Antone's Nightclub
No More Wild West
RECEIVED Sat., Aug. 29, 2020
Dear Editor,
I am not a law enforcement officer, but I would very much appreciate hearing the opinions of those who are regarding a subject with (literally) life or death consequences.
Would anyone charged with enforcing public safety feel comfortable during a public protest when a number of the participants in such a legal protest are carrying loaded, automatic weapons? Police officers watching crowds of angry, frustrated individuals - sometimes shouting back and forth at each other - while paying particular attention to those with their AK-47s or some other weapon designed to kill as many people as quickly and efficiently as possible.
So, to any and all police officers, sheriffs, D.P.S., etc. of the great state of Texas: What is your opinion on "Open Carry"? Is it a good idea to allow agitated individuals with differing opinions to face off against each other with each "side" armed to the teeth? Or, would you feel safer and feel more confident about maintaining order if there were no weapons visible on either side of the street?
Politicians who can change laws all swear to love the police. If the law enforcement community would insist "open carry" be revisited - maybe future loss-of-life can be avoided. No one wants your gun - no one is going to confiscate it. There is just no place for this type of weapon at a public gathering.
Folks, the "wild west" is over. Continue to protest - whichever side you support - but, leave your guns at home.
I am not a law enforcement officer, but I would very much appreciate hearing the opinions of those who are regarding a subject with (literally) life or death consequences.
Would anyone charged with enforcing public safety feel comfortable during a public protest when a number of the participants in such a legal protest are carrying loaded, automatic weapons? Police officers watching crowds of angry, frustrated individuals - sometimes shouting back and forth at each other - while paying particular attention to those with their AK-47s or some other weapon designed to kill as many people as quickly and efficiently as possible.
So, to any and all police officers, sheriffs, D.P.S., etc. of the great state of Texas: What is your opinion on "Open Carry"? Is it a good idea to allow agitated individuals with differing opinions to face off against each other with each "side" armed to the teeth? Or, would you feel safer and feel more confident about maintaining order if there were no weapons visible on either side of the street?
Politicians who can change laws all swear to love the police. If the law enforcement community would insist "open carry" be revisited - maybe future loss-of-life can be avoided. No one wants your gun - no one is going to confiscate it. There is just no place for this type of weapon at a public gathering.
Folks, the "wild west" is over. Continue to protest - whichever side you support - but, leave your guns at home.
Joe Pastusek