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Could strapping on a gun be the new fashion?


It just seems wrong. At least for those of us who spent the time and money to qualify for a concealed handgun permit. Now the Texas Legislature wants to hand a free permit to every man and woman in the state over the age of 21. What happened to the notion that people ought to have some semblance of weapons training and knowledge of the law before being allowed to wag a gun around in public?

Supporters insist that it’s their constitutional right guaranteed in the Second Amendment. But not so fast. Don’t we own our cars and aren’t roadways public thoroughfares paid for by our tax dollars? Shouldn’t we have a constitutional right to use them as we see fit?

The state sees it differently. You need a license to operate a motor vehicle, which requires passing a test. You have to pay to have your vehicle registered. You have to wear a seat belt, remain within the posted speed limits, refrain from drinking alcohol (although it is now legal to purchase drinks to go) etc., etc. And who can deny that a car – in the wrong hands – is every bit as deadly as a gun?

House Bill 1927, which nixes the requirement for Texas residents to obtain a license to carry handguns, is now being negotiated behind closed doors in Austin. Texas House members refused to sign off on changes the Senate made to a Republican-backed proposal for open carry. No doubt the two sides will come to an agreement and our state will join 20 others that allow their citizens to carry weapons openly.

You learn in the concealed handgun course that the first response to a threat of violence is to de-escalate. You do not draw your weapon and begin firing, for a couple of important reasons: First, without witnesses, you may be charged with murder and second, you will probably become a corpse yourself.

People who pick up handguns without training cannot hit a school bus at 15 feet, much less another human being, especially if that person is shooting back. Members of law enforcement, who receive intense weapons training, will tell you that you are better off to run, not walk, away.

For some reason it reminds me of the story of the Alaskan bush pilot who carried a .44-caliber pistol under the seat of his float plane. One day, a client noticed the gun and asked the pilot why it had no front sight.

“That’s so when the bear takes it away from me and sticks it in my bum it won’t be so painful,” he responded.

That, my friends, is exactly what most people who carry handguns can expect when they decide it’s their day to shine at the O.K. Corral.

So in the end do people feel the need to strap on a weapon just to make the point that it’s their right? Or does it become the latest fashion statement since everyone is doing it?

Call me ignorant (it won’t be setting a precedent) but it seems to make more sense to get a little training and carry your weapon under your clothes. At least then, when you turn and run, you won’t be seen as a complete coward.