The Open Carry Movement Analysis

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Recently, while watching one of my favorite movies, “Tombstone” for the countless time, I stopped to ponder that the first rule imposed on the town of Tombstone by Marshall Earp was to prohibit the carrying of guns in the city limits. “Now wait, nobody says you can’t own a gun. Nobody’s even saying you can’t carry a gun. All we’re saying is you can’t carry one in town.” (Lawman Virgil Earp to divided townspeople in the movie "Tombstone.") The townspeople were divided because one part believed that this rule would solve the crime problem, the murders, and the violence. The other townspeople believed this put too much power into the hands of the Earps and the individual townspeople would be unable to protect themselves from outlaws, criminals, …show more content…

I read the news report, and watched the YouTube videos recorded by Worley as he was being detained. The interpretation of events by the news media and Worley supporters are very different. (OnTheMoveShow) Open Carry advocates include a group of citizens who want to be confrontational. They do not seem to care how anyone else in the community feels about carrying a visible firearm, as long as they are able to exercise what they see as their Constitutional rights. This movement is not popular with all gun owners, some who see it as an invitation to trouble. (Burnett) Mack Worley summarized the viewpoint as. “"If the public is afraid, that's not my fault. I don't control their point of view," Worley said. "In fact, I welcome it. I welcome and encourage a debate on the subject. I am not responsible for their fear." (Tilkin) Attitudes such as these give me pause, and make me sure that we do need some restrictions. I was raised to be considerate of those around me, respectful of society, and that my rights were not more important as the rights of the

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