Watch: A Professor’s Amazing Idea On Dealing With Open Carry Activists
A philosophy professor offers an amazing response to open carry activists who enter family-friendly establishments with guns strapped to their backs. He notes,”As many have pointed out, there is no way for bystanders to know whether the people with guns are “good guys” or “bad guys.” It is rational to be afraid of someone with a weapon, especially if you know nothing about them.”
That’s been my argument for awhile when gun activists claim there’s nothing to fear from an “inanimate object” but we don’t know the person whose hand is on the trigger. We do see their blatant disrespect for others though.
Jack Russell Weinstein, professor of philosophy and director of the Institute for Philosophy in Public Life at the University of North Dakota, came up with a solution as to how we should respond when witnessing these gun toting groups entering a store.
Weinstein writes:
My proposal is as follows: we should all leave. Immediately. Leave the food on the table in the restaurant. Leave the groceries in the cart, in the aisle. Stop talking or engaging in the exchange. Just leave, unceremoniously, and fast.
But here is the key part: don’t pay. Stopping to pay in the presence of a person with a gun means risking your and your loved ones’ lives; money shouldn’t trump this. It doesn’t matter if you ate the meal. It doesn’t matter if you’ve just received food from the deli counter that can’t be resold. It doesn’t matter if you just got a haircut. Leave. If the business loses money, so be it. They can make the activists pay.
Following this procedure has several advantages. First, it protects people. Second, it forces the businesses to really choose where their loyalties are. If the second amendment is as important as people claim, then people should be willing to pay for it. God knows, free speech is tremendously expensive.
Watch:
A YouTube commenter writes, “The best way to react is to thank them for supporting your rights and the Constitution. Advocating theft at restaurants is not a moral argument.”
We can thank our founding fathers, not gun carrying gangs, thank you very much. As for the allegation of “theft,” the professor covered that topic in the video.
There’s nothing to thank these two young men for after their group entered a Chipotle restaurant in Texas.
While activists have certain “rights” — which they have abused — nowhere on our favorite restaurant’s menu does it read, “Cheeseburger with a side of gangsta, yo.”
H/T: Shamelessly stolen from Wonkette.
Image: Crooks and Liars.
Click here for reuse options!Copyright 2014 Liberaland
By: Anomaly100
Hirightnow July 26th, 2014 at 21:02
Whistles and applause.
Hirightnow July 26th, 2014 at 21:02
Whistles and applause.
Mo Reno July 26th, 2014 at 21:58
So, your affinity for worker’s rights and the law is only as deep as your vanity and unwillingness to report a crime…
Nice.
TheNeedle July 26th, 2014 at 22:51
What in God’s name are you babbling about? What crime? YOu think the sheriff’s going to bust in an bust the manager of Chili’s for shafting workers? How can you be this naive?
And your affinity for worker’s rights is apparently non existent. Some liberal.
Mo Reno July 27th, 2014 at 00:18
The crime is stealing worker’s wages for something they aren’t liable for: a dine and dash. You really can’t see the crime there? It wouldn’t be the sheriff, but one of the various labor agencies that could enforce that.
Do yourself a favor, don’t invoke god’s name while simultaneously arguing in support of wage theft. Pretty sure your god wouldn’t support that, or is their some arcane, spurious biblical passage that somehow favors employers that rip off their workers? I’m not up on all the newest Christian apologetics.
Herb Sarge Phelps July 27th, 2014 at 01:21
my God wouldn’t need me to carry a gun into a food place. Oh which reminds me, in the Air Force when we had post rotation for chow, we weren’t allow to carry our weapons inside, but left them with one running post rotation. Bet the USAF knows more about weapons than you do. Directed at the one who invoked God. Really?
Mo Reno July 27th, 2014 at 00:21
Why do your comments tend to have a solitary upvote?
Is it a slow day in sockpuppet land?
Mo Reno July 27th, 2014 at 00:26
My affinity for worker’s rights is apparently non-existent to you because I know that the law doesn’t hold them personally responsible for a walk-out?
You aren’t too quick on the uptake.
Try thinking it through before you post.
Gort1 July 27th, 2014 at 00:52
No but an attorney will sure get their attention
jasonsadrummer July 26th, 2014 at 23:06
Your missing the point when it comes to paying. It’s about putting you, and your family first. The money’s not as important as the safety of your family!
jasonsadrummer July 26th, 2014 at 23:06
Your missing the point when it comes to paying. It’s about putting you, and your family first. The money’s not as important as the safety of your family!
burqa July 26th, 2014 at 23:40
I LIKE IT!
burqa July 26th, 2014 at 23:40
I LIKE IT!
