intimidation, pure and simple... hlthe2b Sep 2013 #8

there is a reason we aren't seeing this in TX elehhhhna Sep 2013 #9

ummm... It is happening in Texas Ohio Joe Sep 2013 #50

if they were ex cops they know they would be breaking the law themselves pasto76 Sep 2013 #81

yeah? shit is different around here. elehhhhna Sep 2013 #128

Here in the US we always end up ceding control of public space tblue37 Sep 2013 #10

Most of all, it is just stupid. kentuck Sep 2013 #12

It is the stupid policy yet. Baitball Blogger Sep 2013 #14

I believe the video linked below is a major underlying cause of such "displays". Snarkoleptic Sep 2013 #15

They always seem to make these "statements" rrneck Sep 2013 #16

Good point. Nor in a bank, LOL. nt SunSeeker Sep 2013 #67

Well... Open carry is illegal at Wall St. Glassunion Sep 2013 #99

Yep. rrneck Sep 2013 #109

Or a bank or airport..... Bandit Sep 2013 #176

It's absolutely insane. nt DLevine Sep 2013 #17

After all the school shootings, if I were a parent and some nutjob came on to a Public Field libdem4life Sep 2013 #18

Outlaw open carry and mandate concealed carry. hack89 Sep 2013 #20

Better solution -- outlaw both. Hoyt Sep 2013 #52

Too late for that. hack89 Sep 2013 #57

Could if people who worship gunz actually started acting responsibly. Hoyt Sep 2013 #65

That's nice hack89 Sep 2013 #68

OK. Please let us know when you and your buddies act responsibly and leave your gunz at home. Hoyt Sep 2013 #72

You will be the first to know. Pinkie promise. nt hack89 Sep 2013 #76

Reverting to Deadwood. ananda Sep 2013 #21

The term antisocial applies to.. 99Forever Sep 2013 #22

They are clearly self indulgent imbeciles (until they cross "that line" and become psychos) etherealtruth Sep 2013 #23

you're completely right samsingh Sep 2013 #26

remember kentuck....... madrchsod Sep 2013 #27

... Electric Monk Sep 2013 #141

Yep! kentuck Sep 2013 #157

The right to swing your fist... kentuck Sep 2013 #28

Another version...my Dad's saying: Your freedom ends where my nose begins libdem4life Sep 2013 #85

We all need to start making public comments (loudly enough for them to hear) world wide wally Sep 2013 #30

I simply cannot agree with all of that The Straight Story Sep 2013 #31

I hope it backfires ... GeorgeGist Sep 2013 #46

I agree seems like a tempest in a teapot to me... EX500rider Sep 2013 #101

Indeed, it should not be, but some peddle fear on this topic The Straight Story Sep 2013 #113

The message they're trying to send seems to be "2nd amendment rights. Get over it." Gormy Cuss Sep 2013 #115

Did you forget the sarcasm thingie? truebluegreen Sep 2013 #124

:-)__~~% kentuck Sep 2013 #125

Then could easily ban Open Carry and still not infringe on any gun rights. n-t Logical Sep 2013 #32

With concealed carry there is no need for OC. hack89 Sep 2013 #44

I've felt for some time that the other side has a never-ending contest going. lpbk2713 Sep 2013 #35

Truth. PsychGrad Sep 2013 #134

One thing people understand, even republicans Turbineguy Sep 2013 #36

There is no difference between these douchebags and the ones who go around flashing their genitals. madinmaryland Sep 2013 #39

my thought exactly n/t KT2000 Sep 2013 #43

It's just a substitute allowed by the law. lpbk2713 Sep 2013 #51

ones who go around flashing their genitals. AlbertCat Sep 2013 #148

Hopefully it will backfire. GeorgeGist Sep 2013 #41

Some people also want to go into public places and flash at people LiberalEsto Sep 2013 #42

i disagree pasto76 Sep 2013 #84

Because billh58 Sep 2013 #48

! KG Sep 2013 #53

It's all about intimidation AgingAmerican Sep 2013 #54

Every nut carrying in public is a "bad guy with a gun" in my opinion. mountain grammy Sep 2013 #58

These fools are everywhere... We have people here on DU that support this non-sense Ohio Joe Sep 2013 #61

K&R Solly Mack Sep 2013 #63

I agree gopiscrap Sep 2013 #66

I get it. You'd have to be crazy to carry a gun around, and sane if you didn't. Robb Sep 2013 #69

Then outlaw open carry, and make concealed-carry permits... krispos42 Sep 2013 #70

