Carrying while doing campaign work

[tricolordad]

I've been getting involved with certain political campaigns by canvassing and handing out literature, some of which involves going door-to-door. Im pretty well known in the area for being one of the few who actually OCs, but for the politically-related activities and that .3% chance that it might be needed, it could hurt the campaign and I thought it would be okay to just forgo the firearm. All was fine until yesterday, when i had an obvious psychopath threaten to kill me and follow me around my route, screaming and swearing and threatening me. I have a CCL, do I just conceal it? I know what one of the candidates would say...lol

 

[jsturges]

So that would be the candidate who approved carrying in National parks and on Amtrak?

 

[tricolordad]

Are you accusing me of being a libtard?

 

[mappow]

I would highly suggest to comply with State Law number one. Some States has requirement to inform IF on someones private property. Two, If you have a CWP, I would , again, highly recommend to ensure you do not unjustly bias the constituents your planning to (God, I hate this word) organize. I'm sure some on this site will disagree with CC instead of OC, but I (not anyone else's opinion) would not want to distract from the cause of your pursuits. JUZ SAYING..............

 

[NavyLCDR]

Are you accusing me of being a libtard?

Well, in your opening post you tell us that you left your gun at home for political campaign reasons.... so you tell us.

 

[tricolordad]

Well, in your opening post you tell us that you left your gun at home for political campaign reasons.... so you tell us.

Being on that boat for so long must have dulled your mind. You do know that youre NOT supposed to drink the salt water, right? Let me ask you this: What in the hell makes you think someone who OCs and holds a CCL would be working for the Obama campaign?! Damn, i guess the bright orange NRA shirt that reads DEFEND FREEDOM DEFEAT OBAMA didn't get the message across. BTW, for those of you who dont have the bumper stickers and still want one, I'm the person you would need to see to get one.

 

[tricolordad]

Now, aside from mappow, does anybody else have relevant input or do i just assume that a few trolls scared everyone else off?

 

[walt629]

Discretion is the better part of Valor or so it goes.

Being a political activist and going door to door has to be one of the more dangerous choices for volunteer work, IMO. If it were me, there wouldn't be a moment without my sidearm. If you can conceal and that is your choosing then so be it. The "in you face" rout can be counter productive in the political arena and, contrary to popular belief some of the public, regardless of political persuasion are not comfortable around firearms.

A cell phone would also be on my 'must have' list. Thrusting yourself into the publics face and presenting yourself as an ally of the possible opposition will introduce you to some wild characters. You have to expect to encounter some virolent supporters of the candidate you are not supporting. As such, expect doors slammed in your face and the name calling (heck we get a lot of that right here and we're supposed to have guns in common) but as soon as that loon stared to following you around and screaming at you, it's time to make a call to 911.

Exposing your weapon can be misconstrued and in some states (don't know about your state. It's not listed) exposing your weapon is considered "threatening / brandishing" among other descriptions and is considered an illegal act. Check here: Index of /states for your state.

Good luck and stay safe out there.

 

[AzBanks]

Simple math

OC or CC = good

NC = bad

Be good!

 

[Deserteagle]

Carry your gun if your life is more important than doing campaign work.

Do not carry your gun if doing campaign work is more important than living.

Simple

 

[NavyLCDR]

Being on that boat for so long must have dulled your mind. You do know that youre NOT supposed to drink the salt water, right? Let me ask you this: What in the hell makes you think someone who OCs and holds a CCL would be working for the Obama campaign?! Damn, i guess the bright orange NRA shirt that reads DEFEND FREEDOM DEFEAT OBAMA didn't get the message across. BTW, for those of you who dont have the bumper stickers and still want one, I'm the person you would need to see to get one.

Hmmm.... I don't believe I made any statement associating you with any political party. You seem to be a bit defensive. Seems interesting coming from a person who chose to wear a bright orange NRA shirt that reads DEFEND FREEDOM DEFEAT OBAMA but doesn't have the common sense to carry a concealed gun for self-protection when they legally can.

There are absolutely times, places and situations where concealed carry is more appropriate than open carry. And, IMHO, concealed carry is ALWAYS more appropriate than no carry, when the legal option to conceal carry is available.