Gort1 July 27th, 2014 at 00:46
I love this idea.
Gort1 July 27th, 2014 at 00:51
Well that’s what employment attorneys are for. . Take it and be quiet. .or do something to change it!
Herb Sarge Phelps July 27th, 2014 at 01:34
actually it isn’t legal. I had the Area Manager at Krystal’s try to keep my last paycheck, but I got a legal aid lawyer and he not only gave me my check but drove to my apartment with it, took me to the bank to cash it, and apologized instead of going to court.
greenfloyd July 27th, 2014 at 02:06
Dr. Weinstein, “philosopher,” offers up a superficial and, IMHO, wrong-headed response to the problem. The “problem” being dealing with the natural “fight or flight” response to what we may perceive as an immediate threat.to life and limb. At root it is very primal. These “activists” understand this, at least on some level, and seek to exploit it. Simply put they are engaging in childish, attention-seeking behavior. But are they a real threat? Probably not. And I won’t let a couple of posers like the two guys pictured above, run me away. Because if we flee they win.
Although I’m keeping a close eye on that little guy who has taken a rather aggressive stance and appears ready to fire. It’s clear he has little or no training and is a disaster waiting to happen with all that fire-power at his disposal. It’s a tense situation, remain calm and don’t make any sudden moves. In this case I would try to establish eye-contact, a line of communication and politely ask, “What are you doing?” or “You know you are scaring the kids and making a mockery of the 2nd Amendment!” In other words attempt to gently shame them for their anti-social behavior and remind them all rights have certain responsibilities and obligations. Then, ignore them, shun them. Don’t blog it, don’t post it on Youtube or in any way feed into this type of behavior, it only encourages them.
Along those lines I think it’s imperative that public places provide facilities to secure firearms. Dejected, Rocky and Bullwinkle go home and play with their “guns.”
Skip Patterson July 27th, 2014 at 02:35
“Simply put they are engaging in childish, attention-seeking behavior. But are they a real threat?”
Yes, there is no doubt that right-wing Christofascist are very dangerous as it is hard to determine how they might react to almost anything and today just might be the day they think they are going to toast some of those communist pinko liburals to do their part to save America. These are people who are clearly mentally unstable and pose the biggest threat to our country and our freedoms since the civil war. It is way past time for liberals to stop treating them as just a group of cranks and malcontents and see them for the cancer they are.
greenfloyd July 27th, 2014 at 10:50
Oh come on. Really!? There are so many threats ahead of these guys we should wish this was our biggest problem.
Skip Patterson July 27th, 2014 at 13:22
You need to wake up and smell the coffee son.
Here, maybe this will get you started. https://www.academia.edu/6686813/PART_1_CHAPTER_1_EPISTEMOLOGICAL_BREAK_WITH_REALITY_UPDATED
Marlene Ross July 27th, 2014 at 09:46
The idea is that when everyone gets up to leave without paying it sends a clear message to the empoyer that the majority of the people who provide them their profits are not coming back, or paying their bill unless said employer takes a serious stand to ban all weapons from its/their premises. That’s the message here. Is that giving the open carriers attention…no, it’s simply removing everyone from the premises who they’d like to have onsite so they can continue gaining attention from their mere prescence. They won’t be getting attention for very long if no one else is around, and should every empolyer ban them, then the only place they can continue to gain attention with with their own kind. I agree with the professor…
greenfloyd July 28th, 2014 at 01:45
I think both you and the professor are wrong.
If, in this situation noted above, these guys were there to do real harm the first person shot will probably be a runner. Stay calm, evaluate your situation and the intention of the folks with the guns. If people are marching around with their guns holstered or on a sling over their backs shouting TP slogans, carrying misspelled signs declaring themselves “paterots,” (patriots), you are probably not in a life-threatening situation. Please note “probably,” because as I pointed out based on the pic above, the little guy with the big gun is ignoring basic gun-safety by assuming a shooting position in a public place, his hand is almost on the trigger, so yes I’d be very concerned about him having a gun anywhere.
So, you can run away with your tail between your legs or you can stand your ground. If it’s obviously a political action I’d seek engagement and try to give these guys a reality-check, shaming and finally shunning them for their anti-social behavior. I certainly will not give them the satisfaction of leaving. Although on my way out as I paid my tab I’d find out if the owner would consider installing a regulation gun locker and require open-carry patrons to check their guns at the door? if no, then I’d let the business know I did not intend to return.
