punk rocka

I understand your perspective and I really do appreciate it, but I really hate seeing this stuff because I feel like this is how we lose our rights. The cop didn't just walk up out of nowhere on the guy and ask him for papers; the guy introduced himself into a situation where an officer was doing 'something' with someone else. Most LEOs would probably agree that this not a good thing and in some cases is arguably not legal in certain circumstances. In my opinion, inserting yourself into police business removes any protection you might otherwise enjoy concerning unwarranted 'harassment'. I see a guy who invited himself to be 'investigated' or questioned by become part of that scene. Consequently, there is an age restriction on open carry in NC, so the LEO is not outside his authority, in my opinion, when he asked that guy to produce ID. I am making the assumption that the guy isn't like 80 years old or something, but he sounds like a younger person, but I guess I will make that disclaimer.

The thing that I dislike about this stuff is how easily it could have gotten out of hand. I don't know all of NCs laws, but I would be surprised if the LEO couldn't have made a case against the guy if he would have truly wanted to, since he wasn't producing identification nor was he even responding with his age. So what happens if some other LEO rolls up and sees this guy backing away from the cop and has also has a gun strapped to his hip? How many ways can this sort of thing get out of hand and what would be the end result? I believe (obviously) in our 2A right, but I believe that with it comes responsibility and I don't believe that purposely trying to instigate a situation for some highlight reel is a responsible way to act, nor does it do any favors for those of us who truly want to continue to enjoy those rights.

Nova

Well, judging by many of the stories you read on here, seeing a gun must make some LEOs uncomfortable...

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Springfield XD45 4" 13+1

Majorlk

If someone doing something perfectly legal makes a LEO uncomfortable, that's THEIR problem. They have no right to impose their insecurity on a law abiding citizen.

That insecurity just cost a NM city $21k.

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An armed society is a polite society. Manners are good when one may have to back up his acts with his life. - Robert A. Heinlein

Majorlk

Hogwash!

In most states, unless an officer has a reasonable suspicion someone has committed a crime, they cannot be compelled to identify themselves.

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An armed society is a polite society. Manners are good when one may have to back up his acts with his life. - Robert A. Heinlein

hogdaddy

Cop Figured he'd lose a stripe if he pushed it any further ; ) H/D

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WE SAY GRACE & WE SAY MAM IF YA AINT IN THE SOUTH WE DON'T GIVE A DAM / WE CAN SKIN A BUCK & RUN A TROUTE LINE & A COUNTRY BOY CAN (SURVIVE)>>HANK JR.

MP45Man

I can tell you one thing for sure, if that guy ever gets pulled over for a moving violation by the LEO in the video, I'm reasonably sure he's not getting a warning.

Chorizo

Don't get me wrong, I believe in exercising my rights. Hell I spent 21 years willing to cashier my life for mine and your rights so I am very protective of them.

What I am saying is not everybody is willing to respect those rights and that is where it gets dicey.

COMMON SENSE......Just what Nova said. The OC wasn't very respecfull, nor was he using much sense in his approach, even though he was well within his rights.

And by the way, I am NOT is what is wrong with this country, bombastic, in your face and impolite people like yourself are sure contributing though.

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Freedom is not free, but the U.S. Marine Corps will pay most of your share.

nn

"going armed to the terror of the public" is an issue at all times in NC.
LEO's do not have to see one doing something illegal, the gun carrier just needs to be visible with a visible gun. This could be walking down a street were guns are not normally carried or being at a group protest. It is a judgement call, not a 2D Amendment call.

Nova

Just because you're right about something doesn't mean you need to shove it in anyone's face. The OCer knew he was right and he tried to emasculate the LEO over it. I don't like that, to be honest.

He's a LEO. That carries with it some measure of respect. He's also an elder - you don't harrass an elder. These are simple rules that people live by less and less nowadays.

Even if the LEO is wrong, I'll get my day in court - that is where I defend my rights, foremost. My aim right now is to avoid escalating an already tense situation.

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Springfield XD45 4" 13+1

nutz4utwo

What a pointed discussion we are having.

Just in case anyone here is considering open carrying in front of abortion clinics to prove some sort of political point, I strongly caution them against it. There are some dicey federal laws that apply to reproductive health care locations. Most notably:

Civil Rights Division Home Page

We all know the difference between legally open carrying and unlawful threatening behavior is a thin line in many states. One could be arrested, go to trial, and be [edit] convicted for giving a sheep a bad impression.

... the line is thin indeed