“Kory Watkins, leader of Open Carry Tarrant County, recently posted a chilling video to his Facebook page that appears to level threats at state lawmakers,” dallasnews.com blogs. For once, the anti-gun DMN is being too kind. It’s clear enough that Mr. Watkins is suggesting a non-political solution to the Lone Star State’s lack of open carry – should politicians fail to restore residents’ gun rights. Well, um, first things first. Mr. Watkins says “going against the Constitution is treason.” In fact . . .
Whoever, owing allegiance to the United States, levies war against them or adheres to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort within the United States or elsewhere, is guilty of treason and shall suffer death, or shall be imprisoned not less than five years and fined under this title but not less than $10,000; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States.
The way I read it, failing to pass an open carry bill could only be considered treasonous if its opposition was designed to provide America’s enemies “aid and comfort” by leaving people defenseless against foreign attack. Not the most convoluted argument I’ve ever heard, especially in light of 9/11, but intent matters. So, no.
More than that, Mr. Watkins’ remarks – which he attempted to remove from the ‘net when the antis seized on them like a hungry lion on a stumbling gazelle – are another own goal. They provide gun control advocates another golden opportunity to portray open carry advocates as trigger-happy nut jobs. Like this gem from the Campaign to Stop Gun Violence’s Facebook page . . .
Tengo K. Duitt These people have genuine mental health issues and are exactly the type that should be completely barred from owning guns. Bottom line: the 2nd Amendment seriously needs to be amended to reflect the realities of modern life in the USA. Background checks are not enough! Many active shooters are young and do not YET have a mental health or criminal record! All gun owners need to be licensed by passing written, shooting skill, and mental health tests, given the lethal purpose of guns. The 2nd amendment, written well over 200 years ago provided for a WELL REGULATED MILITIA! Not a bunch of nuts with guns who think they are Superman.
Don’t feed the trolls? Too late. Sigh. After his veiled threat went viral, Mr. Watkins prevaricated thusly:
In a written response on Facebook, Watkins said his comments in the video were taken out of context.
“Let me make it clear and unequivocal: I was not talking about hurting legislators, or anyone else,” he said.
He also denied that he was calling for a more violent approach to getting open carry passed in Texas.
“I am an advocate of peaceful non-cooperation. When I speak of “stepping it up a notch” [I] mean within the boundaries of “peaceful non-cooperation. Instead of just a foot in the door. perhaps we need ‘sit ins’ chanting ‘hell no we won’t go,’” he said.
If open carry passes in Texas – and the odds are still pretty good – it will be in spite of Mr. Watkins’ efforts, not because of them. Still, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Is it?