User:Lil freak 66/Michigan open carry

= History of Michigan Open Carry Inc(MOC) =

MOC was formed as a Michigan non-profit organization in March of 2009. MOC was formed out of the Michigan Forum on [] (OCDO). (See open carry )  OCDO was started by John Pierce and Mike Stollenwerk in 2004. These men are responsible for revitalizing the growing practice of the open carry of a handgun. Michigan is one of the fastest growing states in regards to the practice of open carrying a handgun. 44 States allow some type of Open Carry of a handgun. 6 States ban open carry. Most bans were enacted during or after reformation, to bar freed slaves from carrying weapons. Four states have petitions to rescind this ban. The open carry movement is growing in the U.S., much like the Concealed carry movement has in the last 10 years. Time and time again citizens have shown to be responsible when carrying a firearm. Studies by John Lott and Howard Nemerov and others have shown that lawful firearm owners are less likely to commit any kind of crime let alone a violent one.

Objectives of Michigan Open Carry Inc.

 * To educate and desensitize the public and members of the law enforcement community about the legality of the open carry of a handgun in public.
 * To exercise a natural right to self defense using the most efficient and common tool, a handgun.
 * To demonstrate to the public at large that gun owners are one of the most lawful segments of society and they have nothing to fear from the lawful carry of a firearm.
 * To protect our right to self-defense.

Methods to accomplish MOC objectives

 * To distribute information via email, mail, telephone and in person to local law enforcement agencies.
 * To have periodic and informal gatherings in public places throughout the state while open carrying our handguns.
 * To contact the media, conduct interviews, relate pertinent information on the internet, write articles and letters to the editors all on the legality of open carry.
 * To participate in larger public events, festivals, car shows, etc., and staff an information booth about open carry.
 * To stay informed of and act against infringing legislation.
 * To always be ambassadors of good will in regards to the safe and lawful carry of a firearm.

Notable Michigan Open Carry events
Feb. 5th, 2010 Cabelas NRA Weekend in Dundee, Michigan Michigan Open Carry Inc. Manned an information booth,gave a speech to the public about Open Carry.

April 13th, 2010 Second Amendment march in Lansing, Michigan Hundreds of people showed up on the steps of the State of Michigan capitol building armed with handguns,shotguns and rifles,Michigan Open Carry Inc. Passed out information,gave a speech alongside Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox and conducted various news interviews.