As a kid, I would play “cowboys and Indians” or “soldiers” with my siblings and friends. All of us in the neighborhood would be involved. Even girls could be Dale Evans and fire a gun. Right after Christmas or a birthday, we would have new toy guns but as the year went by sticks or broom handles would substitute for our lost or broken make-believe weapons. We were kids running around the sidewalk or park making explosive sounds and playing dead.

Then one day, I was no longer interested in playing with toy guns. I grew older and other things occupied my time and imagination. But somewhere in the back of every man’s mind is the little boy who wants to play at being that cowboy again…Wyatt Earp with a six shooter in a holster strapped to his hip. For what else could explain why the third most populous state in the nation is so obsessed with guns and especially what is known as “open carry.”

I believe in second amendment rights. Law abiding citizens do have a right to own and possess fire arms. I have a concealed weapons permit. I can’t remember the last time I carried a weapon outside my home; but I want the right to do so. I should be able to defend myself and my family if needed. But I am not a law enforcement officer nor do I desire to “play” one in real life.

So why do we need “open carry” in Florida? Do we really have some inordinate fear or vulnerability that we would need to have a Glock 43 holstered at the hip? Will this make us safer as a an individual or a society? I think not.

Law enforcement professionals receive hours and hours of training in the art of firing and holstering a weapon. Proper procedure and technique is drilled into them before being sworn and throughout their careers. Because of their training, officers are better able to know when the use of deadly force is appropriate. The average person does not have this extensive training, and the vast majority of us do not have the required temperament.

Florida leads the nation in concealed weapons permits at 1.3 million. When a weapon is concealed, the carrier has an advantage. The person can defend himself if necessary and if he believes his life is in danger. No one knows you are armed. You are far more able to walk away from situations that may not, at its inception, be life threatening. Once you take it upon yourself to openly carry a weapon, you may be putting yourself in situations where you are provoking a problem.

What happens during a traffic stop and the police officer sees you are carrying a weapon? Now, when the officer approaches, if you have a weapon in your glove box or concealed on your person, you have an opportunity to calmly tell the officer that you pose no threat. If you carry in the open, that stop may become quite deadly. Misunderstandings occur. With guns in the mix, there is a far greater chance of deadly force being used.

You know the first thing Wyatt and his brothers did when they became deputies or marshals in a place was to make sure no one was carrying a gun within town limits. Common sense dictates some sensible measures for the common good. Crime has never been lower. In Stuart or Port Saint Lucie or anywhere on the Treasure Coast, will we be better served by the openly carrying of weapons? I think not. Let’s leave the make believe to the kids and the law enforcement to the professionals.