Bustoff, you don't know me, but I've read many of your posts and I respect you and the things you do. I also know you have the capacity for good conversation. Please don't take my comments as mean spirited or argumentative, they're not meant that way, only to convey a point in conversation. I often piss people off, just thought I'd say it wave the flag beforehand.
I've been gaining interest in this subject lately and I know YOU know your shit, much like me you spend time READING the law. I have comments and questions.
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I think they served themselves and gun owners well in this report! They were knowledgeable, presentable, well spoken and not at all radical or wearing the issue on their sleeve. A very good Fox 2 News Report.
Now let's monitor the public sentiment and evaluate the perception!
I can't agree more with this. I've seen some bad examples from past get-togethers. Everyone here knows how media spins shit, this is a new concept to people, not a good time to set a bad example. A few bad eggs......well, you know, it wouldn't take much for them to turn it into a bunch of crazy gun nuts doin whatever. I'm surprised that they've never been reported as "a bunch of men met today, at a local restaraunt to expose their tools.....just because they could."
I don't like bad press for gun owners, and the "any idiot can attend" gathering is destined for failure. You end up with idiots.
Has there ever been anti open carry demonstrators at a gathering? How bout protesters? That can heat things up a bit. What happens if an idoit waves his gun or looks menacing toward one.....or shoots one?
There's a reason Flava Flav ain't leading the civil rights movement. They don't want him to. I'm honestly concerned that these few bad examples will eventually ruin it for everyone.
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There is a constitutional right to carry and that is Michigan Constitution Article 1 Section 6. Changing it overnight would be impossible short of a constitutional convention that amends it. Michigan's RKBA is even stronger than the 2A and allows bearing of arms for self defense and defense of the state. Our former Macomb County Prosecuting Attorney Carl Marlinga wrote an opinion back in the 90's that researched the right and led to Macomb County offering General Unrestricted Carry Concealed Weapons licenses. I believe that same opinion of his elaborated on the unconcealed or open bearing of arms as a constitutional guarantee. Of course back then few people chose that option when they could get a general or the modern version CPL.
§ 6 Bearing of arms.
Sec. 6. Every person has a right to keep and bear arms for the defense of himself and the state.
History: Const. 1963, Art. I, § 6, Eff. Jan. 1, 1964.
Former constitution: See Const. 1908, Art. II, § 5.
That's the best example I've seen of it being a right, but I still don't feel it is (not saying i don't think it should be). By that example I'd call it "arguable in court" but not a right.
To me....this is a RIGHT......
Sec. 6. Every person has a right to keep, bear, and carry arms for the defense of himself and the state.
Until it says this, I feel that this right is only as good as the lawyer I hire.
Can you cite any laws having to do with, or mentioning "open carry".......The 2nd amendment is a right.....and the GCA and NFA are laws governing that right.
I'd feel better about the open carry "legality" if there was at least a law that said just something simple.....something like.....
"All pistols carried openly shall be in a black or brown holster, failure to comply shall be a felony."
It's simple, no big deal, and recognizes "open carry" with an MCL number.
I've been hoping for similar recognition for my "under 30" rifle/pistol concealed truck shotgun" We know it's legal, they've recognized in the past that it was......but there is nothing available as hard proof that it is legal to carry. the closest has actually been
HB5038. But my dreams are dying with it.
I see the issues as similar......a "grey area" for lack of a better term.