[Gary in Pennsylvania]

Being that we are on a 3-4 thread streak regarding Open Carry without a single argument….let’s keep the trend going……

Despite the subject line, this isn’t so much a ‘downside’ as it is a bummer that comes with the territory.

Here’s the situation that I recently had OC’ing in the Applebee’s at Viewmont Mall, Dickson City.
We were doing lunch on a Sunday afternoon with my family (we’re six strong) and my in-laws.
I was OC’ing…..but my wife was driving the van. Those who know this Applebee’s will verify it is tight seating there and sorta dimly lit. I always sit on an end seat with my strongside (and OC firearm) facing out cuz my littlest primate (2yr old boy) still needs mealtime coaching!
Anyways…..I was DYING for a draft (uhhhh….I gotta be honest with my PAFOA brothers – the BREWTUS!) but absolutely would not order one. I stuck with water. Bummer.

Though under the circumstances – I’m don’t think anyone noticed (no gawkers at least), I truly feel that as OC’ers, we are ambassadors for the position/role/perception we project. With that said, I will likely never indulge in an alcoholic beverage when I am the minority OC’er in a very public place.

To borrow one of my own statements in another thread “ Stereotypes are stereotypes and the typical public has a tough time changing their mind on them. So we’ll deliver them one they rarely see……Let them know that no matter HOW an individual looks, if you notice a firearm attached smartly to the hip, in the small of back, or under-arm shoulder carry – we’re one of the GOOD GUYS!
It is our duty to strengthen the public’s perception of maturity and responsibility of OC’ers. We need to help balance all the gun negativity that media delivers to the public.

Bottom line to the rant? If I’m OC’ing, I won’t have not a single beer/drink, whatever. Even in a nice restaurant. The public doesn’t know if that was my first one or my fifth one.

The best way to make OC normal in our society is to…wellll…..make it normal. OC whenever you can, as often as you can (if that’s your cup of tea, of course!)