So you allowed them to lecture you for exercising your rights because they were polite about it?
They didn't lecture me, they simply made a request, which I politely, and respectfully denied.
HeadlessRoland said:You're a far more patient man than I, politeness or no.
I'm a window tinter by trade. This requires TONS of patience. (moreso than raising children LOL)
HeadlessRoland said:I would have smiled all the way to the door.
This wouldn't have accomplished as much as I believe I accomplished. Besides, I was really trying to get them to ask me to leave, which they failed to do.
Ya know, the interesting thing to me in this encounter, is that they seemed to be "somewhat" educated in that they understood your right "and supported it". This to me seems like progress. Also, I think you made a really good point with them by challenging the fact that they should have educated the complainer. We need to keep working to get progress in this area too. I am maybe like some of the others here... CCing all the time and on the verge of testing the OCing waters.
Meet me at Meijer sometime. We'll pop your cherry properly (thanks for the kind words. This is exactly what my intentions were after they asked me to cover it)
It isn't just some "thing", is it? You said you were carrying TWO sidearms. Both exposed.
True. I missed the (s) then, didn't I? (I normally don't carry both of the sidearms that I happened to be carrying. My wife and I had intentions of going shooting afterwards, but our plans changed.
What would they have done if you'd said you WERE a LEO? They would have gone back to the scared shopper and said something like, "It's ok, we've checked him out, nothing to be afraid of, he's an off-duty policeman/deputy/etc."
My wife was pondering the same question (and presented the same).. I never got a straight and satisfactory answer beyond "the police are allowed to do lots of things that normal civilians aren't allowed to do such as carry in a courtroom (this, by the LP guy).. Didn't satisfy her curiosity, but she allowed me to be precise, and matter-of-fact with him. Again, I can't emphasize enough that neither the LP guy, nor the manager were being douche nozzles about things during the encounter. I want to make sure everyone understands that. Had they been douches, I would have dumped a bucket of sarcasm on them and treated them like crap.
ichkepeople said:Why could they not do the same here? "It's ok, sir/ma'am, we've checked him out, nothing to be afraid of, he's licensed and he's not doing anything illegal. Thanks for shopping with us and bringing your concern to our attention. Have a nice day."
I first asked if they did follow this course of action.. when they replied to the negative, I suggested the same.. They looked as if it was well received and one of those "why didn't I think of that" moments.
By being patient and polite, what the OP may have done is left them thinking that maybe, just maybe, gun owners are thoughtful and responsible. If he simply turns and marches out the door with a smirk on his face, he will reinforce negative stereotypes and be dismissed as just another gun nut.
^ This 110% .. I could have easily been a jackwagon about things, but I remained calm, collected.. and polite. I believe this set the tone for the entire encounter and helped me cover lots of ground.
I think I will just put Meier on my do not shop list based on this. Not worth the effort.
Why ?? I live really close to this store and OC regularly. This is the first time I've ever had anyone say anything to me about it. I honestly believe had some idiot sheep not said anything, the management/LP guy would have cared less based on this interaction.
Good to know you are an equal opportunity troller. I was concerned you were limiting yourself to the "fed up" thread. Not going so well for you there, either...
^^ THIS (thanks Stocks.. gotta love the haters)
I thought there were going to be many more haters that commented on this thread than what there were. I was expecting lots of CC advocates spewing the normal "if you covered up to begin with... snarf snarf" nonsense. I'm amazed at the amount of support that's being displayed here. Certainly appreciate it.
Normally, when a situation arises similar to this, my wife is like "shut up, let's go" type of thing. In this instance, she was miffed about the whole 'LEO' thing and did allow me to speak to the folks about things without interfering. I was very proud of her.
Carry on