ha HA!! I grew up in this town!! The idea of it turning into some kind of Old West place cracks me up, because 1) there's about 0 violent crime (especially in a public place, with dozens of witnesses, dur), and 2) it is mostly populated by geeky tech company workers.

:lol:

I'm more and more tempted to head to Virginia every day. Maryland is pratically a communist state when it comes to gun control. :rolleyes:

Openly carrying firearms is an effective deterrent against mugging; criminals are looking for an easy mark, and someone who openly carries is NOT an easy mark. I would personally prefer concealed carry to open carry, simply because it reduces the level of tension you may have to deal with every day. Although it is your right to carry, being respectful of people who are afraid of guns is never a bad thing.

Guns are tools.

Tools are sometimes stored out of sight and other times they are kept in plain sight - sometimes they are even worn on belts. I have respect for tools and I have a lot of respect for folks who know them and use them safely and use them well.

I understand that all tools have potential dangers as a result of their ability to multiply force. Guns require a knowlege of their capabilities and they also require an understanding of the legal controls which both allow them and regulate their use. It's all a part of gun ownership.

A car can do a lot more damage than a gun can. It's bad drivers that scare me more than bad gun owners. I do think everyone should have a bit of gun training just for safety.