RCC Press Secretary, Yih-Chau Chang, Speaks To KTVU 2's Debra Villalon

[MrBilly2B]

Please Alany, you open carry for protection? Then what is the purpose of walking down the street in a skirt carrying a gun. Don't you think someone trying to avoid crime would be a little more discrete?

[puppy8a9]

I have had issues that led me to need to protect myself but I feel everyone deserves to have the right to have tools to properly defend themselves. Open Carry is not the only option but it is the faster option than LUCC

[puppy8a9]

One problem here guys is where people live who are open carriers. If crime and gun violence is the focus of the brady campaign and the fear f guns in public, would it make better sense for Brady Campaign to protest thugs in Oakland, and violent areas?

I carry where I live and where I usually go, I do so not for comfort but for my protection. I do not fear being attacked but I have been and I have been robbed in broad daylight.

[MrBilly2B]

If the neighborhoods are approached with the educational material you have promoted repeatedly and offered to me, I'm sure no one will ever accuse you of being vigilanties. It's all about education like we said earlier starting at home with our children then take it to the streets where children die everyday. Again I believe your in the right direction, just putting recourses where you get biggest bang for you buck. Sorry, no pun intended..

[MrBilly2B]

Thanks for the google search. As I mentioned crime is in every city, but I'm sure we can agree that the crime rates are substantially higher in the cities I listed. Worked in the Oakland area for 20 years and not a day went by that there wasn't several violent and gun related crimes committed. Walnut Creek obviously is not exempt from this as your quik search states. But the "statistical significants clearly show it's needed where the law abiding public needs it more!"

[YihChauChang]

That being said, your challenge does sound a bit like baiting the Movement towards vigilantism, which is expressly what Open Carry advocates are not about. If we were to follow your advice, I have a sneaking suspicion that you would accuse us of being a bunch of lawless vigilantes. Since we seem to be viewed as a Movement that focuses on relatively safe suburban neighborhoods, you accuse us of being what amounts to paper tigers. We are neither. We are merely security minded individuals.

[YihChauChang]

As sleepy as Walnut Creek is, violent crime is still a reality that occurs all the time there. The same can be said about the other cities on your list. Your proposition of taking the Open Carry Movement to "crime infested neighborhoods of Oakland, Richmond, and Compton means that you are likely not aware of the fact that we have actually held Open Carry Events in Richmond, Vallejo, and Antioch, all cities with less than stellar records when it comes to violent crime.

[YihChauChang]

Sleepy neighborhoods? How about I just take one random city out of the ones you've listed and see what comes up for violent crimes within the last 48 hours? Walnut Creek seems to be a high-end "sleepy neighborhood". Let's see what a quick google search nets us.

It looks like the Black Bear Diner got robbed in a violent take-over just yesterday. I would post the link but youtube doesn't allow it. Look for the story on Claycord.com.

[MrBilly2B]

Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, Manteca, Santana row, and Pier 39 where military and police were abundant. Let's take this movement into the crime infested neighborhoods of Oakland, Richmond, and Compton in Socal, where people walk the streets daily fearing for there lives. Places where this movement can possibly save lives daily. I believe your on right track but stronger efforts in areas where people can truly use it rather than in towns where the biggest fear is being cited for J-walking..

[MrBilly2B]

Again I agree with you that law abiding citizens should have the right to protect themselves against violent crimes. Your statements are clear that you feel you are educating the public to this affect, but I have one question. Although there is crime in just about every city, why are you focusing on promoting open carry in sleepy neighborhoods where crime is minimal at best.

[MrBilly2B]

You are so right, people have the right to leave, same as changing chanel on TV if we don't like what's on. Choices we all make everyday can affect both positively and negatively those who cross our paths. We as responsible adults, who I'm assuming have or are raising children, must always be aware of our actions.

[YihChauChang]

Parents can do what they wish to do to educate their children. However, the entire Bill of Rights should be something that all of our children are very familiar with and, as controversial as the 2nd Amendment may be, it is still a vital part of our country's founding documents. I would recommend addressing this issue regarding children starting from that perspective. As far as our Chairman, Sam Wolanyk, goes, that may be a disccusion for another forum, as it is not truly Open Carry related.