Exactly what advantage did you think you were gaining by not carrying at all v. carrying concealed?

 

[USMC 25yrs]

My recommendation: CC if it is legal for you to do so. CC under the conditions during which to do so remains legal. Keep the cell phone at least as handy. Remember that the loud-mouthed thugs are just that. When they rant, have that smart phone out to record the video (which means DO NOT let them ambush you...be ready for the rant)...and better...be ready with your weapon if the rant moves to life-threatening actions. Once you pull it out, you should be defending your life. Know what you are going to do before you knock on the door....be ready for anything...no surprises...

 

[FNWylde]

How would anyone know you're carrying and why wouldn't you? You don't need our opinions or advice on this one to do the right thing.

 

[Etkini]

Two things:

1) Your firearm isn't doing much good sitting on the shelf or in the safe at home.
2) The first C in CC stands for "concealed.' If you're doing it right, no one should know you have it, unless on the back of your blaze orange NRA shirt the words "I'M CARRYING CONCEALED" are printed.

If you have to ask whether it's right or wrong, I suggest you first sit down and think hard why you've even carrying that firearm in the first place. Is it to show off, or intimidate people or is it to protect yourself? If it's the first answer, I suggest you stop carrying before someone innocent gets hurt. If it's the last answer, I suggest you consult your state's laws regards to where\how\when you can carry. If you are not committing an illegal act, wouldn't it be a no-brainer to conceal if you are in fact carrying to defend your own life?

 

[Riverkilt]

Sure carry concealed. I know when I did door-to-door work for local candidates I was very very careful to only walk on the sidewalks, not cut across lawns. For some reason that tends to anger folks. A lot longer to walk but more exercise and less hassle.

And...I don't think I'm the only Obama loving liberal democrat who has a CCL....no clue how folks think supporting the second amendment is a one party thingie. Was just in the Grand Canyon National Park all day yesterday LEGALLY packing concealed...with gratitude for the democrat president that allowed that most positive change.

 

[DRNurse1]

Discretion is the better part of Valor or so it goes.

Being a political activist and going door to door has to be one of the more dangerous choices for volunteer work, IMO. If it were me, there wouldn't be a moment without my sidearm. If you can conceal and that is your choosing then so be it. The "in you face" rout can be counter productive in the political arena and, contrary to popular belief some of the public, regardless of political persuasion are not comfortable around firearms.

A cell phone would also be on my 'must have' list. Thrusting yourself into the publics face and presenting yourself as an ally of the possible opposition will introduce you to some wild characters. You have to expect to encounter some virolent supporters of the candidate you are not supporting. As such, expect doors slammed in your face and the name calling (heck we get a lot of that right here and we're supposed to have guns in common) but as soon as that loon stared to following you around and screaming at you, it's time to make a call to 911.

Exposing your weapon can be misconstrued and in some states (don't know about your state. It's not listed) exposing your weapon is considered "threatening / brandishing" among other descriptions and is considered an illegal act. Check here: Index of /states for your state.

Good luck and stay safe out there.

+1 to this post. If you have CCL, you know the rules where you live. Carry or say Baa when you leave the house. (my thanks to Col Dave). When it comes down to it, exercising your political rights IS protecting your family, and this is my reason for carrying.

 

[Treo]

Let me ask you this: What in the hell makes you think someone who OCs and holds a CCL would be working for the Obama campaign?!

You'd be surprised how many Progressives support the RKBA.

As for you question conceal it and drive on

 

[sgtbill]

Ditto, conceal it and do what you started out to do but also be protected while you go door to door.
Bill

 

[tricolordad]

I was more thinking along the lines of this...since I am doing campaign work, is it ethical.. Where i live, its probably assumed that im packing heat since i am one of two who OCs here daily. I did some canvassing today while OCing, and didnt get spit on finally. It was nice.

 

[Deserteagle]

I was more thinking along the lines of this...since I am doing campaign work, is it ethical..

Let me rephrase your question... Is it ethical to protect yourself?

Maybe it's just me, but there is never a time when it is not ethical to protect yourself.