I'd like to raise another point about Frank's comparison to the Civil Rights Movement. Notice, if you will, that the black people in the photos he posted are not wearing berets and giving black power salutes, nor are the decked out in traditional African garb, nor are the in the faces of the white people surrounding them attempting to force their way of life down the whites' throats.
I think most would agree that Dr. King was the greatest Civil Rights leader in American history and that his work probably contributed to more positive change than that of any other single individual. What I always noticed about Dr. King which particularly contrasts with many of the so-called "civil rights activists" we're saddled with today was the way in which he conducted himself. Dr. King always took care to dress and groom himself in such a way that he looked respectable. He always spoke in an eloquent and articulate manner which sounded educated and respectable. I am thankful that the Civil Rights Movement was in the hands of people like Dr. King and not the race-baiting political bomb throwers we seem to be saddled with today as I believe that Dr. King and those like him achieved a much better result.
Dr. King could have delivered the same message while wearing a traditional African outfit and speaking in the slang of the black culture of the time, but he chose not to because his message would have been less well received that way. Dr. King understood that his argument would seem much more reasonable, and garner much wider support, if it were delivered by someone who seemed like a reasonable, educated, and respectable man.
Those who claim to be 2A activists could learn much from how Dr. King conducted himself. Strolling through a department store dressed like an unkempt hipster with a black rifle in your hands isn't going to make you seem reasonable, educated, or respectable to many people. It's nothing more than grandstanding and attempting to shove the gun culture down people's throats for the shock value of it.
While I'm not categorically against open carry, if you're going to do it then at least be a good ambassador to the rest of the populace. Dress yourself respectably, be articulate, use a proper holster which offers at least some retention and security, don't try to draw attention to yourself, and above all be polite and courteous.
For those who say "but it's my right, by God, and I should be able to carry however I want to!" I say this: we live in an imperfect word where what should be and what is are often two very different things. Stamping your proverbial feet and being obtuse isn't a very effective way to change enough people's minds to make what is into what it should be.