It's too easy to get a concealed carry permit already...... rdharma Sep 2013 #86

It's state-by-state... krispos42 Sep 2013 #103

Should be handled at the Federal level. rdharma Sep 2013 #106

Registration won't fly krispos42 Sep 2013 #114

Registration will pass sooner or later. rdharma Sep 2013 #120

I'll make you a deal. Robb Sep 2013 #144

Look What Happened cynzke Sep 2013 #71

Try actual facts for some credibility DonP Sep 2013 #180

Just one small correction Chuuku Davis Sep 2013 #74

Don't you just hate it when folks use improper gun terminology! rdharma Sep 2013 #88

Wild West mentality heaven05 Sep 2013 #77

Actually, in the "Wild" West, you had to leave your guns at home if you wanted to go to town... Humanist_Activist Sep 2013 #96

I wholeheartedly agree with the stupid analysis. heaven05 Sep 2013 #146

You can't fix stupid. kentuck Sep 2013 #78

The GOP: Soft on domestic terrorism -- of which this is an example. Hekate Sep 2013 #82

I do not spend my money in any place that welcomes folks with guns. mbperrin Sep 2013 #83

That's the way to do it! rdharma Sep 2013 #89

Ask the business owner if he allows guns in his business? kentuck Sep 2013 #110

I don't ask - I leave when I see a gun. Happens fairly frequently out here in mbperrin Sep 2013 #116

Are there actually establishments that post 'Guns Welcome' or some such? I've only heard Flatulo Sep 2013 #181

Haven't see any signs. But I have seen people with open carry guns mbperrin Sep 2013 #182

Wow. What state are you in? We don't have open carry in Massachusetts. Flatulo Sep 2013 #183

We don't have it here in Texas, either. mbperrin Sep 2013 #186

Yikes, that takes some chutzpah to walk around openly strapped illegally. Flatulo Sep 2013 #190

There DO seem to be plenty of people with no imagination mbperrin Sep 2013 #196

agreed. spanone Sep 2013 #91

I support the 2nd amendment, but there is just something wrong with the open carry people. Throd Sep 2013 #94

Message auto-removed Name removed Sep 2013 #121

Hmm cyberswede Sep 2013 #123

I wish - knowing that it will never happen - kiva Sep 2013 #95

If anything, the precedent is that people carrying guns hasn't lead to increasing crime Taitertots Sep 2013 #98

The precedent being set is public rejection of open carry. SecularMotion Sep 2013 #100

There is a time and place for open carry. Most of these Glassunion Sep 2013 #102

"Open carry for all" is a marketing campaign turned into religious zealotry. DirkGently Sep 2013 #105

And that's part of it, right there -- to try to get everyone used to it. nt Buns_of_Fire Sep 2013 #108

Stupid. PsychGrad Sep 2013 #136

Whaddya mean?! kentuck Sep 2013 #137

Just another symptom of our 3rd world status Doctor_J Sep 2013 #111

Well said. mbperrin Sep 2013 #117

What happens when one nut job with a gun out showing of Pakid Sep 2013 #132

K&R&Trashing. You're right. I'll get interested when someone propose something effective. Egalitarian Thug Sep 2013 #151

I Would Not Recommend Visiting The US otohara Sep 2013 #155

Couldn't agrees more. MichiganVote Sep 2013 #159

Total scary, unstable freakazoids IMO lunasun Sep 2013 #161

Your title confused me for a moment. Kablooie Sep 2013 #163

It is a terrible precedent davidpdx Sep 2013 #166

NRA = Nuts B Calm Sep 2013 #167

If only the law allowed them to walk around with their dicks hanging out, they wouldn't feel valerief Sep 2013 #169

They only do it RoccoR5955 Sep 2013 #171

The best word I can come up with to describe this trend is... mantis49 Sep 2013 #172

If I saw an idiot walking around with an AR-15 slung over his/her shoulder, I would not hesitate to Vashta Nerada Sep 2013 #179

Where has someone brought a machine gun to Starbucks? N/T GreenStormCloud Sep 2013 #184

Here's a large pistol strapped to the chest of a man in black. mbperrin Sep 2013 #187

Large pistol is NOT a machine gun. GreenStormCloud Sep 2013 #188

I'm not the OP, don't know about the other, but a large pistol is not a toy and will kill you quite mbperrin Sep 2013 #195

My point is that the OP is false. GreenStormCloud Sep 2013 #197

That was one thing that was mentioned. There were others, and the one I documented. mbperrin Oct 2013 #199

And he was arrested - in tht state. GreenStormCloud Oct 2013 #200

Indeed...it's hard to get through the Crap from RW about Gun Displays... KoKo Sep 2013 #185

I saw a guy in the park swinging his daughter in a swing with a holstered gun gollygee Oct 2013 #201