Sometimes the truth hurts, but not as much as a well-placed bullet.
- Unknown
As Erin and I were heading to the Oregon Coast for some well deserved R&R, we were treated to one of the more disturbing trends extant here in the Beaver State. Oregon’s an “open carry” state; a couple weeks ago we were treated to a sizable number of people- mostly angry White males- traipsing around and through the state capital with all manner of firepower strapped to their person. What they were trying to prove or protect themselves from is anyone’s guess; my theory is that they weren’t afraid to take the fact they’re compensating for other “shortcomings” public. (You know what they say about guys with big guns, right??)
The whole exercise was as pointless as it was disturbing, so I wasn’t particularly surprised when, while driving west on Hwy. 18 near McMinnville, we came upon a man walking along the side of the road with an AR-15 openly slung over his shoulder.
Evidently, stocking up on eggs, milk, and ammunition at the corner grocery store these days is fraught with danger.
The sight of a man carrying an AR-15 as casually as one would wear a baseball cap was disturbing. Why is that sort of thing even necessary? Was the man trying to make a point? Or is he so insecure in his manhood that he feels justified in openly carrying an assault weapon into places where children and families are likely present? Why not just wear a sign saying, “YES, I REALLY AM AN ATTENTION-STARVED DICK WHO’S COMPENSATING AND NOT ABOVE SCARING PEOPLE TO GET THEM TO PAY ATTENTION TO ME”?
I get that what the man was doing was legal under Oregon law. I also get that there was absolutely NO reason for him to be walking along the highway carrying an AR-15. None. Perhaps he values his right to be a dick over the reactions of those around him. I’d wager that most who encountered our intrepid patriot were likely rather disturbed by the sight of someone walking around openly carrying an assault rifle. Yes, I realize it’s legal under Oregon law. Beyond the legal niceties, there’s also an implied responsibility to conduct oneself in a reasonable manner that doesn’t frighten children, families, and law-abiding citizens in general. The again, when you value your rights over any and all other considerations…yeah, that’s a dick move, bro.
Is it necessary to advertise your dickishness in order to convince those around you that you’re a man with “shortcomings” and who clearly feels the need to compensate? Legal or not, there’s no reason for anyone to carry an AR-15 in public. No one’s talking about taking away your precious 2nd Amendment “rights,” though if you see nothing wrong with toting an assault rifle around town, I’d make a case that you might just be one of the mentally ill types who shouldn’t be allowed to own or possess weapons of any sort under current law.
Here’s a simple idea for gun owners: How about living by the following rules? People might take you seriously…and they’d certainly think more highly of you:
- Don’t be a dick; there’s no need to advertise your “shortcomings” and need to compensate in public.
- When in doubt, refer to Rule #1.
There; is that so unreasonable? The next time your baby mama sends you to the store for formula and a pack of Marlboro Lights, why not leave the AR-15 at home? Your neighbors would appreciate it.
