Guns Up: Is Governor-Elect Greg Abbott’s Stance on Open Carry Dangerous?

According to Texas Governor-Elect Greg Abbott: "If open carry is good enough for Massachusetts, it’s good enough for the state of Texas." Abbott recently said he would keep his promise and work to change Texas law to allow for handguns to be openly carried.

I may or may not be a gun fan, gun owner or gun user, however I completely respect and support the Constitutional right to bear arms. I believe that guns kill people when they are used and/or stored improperly, or are in the hands of untrained or emotionally unstable individuals.

For the longest time, I've thought that an open carry would simply deter any criminal from getting into conflict with the guy or gal that basically has a giant sign that reads: "mess with me and I'll blow your head off." It could stop the altercation long before the altercation could have a chance to even be a blip of thought.

If the weapon is concealed, then the target has vulnerability in the eyes of an assailant. One thing taught in a CCW class is "don't draw your weapon to show off, draw it only if you intend to use it."

Call me idealistic or "Old West," but I'm far less likely to pick a fight with a 6'8", 280 lb, tattooed tough guy than a 5'9" guy wearing an Affliction t-shirt. Does the .357 magnum visibly displayed on the hip of the 5'9" guy make someone think twice about messing with him? It would make me think twice!

The argument on the other side is that an openly carried weapon would simply be easier to grab and use on the victim. An example is this: "What if a person was openly carrying in line at the grocery store and a thief was able to quickly gain access to the weapon?"

One answer to that question would be: "Yes, an open carry policy would increase, not decrease the potential for gun related crime."

What side are you on?

[via KXAN]