O Ricardo Pimentel wrote this poor excuse for a column and it appeared in the San Antonio Express News on Sunday January 17, 2016. I’m not even going to bother with excerpts, hit the link above.
My first inclination was to ignore it, It’s on the opinion page of the San Antonio Express News; PUPPIES and BUDGIES CAN’T READ. Best I can tell, bedding for animals is the only thing the Express News is fit for.
Then I decided no, I’m going to refute this guy, an allegedly professional journalist, point for point. In preparation I read it and then reread it again and decided I would not, could dignify such a poor product with that much effort.
So here we are, I give you a quick rundown of everything you need to know about Mr. Pimentel’s feelings on open carry. First this is about feelings and very little in the way of facts. Sometimes you get facts that are diametrically opposed to the opinion expressed and vice versa. First of all Mr. Pimentel is a coward. He refers to people who carry openingly as variously: rude, compensating (inner macho), dog turd offenders, tough and frightening, unneighborly, bigoted, and kool aid drinking. He hopes that those who share his opinion will make their feeling known. Don’t look for him he won’t be there. No proponent of direct confrontation here Mr. Pimentel will make his points from the shadows and via innuendo and opinions masquerading as facts.
He acknowledges that the state requires training and licensing for persons licensed to carry a handgun whether concealed or openly. He accepts concealed carry without question. He calls into question the level of training required for open carry. Like fig leaves a jacket is capable of covering a multiple of sins. As he sees it “out of sight out of mind.” is okay. Apparently, unpleasant thoughts only occur in response to direct stimulus in Mr. Pimentel’s world.
I disagree with every sentiment expressed in this mealy mouthed column. Yet, I find myself unimpressed with the open carry crowd and generally accepted rationales. The time for grandstanding is done, consolidate your gains, keep your powder dry prepare to defend what is yours because Mr. Pimentel damn sure won’t be there to help.