I believe we talked about how Chipotle banned guns a few weeks back, with Sonic and Chili’s following suit soon after. It’s certainly been a hot topic recently and in the wake of that total sh*t bag going on a rampage in California, the entire open carry policy just comes off as a bit unnerving to several citizens.
I suppose that’s why the NRA released a statement earlier trying to distance themselves from groups like Open Carry Texas and the more negative aspects of their movement. From The Guardian:
“Let’s not mince words,” the NRA said, “not only is it rare, it’s downright weird and certainly not a practical way to go normally about your business while being prepared to defend yourself. To those who are not acquainted with the dubious practice of using public displays of firearms as a means to draw attention to oneself or one’s cause, it can be downright scary.”
Open Carry Texas has responded scathingly. On Twitter, the group accused the NRA of having “lost its relevance and sided with gun control extremists”.
It certainly cuts the legs out of your agenda when the country’s leading gun advocate calls you “weird” and “scary.” But Open Carry Texas points out on their Twitter feed that not all of their activities are threatening, posting a video of members handing out food to the homeless.
That’s helpful, but a little altruism doesn’t change the fact that carrying a weapon into a restaurant is going to put some people on their toes. And CBS reports that the NRA has been putting pressure on these groups for months behind closed doors. This certainly isn’t going to end that, but it might put a little weight against passing these laws now that it’s out in the public.