Of late, we pro-rights activists have been having more and more discussions and debates as to what activisim is the “right” activism, and what activism is the kind of activism that should just stay in the closet. I guess we should be thankful that we are in the kind of position where we have the time and energy to engage in such debates, but a thought occurred to me today:
“Any activism is better than no activism.”
Discuss.
One of the biggest points that I see is the aid and comfort to the opposition.
And I’m sorry to say that much (not all but most) of it is coming from those who oppose Open Carry as a tactic.
Some of the comments from gun owners will be seized by people like MikeB and others as proof that “Open Carry is too extreme” because even other 2nd amendment advocates don’t like it.
Some of the comments over at Clayton Cramer’s shotgun column are ridiculous in that regard.
As for me, I’m trapped behind the semi-lines: no Open Carry in Texas.
I think that it is a good idea because it generates press and most of the press has to admit that it is legal. Given that as an opening for conversation is something that could not be generated by Concealed Carry.
Just my 2 cents worth.
I can almost agree. I certainly think that things like the people who open carry just to draw attention to the issue like the New Hampshire “Time to Water the Tree of Liberty” guy, or that nice black gentleman with the AR-15 at political rallies, while they raised some pulses and scared some “White People” as Says Uncle says, but in the end only furthered our cause.
People buying and shooting the then unpopular AK pattern and AR-15 rifles in the face or during the Assault Weapons ban probably did MORE to further the gun rights movement than anything.
I will say tho that civil disobedience in direct violation of the law (something I doubt our side would do in general…but of course has been done on both sides of the segregation issue, as well as just about every war protest since the 60s) can do more harm than good, as the people are violating laws and usually wind up in jail.
Look at how much credibility MikeB lost now that he openly admits to have engaged in criminal activities with guns. Even tho he hasn’t admitted to what crimes he’s engaged in.
Such acts WOULD hurt us.