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

RCC Press Secretary, Yih-Chau Chang, speaks to KTVU 2's Debra Villalon about this Saturday's Open Carry Event at Nation's Giant Hamburgers in Pleasant Hill, California. KTVU aired only a snippet of the entire interview where I identified the sidearm I was carrying. Here is the rest.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Open Carry
• 2A
• Guns

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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!"

[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.