[YihChauChang]

MrBilly2B, while those who feel so uncomfortable that they would just leave at the sight of common, law-abiding citizens who choose to be armed in a public setting, that is an option that, unfortunately, the general public cannot exercise when faced with violent criminals who would choose to assault, rob, rape, or murder innocent victims with their guns. With an enumerated right to keep and bear arms, some of us choose the more sensible option of deterrence rather than victimization.

[MrBilly2B]

As for my offer, I'm sure any law abiding citizens of RCC with a heart would easily raise their hands with a yes vote or open their wallets to do the right thing. You spend much of your life obviously selling people on your movement. Use that same energy to raise this money and maybe we can call you patriotic without taking your clothes off...

[MrBilly2B]

My apologies regarding the gentleman in San Diego. As one who travels regularly, I will be the first to say that TSA has gone way to far. Just don't think taking your cloths off to prove your point in public can be characterized as patriotic! Sorry.

[MrBilly2B]

I'm sure people don't go running in the streets, but what about the ones that just feel so uncomfortable they just leave. What give any of us the right to interfere with common law abiding citizens just enjoying there day peacefully. Thank you for advice on training videos, but having spent many years in gun related duties. I'll just leave it at that. Parents need to choose how they raise their children and education is most important, just not our place to force the issue.

[MrBilly2B]

My argument is not fear amongst the general public. I understand many curious by standers will approach with a variety of questions. You seem to be a well spoken individual and would represent your cause in a positive productive and even convincing manner. My fear is those who don't know how to talk to people in a professional way that would calm nerves and defuse any anxiety from people toting guns.

[YihChauChang]

MrBilly2B, I'd love to examine the "several incidents of open carry gone wrong" that you are referring to in your post. While there will always be exceptions to the rule that lawfully armed citizens are a benefit to society, the general public should start becoming concerned when the number of exceptions to this rule become statistically significant. The fact of the matter is, common, law-abiding citizens who choose to be armed in a public setting are model members of our society.

[YihChauChang]

As far as the cancer patient goes, I would love to take you up on your request. However, this is an issue that requires a vote by the entire RCC Board of Directors. I am merely the Press Secretary. I do not hold the purse strings to our organization. However, I will make your offer known at our next Board meeting and ask that it be held to a vote. Thank you for your generous offer. Although we may not agree on every point regarding Open Carry, we thank you for supporting a worthy cause.

[YihChauChang]

Feel free to use those training videos from the best firearms experts across the country to learn more about gun safety. These training videos provide a great education to men, women, and children alike. As far as the "freak in San Diego" you are referring to, I believe that you are speaking of our Chairman of the Board, Sam Wolanyk. Everyone at RCC is very proud of Sam and what he is doing to stand up against the 4th Amendment violations of the TSA. He is a patriot of the first order.

[YihChauChang]

Rarely do we approach others without being prompted to do so. Even when passing out flyers regarding Open Carry in California, we only tend to do so with those in the general public who are interested in what we are doing. We have successfully bolstered the Open Carry Movement through these efforts. As far as parents who choose to keep guns from their children, we at RCC believe that education is the key when it comes to firearms safety. We have many training videos posted on our website.

[YihChauChang]

MrBilly2B, your argument is that there will be fear amongst the general public. To date, throughout the many Open Carry Events that I have hosted and participated in, I have yet to see even one single individual react to an Open Carrier by running away screaming. Those that may be initially uncomfortable actually approach me and other Open Carry advocates to inquire further about our 2nd Amendment Rights. After conversing with us for merely a few seconds, they are set completely at ease.

[MrBilly2B]

As for cancer patient, I see your group is participating in fundraiser December 15th. It's obvious your RCC must be well funded or connected. So here I challenge you. I will match 25% of all collected that day up to $500 anonymously. You do the same and present it thru your site to also promote your cause. Deal?