I think if this idea caught hold paterots might have a change in strategy and elected lawmakers forced to redefine what the 2nd Amendment means in 21st century America.
okieggma July 27th, 2014 at 23:55
No, if we flee the place of business looses….that is the point.
greenfloyd July 28th, 2014 at 00:14
With all due respect, in this scenario, I think you are over-reacting to a couple of bullies.
floyd[@]greenfloyd.org July 27th, 2014 at 02:06
Dr. Weinstein, “philosopher,” offers up a superficial and, IMHO, wrong-headed response to the problem. The “problem” being dealing with the natural “fight or flight” response to what we may perceive as an immediate threat to life and limb. At root it is very primal. These “activists” understand this, at least on some level, and seek to exploit it. Simply put they are engaging in childish, attention-seeking behavior. But are they a real threat? Probably not. And I won’t let a couple of posers like the two guys pictured above, run me away. Because if we flee they win.
Although I’m keeping a close eye on that little guy who has taken a rather aggressive stance and appears ready to fire. It’s clear he has little or no training and is a disaster waiting to happen with all that fire-power at his disposal. It’s a tense situation, remain calm and don’t make any sudden moves. In this case I would try to establish eye-contact, a line of communication and politely ask, “What are you doing?” or “You know you are scaring the kids and making a mockery of the 2nd Amendment!” In other words attempt to gently shame them for their anti-social behavior and remind them all rights have certain responsibilities and obligations. Then, ignore them, shun them. Don’t blog it, don’t post it on Youtube or in any way feed into this type of behavior, it only encourages them.
Along those lines I think it’s imperative that public places provide facilities to secure firearms. Dejected, Rocky and Bullwinkle go home and play with their “guns.”
Skip Patterson July 27th, 2014 at 02:35
“Simply put they are engaging in childish, attention-seeking behavior. But are they a real threat?”
Yes, there is no doubt that right-wing Christofascist are very dangerous as it is hard to determine how they might react to almost anything and today just might be the day they think they are going to toast some of those communist pinko liburals to do their part to save America. These are people who are clearly mentally unstable and pose the biggest threat to our country and our freedoms since the civil war. It is way past time for liberals to stop treating them as just a group of cranks and malcontents and see them for the cancer they are.
floyd[@]greenfloyd.org July 27th, 2014 at 10:50
Oh come on. Really!? There are so many threats ahead of these guys we should wish this was our biggest problem.
Skip Patterson July 27th, 2014 at 13:22
You need to wake up and smell the coffee son.
Here, maybe this will get you started. https://www.academia.edu/6686813/PART_1_CHAPTER_1_EPISTEMOLOGICAL_BREAK_WITH_REALITY_UPDATED
Marlene Ross July 27th, 2014 at 09:46
The idea is that when everyone gets up to leave without paying it sends a clear message to the empoyer that the majority of the people who provide them their profits are not coming back, or paying their bill unless said employer takes a serious stand to ban all weapons from its/their premises. That’s the message here. Is that giving the open carriers attention…no, it’s simply removing everyone from the premises who they’d like to have onsite so they can continue gaining attention from their mere prescence. They won’t be getting attention for very long if no one else is around, and should every empolyer ban them, then the only place they can continue to gain attention with with their own kind. I agree with the professor…
floyd[@]greenfloyd.org July 28th, 2014 at 01:45
I think both you and the professor are wrong.
If, in this situation noted above, these guys were there to do real harm the first person shot will probably be a runner. Stay calm, evaluate your situation and the intention of the folks with the guns. If people are marching around with their guns holstered or on a sling over their backs shouting TP slogans, carrying misspelled signs declaring themselves “paterots,” (patriots), you are probably not in a life-threatening situation. Please note “probably,” because as I pointed out based on the pic above, the little guy with the big gun is ignoring basic gun-safety by assuming a shooting position in a public place, his hand is almost on the trigger, so yes I’d be very concerned about him having a gun anywhere.
So, you can run away with your tail between your legs or you can stand your ground. If it’s obviously a political action I’d seek engagement and try to give these guys a reality-check, shaming and finally shunning them for their anti-social behavior. I certainly will not give them the satisfaction of leaving. Although on my way out as I paid my tab I’d find out if the owner would consider installing a regulation gun locker and require open-carry patrons to check their guns at the door? if no, then I’d let the business know I did not intend to return.
I think if this idea caught hold paterots might have a change in strategy and elected lawmakers forced to redefine what the 2nd Amendment means in 21st century America.
okieggma July 27th, 2014 at 23:55
No, if we flee the place of business looses….that is the point.
floyd[@]greenfloyd.org July 28th, 2014 at 00:14
With all due respect, in this scenario, I think you are over-reacting to a couple of bullies.
