Start seeing guns

Expect to start seeing more guns after August 16, 2021. That is the effective date for the new South Carolina law that permits holders of a S.C. Concealed Carry Permits (CWP) to carry handguns openly.

My guess is that most CWP holders will not carry their guns in the open; i.e., visible and not covered by a jacket, shirt or sweater. 

But some will, and no nefarious reason should be assigned to their doing so. The law allows it.

Some people will worry. "OMG, he has a gun!" 

Now is a good time to understand the new law and to begin explaining to your kids what the law is and why they need not be concerned, if they see a man (or a woman) carrying a gun. The bill that became law is H.3094. 

Some armed citizens will merely be removing their jackets to enter a hot car, or leaving a car and then donning a jacket or other garment to cover their guns. You may see their guns. Others will be shopping or out for a walk or buying gas. Just ignore the gun.

Or say Hello to the person. Thank him or her for being armed. You are safer because of that person.

Should the sight of a gun concern you to the point that you feel the need to call the sheriff's department, report exactly what you see. Do not exaggerate, or every cop in the county will show up.

On September 18, 2010 five armed men went to lunch at Culver's in Madison, Wisconsin. Upon seeing these men enjoying their burgers, but armed, a woman called the Madison P.D. The dispatcher, knowing that open-carry was allowed in Wisconsin, asked if the men were causing trouble. The woman told the dispatcher that they were not, but she was "worried". 

Eight cops showed up, hassled the men who were legally carrying and arrested two for obstructing justice and all five for disorderly conduct. That was in spite of an Opinion Letter by the Wisconsin Attorney General that the sight of a gun should not be considered disorderly conduct, absent any other problems.

Charges were eventually dropped and the Madison PD settled for $10,000.

One cop could have shown up, observed the guys having lunch, introduced himself, indicated why he responded, confirmed no crime was being committed or was about to be committed, and departed. Instead, the cops flexed their muscles. And were wrong.

Maybe this is why SLED wanted a 90-day delay for educating South Carolina cops. Still, it could be handled in one roll call. No need to wait 90 days. But laws are the result of compromises; so it's 90 days.