Open-carry rally scheduled Saturday at Home Depot

[Windwalker]

Hope they don't screw this up- IMHO it is a right, however the In-your-face tactics used are over done at times.
A better venue would be at a sporting goods store or somewhere where vendors can set up booths.

Open-carry rally scheduled Saturday at Home Depot in North Richland Hills

http://thescoopblog.dallasnews.com/2014/05/open-carry-rally-scheduled-saturday-at-home-depot-in-north-richland-hills.html/

https://www.facebook.com/events/218560535021280/?ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular&source=1

Open Carry Tarrant County is planning a rally Saturday in North Richland Hills, billed as the “greatest” the county has ever seen.

Starting at 11:30 a.m. supporters will fill the back of the parking lot at the Home Depot on Precinct Line Road to listen to speakers, have an open-carry education session and hold a raffle. Prizes include revolvers, an AR 15 rifle, over 1,500 rounds of ammunition and Rangers tickets, according to the group’s Facebook page.

Rally organizer Kory Watkins, 30, wants to make it clear that Saturday’s event is not a protest.

“Protesters are angry; and we are not angry people. If you come up to us, you will see we are smiling and friendly,” he said. “We are demonstrating, demonstrating our rights and demonstrating how the law lets you carry a long gun, but you can’t open carry a pistol.”

The rally comes days after a testy Memorial Day exchange between an open-carry group and a Marine veteran in Fort Worth (see the video below) and a week after Chipotle and other restaurants made headlines by prohibiting guns following an incident in Dallas’ West End.

Watkins said his group has been meeting at the Home Depot for almost a year, and unlike other businesses and cities like Arlington who have clashed with the group, the home improvement giant has “stayed neutral.”

“They respect the rights of the people and we realize that,” Watkins said. “Their parking lost are always huge so we can park in the back and not bother nobody.”

A representative for the North Richland Hills Home Depot said he had no information about the rally.

“That’s not something Home Depot sponsors,” said the man, who declined to give his name. “They are not going to on the Home Depot property.”

Stephen Holmes, Home Depot’s corporate communications director, told Forbes, “Our feeling is that, ultimately, the voters direct the laws on gun carry issues, so we defer to the prevailing ordinances in states and communities.”

Since learning of the rally several critics have spoken out against Home Depot on their Facebook page. While some praised the store for allowing the rally, others said they will no longer shop there because they wouldn’t feel safe.

“I do not spend my money in any establishment that does not consider the safety of my family and my community in establishing its policies,” one commenter said.

But according to Watkins, the North Richland Hills police have been helpful with the planned rally.

“The police department has been notified and is coordinating with us,” he said. “Everything is legal, as always.”

[bradslam]

Of course they will screw it up.  I'm a gun owner and carry concealed, but I'm sorry, these guys just end up sending the wrong message and piss off everybody else which harms all gun owners in the end.

[timberghost72]

Of course they will screw it up.  I'm a gun owner and carry concealed, but I'm sorry, these guys just end up sending the wrong message and piss off everybody else which harms all gun owners in the end.

 

Dumbazz's carrying long guns/shotguns etc.. into resturants are causing actions like this, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/30/chilis-sonic-gun_n_5419942.html, and is hurting us more and more.

[Jason]

Of course they will screw it up.  I'm a gun owner and carry concealed, but I'm sorry, these guys just end up sending the wrong message and piss off everybody else which harms all gun owners in the end.

exactly why Starbucks put an end to carrying in their stores.

[RadSav]

Of course they will screw it up.  I'm a gun owner and carry concealed, but I'm sorry, these guys just end up sending the wrong message and piss off everybody else which harms all gun owners in the end.

exactly why Starbucks put an end to carrying in their stores.

Chili's and Sonic did the same according to the Bing Ticker yesterday.  They mentioned a few others too.  I think it was Wendy's, Jack In The Box, and Applebees but I didn't pay much attention so could be wrong on those ones.  All reacted after the open carry rally's!

[jrebel]

Why wouldn't the Anti's schedule and conduct "Open Carry Rallies" to promote their agenda.  It is a very smart way to sabotage the opposition by acting like idiots and carrying long guns and open carry carry in public places to scare the general public???   

I GUESS THEY DON'T HAVE TO SABOTAGE A BUNCH OF GUN TOTING IDIOTS TO MAKE THEIR AGENDA....WE DO IT FOR THEM!!!

