OUTRAGE in Virginia!

[Cobra Medic]

I wonder who paid the legal bills?

Who's bills? Big push to help Skidmark pay his bills. I don't have much money but I sent him a little. Don't think anyone is helping the guard.

I think my legal bills for being legally armed would be less than my medical bills if a VCA attacks me while I'm unarmed. Legal coverage through the NRA is also much cheaper than medical insurance, even at my job.

Unless I die en route to the hospital. Compared to lawyers and doctors, EMTs and morticians are pretty cheap. (Financially.)

[Oldgringo]

If anyone wants my opinion, messing with security personnel post-9/11 is going to get you a ride. Deal with that fact unless you can afford to take a case to the Supreme Court.

From reports on the Virginia forums, it was the security guard who took a ride. Right to the unemployment line.

If I'm legal and I know it, I'll take the ride. I won't be happy about it, but I'll be legal and safe.

I wonder who paid the legal bills?

Who's bills? Big push to help Skidmark pay his bills. I don't have much money but I sent him a little. Don't think anyone is helping the guard.

Good on you.

I hope it eventually works out okay for 'ol Skidmore. All say that he meant no harm when he challenged the abusive and otherwise ill-mannered security bully's authority.

[jamisjockey]

seamusTX, talk to us.

You can carry any legally possessed weapon on the Galveston-Bolivar ferry, including long guns, concealed handguns, and ammunition. I have done so with no trouble.

The Galveston-Bolivar ferry is operated by the Texas Department of Transportation and subject to state law.

The security inspections are operated by a private contractor. They have called the police on people for violations such as attempting to bypass the inspection station, drunk driving, smoking pot, open containers of alcohol, and disorderly conduct.

If anyone wants my opinion, messing with security personnel post-9/11 is going to get you a ride. Deal with that fact unless you can afford to take a case to the Supreme Court.

- Jim

Nothing like a terror attack to give the government carte blanche to infringe our rights and freedoms.

[VoiceofReason]

Keith,

If I follow your logic properly, then OC seems to present a bit of a slippery slope here that tripped up the accused. The premise is that the visibility of a firearm on a person during an argument is, in essence, brandishing. Therefore, if you open carry in Virginia don't argue with anyone. If someone complains you may take a ride you had not planned on.

For my money, concealed carry seems less potentially troublesome.

Were I on the jury, I would wonder why the deputy did not arrest the subject on the spot and confiscate the weapon if he thought the subject was “brandishing” it. Doesn’t seem to me like the deputy was too concerned about it at the time.

Just my thoughts.

[Charles L. Cotton]

Keith,

If I follow your logic properly, then OC seems to present a bit of a slippery slope here that tripped up the accused. The premise is that the visibility of a firearm on a person during an argument is, in essence, brandishing. Therefore, if you open carry in Virginia don't argue with anyone. If someone complains you may take a ride you had not planned on.

For my money, concealed carry seems less potentially troublesome.

Were I on the jury, I would wonder why the deputy did not arrest the subject on the spot and confiscate the weapon if he thought the subject was “brandishing” it. Doesn’t seem to me like the deputy was too concerned about it at the time.

Just my thoughts.

That's something his attorney will point out the jury. If he was perceived to be a threat, why was he allowed to leave? An arrest on the scene is not required (at least in Texas), but the lack of an arrest is strong evidence in certain cases.

Chas.

[Keith]

Thanks for all the info Keith. Had no idea. This changes my idea about OC also. Heck I could be yelling at my dog while on a walk (with OC) and pass a person on the sidewalk who suddenly gets scared and calls police. They arrive she says she felt threatened and im in big trouble. Didnt really have a opinion on OC. Fig if its there I would and if not I would CCW.

Now I think ill pass on OC if there was such a law in Texas on brandishing. Thanks again.

[McKnife]

Thanks for all the info Keith. Had no idea. This changes my idea about OC also. Heck I could be yelling at my dog while on a walk (with OC) and pass a person on the sidewalk who suddenly gets scared and calls police. They arrive she says she felt threatened and im in big trouble. Didnt really have a opinion on OC. Fig if its there I would and if not I would CCW.

Now I think ill pass on OC if there was such a law in Texas on brandishing. Thanks again.

