Posters-awesome discussion...I knew jumping on here for a bit of debate would get the pot stirring, but I do appreciate the feedback. I can't possibly address everyone individually, but I'll try to hit some common rebuttals.
First, the law. I think this is your strongest point. "It's legal, therefore, if a citizens chooses to OC, then end of discussion." But I restate, "Just because it's your right, doesn't make it right." Listen, I'm all with ya that if you're in an area where crime is rampant, then by all means being armed makes sense (my opinion, concealed). But a Glock exposed at an art festival in Royal Oak? A Desert Eagle at the cider mill, while picking a pumpkin with the kiddies? Dual, six-shooter revolvers at the mall while visiting Santa? I'm being a bit of a smart-ass (as usual), but who's to say that it won't happen? Some nut-job is going to push the limits, guaranteed. Seriously, just because it's legal in Michigan to have sex with a 16-year old high school student, doesn't make it right…and just because it's legal to openly carry a combat pistol at this weekends art festival, with thousands of kids around and being in a large crowd, which is tactically troublesome anyway, just isn't logical.
Second, is the comparison of an officer to a private citizen, as it relates to firearms proficiency. As Grifter inquired, I've worked for one of the biggest LE agencies in MI for 15 years. I'm certain some citizens take the responsibility of training on their own, which is fantastic. However, I'll bet that of all the citizens that can legally OC, 99% of them won't. In Michigan, officers are required to train and qualify yearly, bi-annually, what have you. Folks, that's far better than nothing. We are trained at the academy and must pass qualifications or our weapon is taken away...that's not to mention the additional training we receive while on the job. In the city I work in, we handle multiple priority runs a day, which desensitizes us to some high-risk situations. And guess what people, we sometimes still get it WRONG! Almost all of our fatal shootings in the city are deemed justified, at least in the past 15 years that I remember. But, we still screw up sometimes! I don't argue the points that some made who stated officers fail in some fatal scenarios, but if we dumped a group of officers and random OC citizens into a practical fatal-force scenario, the officers will fair better. Why? Because they are trained to do so, and especially cities like Detroit, where they do it daily. My problem isn't with the 1% who will train as they should; it's the 99% of unscreened OC'ers who will not.
Lastly, is the liability issue. All of you shirked from addressing it. If I'm acting in the performance of my duty, whether on duty or off duty, and not drunk off my ass, I'm immune to civil liability. What protections do you have OC'er's? As I stated before, have you really, really thought about the repercussions of an "Oops!" Just in 2010, there are three cases in the SE area where citizens have used fatal force and are now being PROSECUTED for it. The first is the guy who shot the home invasion suspect after a brief foot pursuit, the second is the guy who fired a round at a would-be robber, thus killing an elderly lady who was in her home, and the third is a guy who fired a round while being jumped by two guys, thus shooting a 16 year old who was also in her home. Folks, there's no insurance to cover those lawsuits. OC during a family festival, in a large crowd, jumps your liability by 1,000%. If you screw up and someone gets hurt, good luck finding an Oakland Co jury that will be sympathetic to your OC rights.
Oh, and to Grifter and Grifter alone: I'll be your Huckleberry, too. Sincerely, I thank you for your service and living through two tours of duty. There is no sarcasm there. I also appreciate your belief that we're overworked, under-trained and undermanned. It's all true. Now, let me respond to your tirade on comparing resumes: I won't compare your experience on shooting someone through a scope at 200 yards away and my experience of being so close I could taste their blood on my lips and the splatter burned my eyes. Up close and personal beats video game target practice any day, just ask Grossman. You fought as a unit; I was alone. I didn't have the luxury of cover, air support or suppressive fire. Mano-a-mano and pure rage was I all had…thank God for my secondary. The second incident, I was fired upon and my partner and I fired back, striking the $#|t-head. So, I'll end it by stating don't rag on me and I won't rag on you, capiche? Sorry Huckleberry, you started it…
I'll close off my discussion here and stop bogging down your blog. My opinion is carry, but carry concealed. Train in all aspects of firearms. And, get a gut-check about the liability of carrying and the repercussions thereafter. Lastly, use common sense on where to OC. Thank you for the debate, it was informational. Be safe…