[GEARHEAD]

Frankly i think some of these groups may be under cover democrat antigun advocates ( ) , because their actions reflect poorly on me and mine, and serve only to benefit the Anti Gun Groups. keeping it in your pants can have more than one meaning. nothing worse than retarded looking punks and weird fat guys in camo walking around with long guns acting provocative and then crying victim if a Cop talks to them. just my 2 pennies!

[smittyJ]

Of course they will screw it up.  I'm a gun owner and carry concealed, but I'm sorry, these guys just end up sending the wrong message and piss off everybody else which harms all gun owners in the end.

exactly why Starbucks put an end to carrying in their stores.

Chili's and Sonic did the same according to the Bing Ticker yesterday.  They mentioned a few others too.  I think it was Wendy's, Jack In The Box, and Applebees but I didn't pay much attention so could be wrong on those ones.  All reacted after the open carry rally's!

Totally agree!

[smittyJ]

Frankly i think some of these groups may be under cover democrat antigun advocates ( ) , because their actions reflect poorly on me and mine, and serve only to benefit the Anti Gun Groups. keeping it in your pants can have more than one meaning. nothing worse than retarded looking punks and weird fat guys in camo walking around with long guns acting provocative and then crying victim if a Cop talks to them. just my 2 pennies!

Seems to be working quite well!

[turkeyfeather]

Of course they will screw it up.  I'm a gun owner and carry concealed, but I'm sorry, these guys just end up sending the wrong message and piss off everybody else which harms all gun owners in the end.

Yup

[pianoman9701]

The NRA came out and called these people nuts last week. Not this specific group, but anyone who carries a long gun into a private business or an organized gathering. I agree. Everyone knows what our rights are. We don't need to shove them down people's throats so far that it makes them nervous. If I were in a restaurant and someone came in with an MSR, I'd be very alert immediately. And, sooner or later something's going to happen at one of these and it will work to change our open carry rights down the road.

[ghosthunter]

Well I support open carry and do open carry when it suits my situation and I have been to Open Carry BQs.

But I would not carry a long gun around in the city.

Regardless how you feel drawing attention in this way is just going to get bad press. And I can tell you Home Depot will go the same way as Starbucks if forced. With in the Open Carry organization I think most would not carry long guns.

However I would be against anything that infringed on their right to do it.

[h2ofowlr]

This is starting to become an EPIC FAIL.  They are forcing these gun friendly businesses to change there stance on guns due to the public outcry.  The social media backlash is what the open carry guys are loosing to.  If they were smart they would do it in an open area and not put a place of business in the spotlight where they are forced to make a decision.   

[Old Man Yager]

We don't need to carry them open just because we can. I don't know what the organizer thinks he is going to accomplish by having this rally. Too bad the guy can't think of something positive to do, like going to a gun range and letting kids experience shooting a 22 or shoot trap or skeet. 

[pianoman9701]

Well I support open carry and do open carry when it suits my situation and I have been to Open Carry BQs.

But I would not carry a long gun around in the city.

Regardless how you feel drawing attention in this way is just going to get bad press. And I can tell you Home Depot will go the same way as Starbucks if forced. With in the Open Carry organization I think most would not carry long guns.

However I would be against anything that infringed on their right to do it.

I agree but think the long gun guys will be the ones causing any infringement at this point. I'm glad the NRA came out against this display.

[Carl]

I read today, the NRA is backpedaling on criticizing the open carry group in Texas. 

And, +1 on this is an epic fail.  What good could come of this? 

[h20hunter]

None. No good will come. As stated earlier, and I agree, dudes standing around with an AR on their back spouting off is what we will see in the papers. It will come across as inflamatory and abrasive.

[ghosthunter]

This is starting to become an EPIC FAIL.  They are forcing these gun friendly businesses to change there stance on guns due to the public outcry.  The social media backlash is what the open carry guys are loosing to.  If they were smart they would do it in an open area and not put a place of business in the spotlight where they are forced to make a decision.   

I  COMPLETLY AGREE WITH THAT.

They should have went to a park or some public owned area. The capital steps would have been better than Home Depot.
All the ones I have been to were low key meet and greets.

[ghosthunter]

What we all know is that the anti gun folks will look for any weak spot to wiggle in. There is no half way with them.
They want all guns gone period.

We may not like this demo but we have to support it and stay together otherwise it is only a matter of time. Any criticism should be directed on one to one basis not in the public eye.  Otherwise it just feeds the anti movement.