[MrBilly2B]

Does there need to be violence to have it go wrong? What about the uncomfortable situations you put people in when approached by stranger with a gun? What about parents who choose to keep guns from children now have to explain? And please tell me your not associated with this freak in San Diego that took his cloths off in airport?

[MrBilly2B]

Have done some homework as you suggested. Found several incidents of open carry gone wrong. Maybe none to date in California, but does there need to be violence to have gone wrong? What about the uncomfortable situations you put people in when approached by a stranger carrying a gun?

[MrBilly2B]

Thanks for lively debate. Maybe this might prompt others to get off their lazy azz and start participating in some manner. I've done some homework as you suggested and I'm sure we can debate all night. Have found several incidents around the country of Open Carry gone wrong.

[YihChauChang]

So, as liberal as the community of Pleasant Hill may be, there will be nothing to fear from the Open Carry community, a like-minded group of law-abiding citizens who exercise their 2nd Amendment Rights in a lawful and responsible manner. The violent criminals are the only members of our society with guns that any residents of Pleasant Hill or the US at large need to be concerned about.

[YihChauChang]

If there were any element of danger, then this condition would have manifested itself by now with all of the Open Carry Events held by all manner and number of Open Carry groups every single week for more than a year up and down the entire State of California. In fact, Open Carry, in one form or another, has been the law in the Golden State since its inception and never once has there ever been any violent incident regarding any Californian exercising this right.

[YihChauChang]

Our Open Carry Events have often been associated with community service. Whether that community service takes the form of a beach clean-up, blood drive, fundraisers for cancer patients, or a toy drive, the point is that society at large derives some sort of benefit from our efforts. Our Open Carry Events are held for the express purpose of demonstrating the very clear truth that there is no danger associated with a lawfully armed citizenry.

[MrBilly2B]

uncomfortable. Beach cleanups are important. We get to experience some of the most beautiful coast lines in the world. Just don't know how it helps the misfortunate..

[MrBilly2B]

Again I compliment you on your Toy drive this weekend. Any help for families and children in need is always welcome. My concern still is the fact that the media has now presented it as a collection being taken by people who openly carry guns. This could project a positive light on it to were more people will come or a negative aspect to a very liberal community as Pleasant Hill is, to stay away for fear of danger. Maybe a few fundraisers and toy drives without guns to not alienate those who are

[YihChauChang]

As far as making announcements to the press, we at RCC believe that the press is instrumental in educating the public about the truth and benefits of Open Carry and welcome their contribution to this process. This Open Carry Event being held at Nation's in Pleasant Hill between 2-4 on Saturday was really a low key event until the Brady Campaign decided to get involved. So you may want to talk to them in the future about your concerns.

[YihChauChang]

MrBilly2B, there is no need to apologize and neither RCC nor CCOC hides behind the holiday spirit of others. Again, if you were to do the research, then you would find that South Bay Open Carry is associated with Responsible Citizens of California. In fact, Harley Green, SBOC's founder, sits as an Advisory Board Member of the Responsible Citizens of California. Many of SBOC's members are also members of RCC. So these community service events are really held in the name of the Movement.

[MrBilly2B]

Sorry Mr Chau if I was a little miss leading. My reference was to RCC and Contra Costa. I'm glad to see your moving more in this charitable direction. Just hate to see those who hide behind the Holiday Spirit of others to promote their cause. The true at heart gives year round. I'm just curious if you and your organization can give without announcing it to the world? Including the media? Happy Holidays!

[YihChauChang]

MrBilly2B, you may want to expand your search to include the entire Open Carry Movement here in California. For instance, Bay Area Open Carry with their beach clean up in San Francisco as well as South Bay Open Carry with their multiple beach clean ups in Southern California are just two quick examples from much earlier in the year.

[MrBilly2B]

Wild Wild West? Let me get my new Stetson and Tony Lima's. These people trying to turn our right into entertainment! Research on RCC, Contra Costa Open Carry and other sites show no community service activity at all until Brady jumps in. Does sound fishy to me. People work on your quik draw, we may need it!