Originally Posted by
Hissho
As Brian has stated, open carry is lawful in Washington. and we encounter it from time to time. Unfortunately some people choosing to do so are more interested in the political statement than they are in simply exercising that right in a common sense way. All told I'd rather KNOW the guy I am dealing with is carrying a gun and where it is than not.
Yes, many people - including police officers - are afraid of guns, which is as rational as being afraid of kitchen knives and pocket knives. It doesn't do the 2d Amendment cause any good to parade around a school carrying a rifle simply because its legal to do so. Then again, I've seen gun-loving cops eager to find reasons to take a legally carried firearm from someone in the interest of "getting it off the streets" and "making police officers safer."
If a business asks you as off-duty LE not to carry, you have the option not to patronize the business.
I personally assume that, unless specifically directed, a private business asking for no firearms carry doesn't mean LE or off duty LE. If I printed or was otherwise noticed to be carrying concealed in said business, and business owner objected, I would leave with no heartache. I don't really get wrapped around the axle about it and can't personally equate it to racial discrimination.