Skip Patterson July 27th, 2014 at 02:39
For anyone who is not aware of how the right-wing Christofascist movement is put together, such as organization, funding, and the propaganda machine that has conditioned them to violence, then here is a paper you must read.
https://www.academia.edu/6686813/PART_1_CHAPTER_1_EPISTEMOLOGICAL_BREAK_WITH_REALITY_UPDATED
Skip Patterson July 27th, 2014 at 02:39
For anyone who is not aware of how the right-wing Christofascist movement is put together, such as organization, funding, and the propaganda machine that has conditioned them to violence, then here is a paper you must read.
https://www.academia.edu/6686813/PART_1_CHAPTER_1_EPISTEMOLOGICAL_BREAK_WITH_REALITY_UPDATED
rewinn July 27th, 2014 at 03:57
How do you tell a nutcase with a gun from a sane person with a gun?
Wait till he shoots you?
okieggma July 27th, 2014 at 23:53
Call 911 and let the cops sort it out.
rewinn July 27th, 2014 at 03:57
How do you tell a nutcase with a gun from a sane person with a gun?
Wait till he shoots you?
okieggma July 27th, 2014 at 23:53
Call 911 and let the cops sort it out.
meconiummm July 27th, 2014 at 04:39
If you walk out without paying these guntards may want to to play po po and make you pay with their guns. After all they are hunting for attention and looking for any reason to use their guns against americans.
cecilia July 27th, 2014 at 17:15
after I grab my mother to GET OUT of the place I’ll be grabbing my cell phone to call the cops…let THEM deal with the real police.
my mother’s life and health are a BILLION times more important than some douchebag’s love for his penis substitute gun
Matthias Dankert July 27th, 2014 at 23:32
Why would they play “po po” as you say? They’re just going about their business. You people are something else. Always assuming the worst. Always stereotyping. Always criminalizing legal gun owners. Always advocating violence against us. Look in the mirror and realize that the most dangerous person in the room with a gun owner is YOU! They’re not threatening anyone, YOU ARE!
cecilia July 28th, 2014 at 10:17
dude, I KNOW gun owners. They Do not wave their guns around in public. They keep their guns locked up at home. I have never seen their guns. And when they wish to carry them in the street they keep them out of sight.
most of these friends are retired cops so they got training and they know how Serious a gun is. They aren’t toys.
How the hell can I tell what an idiot waving a gun around in public thinks? How can I tell if he’s just being a jackass or if he’s a criminal?? Should he wear a T-shirt with the proper words?
a public street and store/restaurant is NOT the place for guns.
if you are out in the country hunting, that’s one thing. But not in a crowd. It’s way too dangerous.
Anomaly 100 July 28th, 2014 at 10:22
This ^.
Matthias Dankert July 27th, 2014 at 23:32
Why would they play “po po” as you say? They’re just going about their business. You people are something else. Always assuming the worst. Always stereotyping. Always criminalizing legal gun owners. Always advocating violence against us. Look in the mirror and realize that the most dangerous person in the room with a gun owner is YOU! They’re not threatening anyone, YOU ARE!
meconiummm August 5th, 2014 at 17:29
I agree completely, I guess what I was trying to say is leave quietly. If a guntard sees you skipping out on your bill they then feel they have the right to shoot you. And always call the police and let them know you were threatened by someone with a gun.
cecilia August 5th, 2014 at 17:41
ha! oh, I get that!
Not to worry…I’ve got enough Street Smarts to know I shouldn’t wave my hands in front of a nut with a gun.
or for that matter ANYONE with a gun.
And (once out of danger) I’d even call the restaurant and ask them to mail me the bill. But I’d let them know I can’t return if they let dangerous people wander around inside.
meconiummm July 27th, 2014 at 04:39
If you walk out without paying these guntards may want to to play po po and make you pay with their guns. After all they are hunting for attention and looking for any reason to use their guns against americans.
cecilia July 27th, 2014 at 17:15
after I grab my mother to GET OUT of the place I’ll be grabbing my cell phone to call the cops…let THEM deal with the real police.
my mother’s life and health are a BILLION times more important than some douchebag’s love for his
penis substitutegunMatthias Dankert July 27th, 2014 at 23:32
Why would they play “po po” as you say? They’re just going about their business. You people are something else. Always assuming the worst. Always stereotyping. Always criminalizing legal gun owners. Always advocating violence against us. Look in the mirror and realize that the most dangerous person in the room with a gun owner is YOU! They’re not threatening anyone, YOU ARE!
cecilia July 28th, 2014 at 10:17
dude, I KNOW gun owners. They Do not wave their guns around in public. They keep their guns locked up at home. I have never seen their guns. And when they wish to carry them in the street they keep them out of sight.
most of these friends are retired cops so they got training and they know how Serious a gun is. They aren’t toys.