The trouble with these guys who organize this is most do not have a clue what they are doing. They chant It's My Right" when confronted which does little to win support.

These Rally's are held in Olympia every year and are well received because they are organized  by folks who know what they are doing.

[Special T]

Why is it that  many of these "open carry" events seem to be  so Haphazard? Something does not sit right with me. You take the time to  EXACT on the rules and regs, but place NO thought into tactics? Can they really be that Ignorant?

I think people should OC. Likely for a different reason than many of you. THE Reason why we are in this predicament is BECAUSE people don't see guns anymore, nor have they for some time.

WHAT is the best course to show the general folks that gun owners are good, fair, normal people? Public demonstrations in public places? Event like this one? I would hope that OC crowd or even the NRA could come up with a better way to spread the word/ make guns more acceptable that resonates.

[smittyJ]

Well I support open carry and do open carry when it suits my situation and I have been to Open Carry BQs.

But I would not carry a long gun around in the city.

Regardless how you feel drawing attention in this way is just going to get bad press. And I can tell you Home Depot will go the same way as Starbucks if forced. With in the Open Carry organization I think most would not carry long guns.

However I would be against anything that infringed on their right to do it.

Well said! Totally agree!!

[ghosthunter]

Why is it that  many of these "open carry" events seem to be  so Haphazard? Something does not sit right with me. You take the time to  EXACT on the rules and regs, but place NO thought into tactics? Can they really be that Ignorant?

I think people should OC. Likely for a different reason than many of you. THE Reason why we are in this predicament is BECAUSE people don't see guns anymore, nor have they for some time.

WHAT is the best course to show the general folks that gun owners are good, fair, normal people? Public demonstrations in public places? Event like this one? I would hope that OC crowd or even the NRA could come up with a better way to spread the word/ make guns more acceptable that resonates.

My thoughts are.......

Some guys get all excited about their new found right to open carry and are eager to spread the word. There are many small groups of open carriers just up and down I 5.
Often these guys are not as apt at public speaking and planning as they should be.

The Whatcom / Skagit groups do well in meeting once a month and doing BQ couple time a year. They don't go nuts trying to draw a lot of attention but seem more satisfied in educating the folks who happen on that day to be around their gathering.

Although OC is a National Movement  it is very loosely organized. At the local levels.
Thus leaving it open to folks who mean well but have little experience.

The message I think should be Yeah I open Carry so What?  No different than carrying a cell phone. Just another tool. Let folks judge by your actions not some It's My Right rhetoric .
When confronted by folks asking why I am open carrying I answer any question they have, when they start going south I just bid them a good day and carry on.
Some folks are so illogical about the sight of a gun you will never convince them of anything.
I see open carriers in the C store I manage couple times a month. I always watch to see other shoppers reactions. In this busy world most never notice.

They say A Right Un exercised is a Right Lost.

There is some truth to that.

[ghosthunter]

As far as the NRA or even the 2nd Amendment Foundation here in our state you will not find a lot of support for open carry.
Those organizations seem more interested in Right To Own Rights.
And maybe CC because they are easier sell to the public.
Also they are more National accepted issues.

In my option Wayne needs to step back and a fresh younger face for the NRA needs to step up. If it were a women all the better.

[Windwalker]

Personally I think open carry is distracting...
Mainly because I am curious about model/caliber and enhancements or if the holster is one I should consider.

I see no reason to drag a long gun with me to get coffee just to make a statement, but with that - a segment of the population has become so fanatical on both sides that common sense has been lost.

When I was a kid- if friends and I wanted to shoot in an area on the other side of the river (was a long walk to town BTW) had to take a shortcut through town to go over the only bridge & no one raised an eyebrow or was tempted to harass us. Can't imagine what would befall a group of gangly kids carrying rifles through town in this day and age.

It is a shame the urbanites of today have become so detached from hunting and firearms that they evolve into a quivering hoplophobics at the sight of a twirling pencil or chewed up poptart.

Came across this video- Open Carry vs. Concealed Carry: When is it appropriate? with Jerry Miculek
The benefits of open and concealed carry as well as how to present yourself as a responsible gun owner while doing so.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGslzXxDhEU

[huntingcl]

 

Nothing worse than retarded looking punks and weird fat guys in camo walking around with long guns acting provocative and then crying victim if a Cop talks to them.

