TEXAS PASSES OPEN CARRY LAW President want tighter controls

Posted on 01/04/2016 | About United States

President Barack Obama appears frustrated with Congress for not passing laws to tighten gun controls in the US. Critics say Congress is in the pocket of the National Rifle Association, the most powerful gun rights lobby group in the country.

Obama says he gets letters from responsible gun owners who grieve and demand action each time there's a mass shooting in the US. He plans to meet with the attorney general on Monday to discuss the issue. Meanwhile, as the President advocates tighter gun controls, the New Year ushered in a law in Texas that makes it legal for registered owners to carry a handgun in plain sight. With the new law, the more than 826,000 state license holders will be allowed to openly display their handguns in most public places.

The law does allow private businesses to ban guns if they choose and some business owners expressed concern about visibly armed customers. If private businesses want to prevent people from bringing weapons inside, the law requires they display a sign with 1-inch block lettering. Separate signs are required for banning open carry and concealed carry. Starbucks and other chain restaurants have asked customers to leave weapons at home.

Supporters of the so-called “open carry” law say it will make the Lone Star State safer because criminals will think twice about victimizing a law-abiding citizen who carries a gun. However, opponents say the law will make it tougher for police to separate the good guys from the bad. And what does this mean for visitors to the State? How comfortable would you be travelling to a destination – be it for business or leisure – where citizens are openly carrying weapons?  How intimidating would that be? 

Just asking.