The National Rifle Association issued a statement recently shaming a Texas gun-rights group for crossing the line “from enthusiasm to downright foolishness.”
Last month, members from the group Open Carry Texas walked into Texas-area outlets of Sonic and Chili’s restaurants carrying assault rifles. The demonstration caused the restaurants to issue a statement requesting customers keep their guns concealed.
“In other words, the freedom and goodwill these businesses had previously extended to gun owners has been curtailed because of the actions of an attention-hungry few who thought only of themselves and not of those who might be affected by their behavior,” the NRA said in the statement.
These types of demonstrations, however, could have much greater, long-lasting consequences, “such as turning an undecided voter into an antigun voter because of causing that person fear or offense,” the NRA said.
“We applaud Texans for [their robust gun culture], but a small number have recently crossed the line from enthusiasm to downright foolishness,” the statement continued.
“[I]t is a rare sight to see someone sidle up next to you in line for lunch with a 7.62 rifle slung across his chest, much less a whole gaggle of folks descending on the same public venue with similar arms.
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“Let’s not mince words, 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.”
“[W]hen people act without thinking, or without consideration for others – especially when it comes to firearms – they set the stage for further restrictions on our rights. Firearm owners face enough challenges these days; we don’t need to be victims of friendly fire,” the statement concluded.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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