How the hell can I tell what an idiot waving a gun around in public thinks? How can I tell if he’s just being a jackass or if he’s a criminal?? Should he wear a T-shirt with the proper words?
a public street and store/restaurant is NOT the place for guns.
if you are out in the country hunting, that’s one thing. But not in a crowd. It’s way too dangerous.
Anomaly 100 July 28th, 2014 at 10:22
This ^.
meconiummm August 5th, 2014 at 17:29
I agree completely, I guess what I was trying to say is leave quietly. If a guntard sees you skipping out on your bill they then feel they have the right to shoot you. And always call the police and let them know you were threatened by someone with a gun.
cecilia August 5th, 2014 at 17:41
ha! oh, I get that!
Not to worry…I’ve got enough Street Smarts to know I shouldn’t wave my hands in front of a nut with a gun.
or for that matter ANYONE with a gun.
And (once out of danger) I’d even call the restaurant and ask them to mail me the bill. But I’d let them know I can’t return if they let dangerous people wander around inside.
stopthelies1 July 27th, 2014 at 04:49
I am not waiting to pay if I am afraid that some loco jokers might shoot the place apart. If you run out screaming in fear, I doubt that any money is going to be an issue. ‘I am sorry officer, I thought they were going to start shooting the place up’. I doubt anyone is going to suggest that you are stealing. They simply CANNOT.
STOP CALLING THESE DOLTS ‘ACTIVISTS’ THEY ARE TERRORISTS OR GUNMAN AT THE VERY LEAST.
Matthias Dankert July 27th, 2014 at 23:31
wow…. so, so stupid… they’re only terrorists if you’re a wuss. Guns are legal in our country. People carry them everyday, mostly concealed. Do you have any idea how many people you see each and every day that are probably carrying concealed? You’d probably faint from sheer terror if you did since you are a p*ssy. Grow a set, realize that 99.9% of the population is NOT trying to kill you and stop living in fear. There’s too much to do, see and participate in to let fear control you.
okieggma July 27th, 2014 at 23:52
It appears more agree with stopthelies then with you matthias. Like 26 to 1
Matthias Dankert July 28th, 2014 at 00:58
Right, cuz it’s a contest. You think that pro gun advocates are going to be on a liberal website? You really are the sharpest knife in the drawer! Or maybe I should say TOOL in the shed.
Anomaly 100 July 28th, 2014 at 23:50
Yes, they do come here. Some of them are regulars and we have healthy discussions. But, they are intelligent, whereas you seem to lack any sort of decorum.
THX-1138 July 29th, 2014 at 15:24
Thanks for proving the point of the opposition. Your rancor towards those that do not agree with you is EXACTLY why the rest of us do not wish to occupy the same space as those with guns strapped to their backs.
Dan Kellam July 28th, 2014 at 19:19
Wow, bully people much? You obviously have such low self confidence that carrying a gun makes you feel important. You aren’t. Not even a little bit. Not more then anyone else, so drop the superior gun toting coward act and walk around without one , like a real man mmmkay?
stopthelies1 July 27th, 2014 at 04:49
I am not waiting to pay if I am afraid that some loco jokers might shoot the place apart. If you run out screaming in fear, I doubt that any money is going to be an issue. ‘I am sorry officer, I thought they were going to start shooting the place up’. I doubt anyone is going to suggest that you are stealing. They simply CANNOT.
STOP CALLING THESE DOLTS ‘ACTIVISTS’ THEY ARE TERRORISTS OR GUNMAN AT THE VERY LEAST.
okieggma July 27th, 2014 at 23:52
It appears more agree with stopthelies then with you matthias. Like 26 to 1
Matthias Dankert July 28th, 2014 at 00:58
Right, cuz it’s a contest. You think that pro gun advocates are going to be on a liberal website? You really are the sharpest knife in the drawer! Or maybe I should say TOOL in the shed.
Anomaly 100 July 28th, 2014 at 23:50
Yes, they do come here. Some of them are regulars and we have healthy discussions. But, they are intelligent, whereas you seem to lack any sort of decorum.
THX-1138 July 29th, 2014 at 15:24
Thanks for proving the point of the opposition. Your rancor towards those that do not agree with you is EXACTLY why the rest of us do not wish to occupy the same space as those with guns strapped to their backs.
Dan Kellam July 28th, 2014 at 19:19
Wow, bully people much? You obviously have such low self confidence that carrying a gun makes you feel important. You aren’t. Not even a little bit. Not more then anyone else, so drop the superior gun toting coward act and walk around without one , like a real man mmmkay?