 
 

[RG]

It's always the people who go out to the extreme end of the pendulum with any position that ends up ruining it for everyone else.  In my opinion there is no valid reason whatsoever to go into a business or go walking around among citizens, who you know will be uncomfortable, with a long gun or even a handgun in many instances, just because you can.  What's the point?  Carry it concealed, it's still available if you need it, and you don't cause the rest of society to demand that lawmakers get you under control.  I am not anti open carry.  I don't open carry because I don't need the attention and I don't want more laws to be passed limiting my rights and I know that is exactly what these people are going to cause.  Again, it's not necessary and it's going to backfire big time.

[GEARHEAD]

I can tell you this, and i will be very blunt, if i am in a jack in the box, restaurant, mall or whatever very public place, with my family, and then without warning, some dudes walk in with semi auto long guns, i am probably going to immediately engage those men.  I'm not going to wait to see if they are the local chapter of open carry is my right, so screw you, or wait to see if they are robbers, or a mass shooter,  I'm just going to start shooting. So if somebody is in a group like this, walking into these places, they sure as hell better give good warnings, place signs, and have a spokesperson come inside first, and make an announcement. I have my rights too!

[ICEMAN]

I can tell you this, and i will be very blunt, if i am in a jack in the box, restaurant, mall or whatever very public place, with my family, and then without warning, some dudes walk in with semi auto long guns, i am probably going to immediately engage those men.  I'm not going to wait to see if they are the local chapter of open carry is my right, so screw you, or wait to see if they are robbers, or a mass shooter,  I'm just going to start shooting. So if somebody is in a group like this, walking into these places, they sure as hell better give good warnings, place signs, and have a spokesperson come inside first, and make an announcement. I have my rights too!

You have the right to make a bad decision and spend the rest of your life in prison too...

Let's not start shooting at anyone you see carrying a long gun... you may want to take a more wait and see approach....

[pianoman9701]

I can tell you this, and i will be very blunt, if i am in a jack in the box, restaurant, mall or whatever very public place, with my family, and then without warning, some dudes walk in with semi auto long guns, i am probably going to immediately engage those men.  I'm not going to wait to see if they are the local chapter of open carry is my right, so screw you, or wait to see if they are robbers, or a mass shooter,  I'm just going to start shooting. So if somebody is in a group like this, walking into these places, they sure as hell better give good warnings, place signs, and have a spokesperson come inside first, and make an announcement. I have my rights too!

It's not normal for someone to bring a rifle into a crowded public place, a mall, or other private business. I would certainly be on high alert. I'd likely have my family leave by the closest exit or hide, and I would locate and get close to cover. Engaging would be an overreaction because normally, if they were going to shoot the place up, it would happen as soon as they arrived.

Starting shooting first would make you the bad guy and likely cause return fire. Anyone hurt in the exchange would be on you. My 

[GEARHEAD]

I agree, maybe i overstated. maybe its just my Military and Law enforcement experience getting the best of me. I guess if this was to happen to me, at a place as mentioned, i will wait to see their intent, maybe even ask them if they are there rob, or to kill me and mine, and then i will decide if i want to engage semi auto rifles with a hand gun, once they have the drop on me.

You know what the definition of hope is: it's an expressed, and internal intent, to do nothing. 

[h20hunter]

I can tell you this, and i will be very blunt, if i am in a jack in the box, restaurant, mall or whatever very public place, with my family, and then without warning, some dudes walk in with semi auto long guns, i am probably going to immediately engage those men.  I'm not going to wait to see if they are the local chapter of open carry is my right, so screw you, or wait to see if they are robbers, or a mass shooter,  I'm just going to start shooting. So if somebody is in a group like this, walking into these places, they sure as hell better give good warnings, place signs, and have a spokesperson come inside first, and make an announcement. I have my rights too!

Sorry but you are not a one man militia that is judge and jury to start shooting. Whats next? You don't like my way of dress? Color of skin? You think I'm prone to violence because I'm a young man?

Please.....these "I'll engage...........I'm just going to start shooting"...........one of the worst statement I've ever seen.

[deltaops]

I have not nor do I ever plan on Open Carrying a long gun other than in the field.

I do open carry my .45 in the summer and its mainly concealed in the winter just because I usually wear a heavy coat. If I am not wearing a coat, it is not concealed.

I understand the intent when people open carry rifles, but I do not think they are really doing any good to help the movment.

[Jacque]

Saddly you find them in every group, some people just need more attention than others.  I'll be steering clear and hope no unwanted attention comes their way.