To carry open or concealed is your personal choice, obviously, but please tell me you would at least vote FOR open carry if the option was there.

[Keith]

Most definetly as im still Pro Gun! You have to admit though the brandishing law is kinda crazy. The anti gunners could have a field day with this.

[baldeagle]

Wouldn't you be a lot more concerned if someone you didn't know started an argument with you and had a gun strapped to their hip vs. no visible gun? You don't know this guy from Adam, and have no idea what his temperament is. Who's to say the guy is not mentally unstable. While I would be concerned no matter what if he starts and unruly argument with me, I for sure am gonna feel more threatened if all he has to do is reach down and draw his gun.

Would you be less concerned if you discovered they were carrying concealed? Why does the visibility of the gun raise the threat level?

[Keith B]

Wouldn't you be a lot more concerned if someone you didn't know started an argument with you and had a gun strapped to their hip vs. no visible gun? You don't know this guy from Adam, and have no idea what his temperament is. Who's to say the guy is not mentally unstable. While I would be concerned no matter what if he starts and unruly argument with me, I for sure am gonna feel more threatened if all he has to do is reach down and draw his gun.

Would you be less concerned if you discovered they were carrying concealed? Why does the visibility of the gun raise the threat level?

They won't know if I am carrying concealed. However, it's pretty clear if I am open carrying. Simple observation. If it is properly concealed they shouldn't be telling the police you threatened them with a gun, unless you actually did or it was a lucky guess of a lie.

[Oldgringo]

Wouldn't you be a lot more concerned if someone you didn't know started an argument with you and had a gun strapped to their hip vs. no visible gun? You don't know this guy from Adam, and have no idea what his temperament is. Who's to say the guy is not mentally unstable. While I would be concerned no matter what if he starts and unruly argument with me, I for sure am gonna feel more threatened if all he has to do is reach down and draw his gun.

Would you be less concerned if you discovered they were carrying concealed? Why does the visibility of the gun raise the threat level?

Mrs. Olgringo and I frequently eat lunch in another town at a place where there are weapons visible on hips. We assume these are LEO's of some sort even though there are no uniforms, readily visible badges or police cars outside. We all nod and go about enjoying our burgers. No big deal.

I think that I'd feel conspicuous as an OC. If it's just the same to everybody, I'll be a CC dude and try not to draw anymore attention to myself than my outrageous good looks command.

[McKnife]

UPDATE:

Skidmark arrived in court on Jan. 4th, 2011.

According to member posts on the opencarry.org site, they felt that the prosecution team was completely unprepared for the public support and Skidmark's defense. "Neither charge was nolle prossed, dismissed or is otherwise not being pursued by the prosecution." Skidmark plead "not guilty."

"It would seen that neither the bench nor the CA was prepared for the likes of a well prepared, aggressive attorney nor for the serious dedication to the defense of both Skidmark and, secondarily in this case, our collective rights under the law.

Many solid points and questions were raised w/o adequate answers being provided by the opposition. These points will be of great benefit down the road. After having time to discuss and evaluate the proceedings, a more detailed report will be made here."

Trial has been set for March 11, 2011.

It is also said that after court, many supporters gathered at a restaurant for lunch, all open-carrying. Apparently the CA walked in and, again, wasn't prepared. haha

"As an aside, the CA came into the restaurant that is normally quiet and very lightly attended at that hour on a winter week day and seemed most taken back that HIS domain was populated with table after table after table of OCing citizens."

See OpenCarry Thread here: http://forum.opencarry.org/forums/showt ... -**/page24

[PeteCamp]

I think that I'd feel conspicuous as an OC. If it's just the same to everybody, I'll be a CC dude and try not to draw anymore attention to myself than my outrageous good looks command.

May we assume that your outrageous good looks form the basis of your...er...um..."handsome" avatar?

Don't ask about mine now!!!!

[McKnife]

UPDATE:

Skidmark's trial has been rescheduled *again* for June 21, 2011 because the DA is still unprepared. The obstruction charge was dismissed with prejudice, however, the brandishing charge, as absurd as it is, will go to trial.

A new thread on the OpenCarry.org forum was started to pick up from this point - focusing on preparations for trial: