Open carry event in Massachusetts

[Flashlight22]

Im looking for my fellow gun owners to step up and do a open carry event here in Mass. We can start with this nationwide event that Starbucks coffee is doing, yes i said Starbucks. Its going on 2/14/2012, yeah its Valentines day so what take your partner out for some coffee and show your support not only for Starbucks but for all of us Gun owners.

 

[longslide10]

That should be interesting

 

[6shootercarry]

I've been spreading the word via other channels. Planned to do it here with some freedom embracing individuals.. Actions... words don't seem to make a difference as they get interpreted incorrectly...

 

[6shootercarry]

That should be interesting

Interesting in what way?

 

[NavyLCDR]

I would NOT recommend Rich_S for a guest speaker...

 

[Phillip Gain]

I've been pondering this for a while, but haven't really been able to generate a lot of interest.

I would suggest that if we do this, we pick a Starbucks and coordinate with management there. And also pick a town with a gun-friendly police chief, in case other non-carrying customers panic. (Which of course is pretty likely here in Mass.)

Maybe the Starbucks in Westborough? I can't say that Chief Gordon would go for it..but my wife and I got our LTC-A unrestricted here, with pretty much zero hassle. If we get enough people interested, I'll look into it.

 

[6shootercarry]

I've been pondering this for a while, but haven't really been able to generate a lot of interest.

I would suggest that if we do this, we pick a Starbucks and coordinate with management there. And also pick a town with a gun-friendly police chief, in case other non-carrying customers panic. (Which of course is pretty likely here in Mass.)

Maybe the Starbucks in Westborough? I can't say that Chief Gordon would go for it..but my wife and I got our LTC-A unrestricted here, with pretty much zero hassle. If we get enough people interested, I'll look into it.

That location works. I was planning to maybe take a half-day off and go there with some of the guys I work with. The one on Rt 9? If we peaceably assemble and the store has no issue with it why ask permission from the chief? As long as no law is being broken why would it be an issue? Asking not instigating... I know, with me it's hard to tell sometimes...

Peace...

 

[Phillip Gain]

Come on now...you know the answer to that:

"Because Massachusetts is a 'may issue' state...it is possible, in theory, to have your LTC revoked for 'causing a disturbance' even if no laws were broken in doing so." You know, that whole ill-defined "suitable person" clause in the laws.

Even if we just notify the chief, rather than "asking permission" I think it would create some good will. Which is never a bad thing.

 

[Phillip Gain]

Oh, and yeah, I was thinking the one on Rt 9.

Also, just thinking out loud...might be good to get some other folks in on the action. Maybe GOAL? Maybe Mass Firearms School? Maybe get press and TV stations in on the action?

 

[6shootercarry]

Come on now...you know the answer to that:

"Because Massachusetts is a 'may issue' state...it is possible, in theory, to have your LTC revoked for 'causing a disturbance' even if no laws were broken in doing so." You know, that whole ill-defined "suitable person" clause in the laws.

Even if we just notify the chief, rather than "asking permission" I think it would create some good will. Which is never a bad thing.

I'm inclined to allow the store owner to determine if he/she has no issue with it. So perhaps I'll call the store tomorrow (Rt 9 location)and see if this will be an issue. I'm sure with the publicity this boycott has gotten they are aware that gun owners will be coming out for support in numbers. If the store owners says OK then that's good enough for me..

What will be interesting; If the anti-gun folks come out in numbers and attempt to block access and attempt to harass and incite? How would the chief handle those folks... This is where it gets dicey... Informing the chief allows him to determine how we express ourselves. What if the chief says NO! So we go away and behave allowing our 1st Amendment right to assemble peaceably be infringed upon? It's like having to file for a permit and pay a fee to organize/facilitate a anti-government demonstration. As long as no laws are being broken. Why fear it? It's that Rosa Parks thing... Thoughts?

 

[6shootercarry]

Oh, and yeah, I was thinking the one on Rt 9.

Also, just thinking out loud...might be good to get some other folks in on the action. Maybe GOAL? Maybe Mass Firearms School? Maybe get press and TV stations in on the action?

Ding Ding!!! I like that... I was talking to a friend tonight about it.. Fox news and all the rest could be invited... Use other social networking to make it happen, I'll do the same... You have my private email as I recall?

 

[Phillip Gain]

While I generally like the "Ask forgiveness after, not permission before" post...I personally don't want to have my LTC yanked for a BS reason. I do not have the resources to sue the state and be the "test case."

I definitely think that touching base with Starbuck's management on Rt 9 would be the best start, at least. Then we can play it by ear from there.

Might be a good idea to get everyone together (unarmed or concealed) beforehand to discuss the details.

Inbox me again with your email?

 

[Flashlight22]

Awesome ideas guys im glad to see people stepping up. I live in Natick and the new chief of police here is pretty good. I was also thinking of the one on rt9 in Natick and or the one in westboro. Ill email GOAL and some news stations.

 

[Phillip Gain]

Just for a little clarity...here is what I sort of "visualize" happening by us being courteous and letting a police chief know.

I would imagine that, before every shift, there is a squad room meeting or something equivalent, something where the chief and/or more senior officers call roll, and lay out the plan for the day somehow:

"All right officers. We've received notification that a small group of LTC holders are planning an open-carry event at the Starbuck's at xx location and xx time. I just want to remind everyone that the simple open carry of a firearm is LEGAL, and is not grounds for arrest. A lot of the public doesn't know this, so to avoid having our 911 lines flooded, we're going to assign Officers Smith and Jones to be on location. Smith and Jones: You are to politely and courteously ask to see LTCs of anyone carrying a firearm. No arrests unless the LTC is absent or invalid, or unless someone starts to cause a real problem."

 

[snatale42]

I can't say that Chief Gordon would go for it..but my wife and I got our LTC-A unrestricted here, with pretty much zero hassle. If we get enough people interested, I'll look into it.

It's not his place to "Go for it". This is the problem and why OC in MA is such a problem. If you gonna ASK for permission than put your LTC through the shredder and call it a day.....you lost. No question it should be a green town you do it in, but if your gonna do it, do it.

 

[NavyLCDR]

Smith and Jones: You are to politely and courteously ask to see LTCs of anyone carrying a firearm. No arrests unless the LTC is absent or invalid, or unless someone starts to cause a real problem."

<sarcasm on> It's also against the law to carry a firearm with a serial number that is obliterated, so they should check for that too. And run the serial numbers of the firearms to ensure they are not stolen. And, while checking for LTC's they should disarm the members for officer safety and frisk them for concealed weapons. Politely and courteously, of course. If you are going to stop law abiding citizens who are doing nothing to indicate criminal behavior and ask to see their papers, you might as well go the full monty. Where do we draw the line as to what is "reasonable regulation" and what becomes harassment?

 

[Phillip Gain]

<sarcasm on> It's also against the law to carry a firearm with a serial number that is obliterated, so they should check for that too. And run the serial numbers of the firearms to ensure they are not stolen. And, while checking for LTC's they should disarm the members for officer safety and frisk them for concealed weapons. Politely and courteously, of course. If you are going to stop law abiding citizens who are doing nothing to indicate criminal behavior and ask to see their papers, you might as well go the full monty. Where do we draw the line as to what is "reasonable regulation" and what becomes harassment?

Stop being a dickhead, Navy. This isn't your state, first off, so it's not really your business.

State law in Mass (right or wrong) is that you MUST HAVE A LICENSE TO CARRY IN ORDER TO EVEN OWN A HANDGUN. Being such a legislation wonk that you are, I figured you'd know that, but apparently you do not.

Therefore, by the letter of the law - you must have your LTC in order to carry...whether openly or concealed. And police in Massachusetts, WHEN THEY SEE A GUN, DO HAVE THE POWER TO ASK FOR YOUR LTC AND YOU ARE REQUIRED BY LAW TO PRESENT IT.

Now kindly get off this thread.

 

[Phillip Gain]

Or better yet, Navy - feel free to come on down and participate. YOU surely won't need a license or anything, since YOU have the Second Amendment on your side. Shine up your best nickle-plated 1911 and join us for some coffee!

I'm sure that the Westborough PD will just be thoroughly enlightened by the lesson they receive from you on Constitutional Law.

I'll send you the time and location...just let me know. Shucks, I'll even buy your first cup of coffee, whatever suits ya.

 

[Flashlight22]

It's not his place to "Go for it". This is the problem and why OC in MA is such a problem. If you gonna ASK for permission than put your LTC through the shredder and call it a day.....you lost. No question it should be a green town you do it in, but if your gonna do it, do it.[/QUOTE]

I agree with you on that. We should just do it. Only people we need to ask is the owner of the property/Starbucks location owner. If the police are called on us then the police are called. We as law abiding citizens are doing nothing wrong. Also a green town will help too.

 

[NavyLCDR]

Stop being a dickhead, Navy. This isn't your state, first off, so it's not really your business.

State law in Mass (right or wrong) is that you MUST HAVE A LICENSE TO CARRY IN ORDER TO EVEN OWN A HANDGUN. Being such a legislation wonk that you are, I figured you'd know that, but apparently you do not.

Therefore, by the letter of the law - you must have your LTC in order to carry...whether openly or concealed. And police in Massachusetts, WHEN THEY SEE A GUN, DO HAVE THE POWER TO ASK FOR YOUR LTC AND YOU ARE REQUIRED BY LAW TO PRESENT IT.

Now kindly get off this thread.

Or better yet, Navy - feel free to come on down and participate. YOU surely won't need a license or anything, since YOU have the Second Amendment on your side. Shine up your best nickle-plated 1911 and join us for some coffee!

I'm sure that the Westborough PD will just be thoroughly enlightened by the lesson they receive from you on Constitutional Law.

I'll send you the time and location...just let me know. Shucks, I'll even buy your first cup of coffee, whatever suits ya.

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