Texas stands on the cusp of passing full open carry legislation. In fact, if it goes as scheduled, we should know soon. The bill, which would allow open carry for handguns, has passed the Senate and is now being reviewed by the House. Texans are already allowed to carry rifles openly.

I'm hoping it passes, but I find myself straddling the line between the two opposing camps.

I like the concept of open carry and will on occasion do it myself if the law passes. Texas is one of only six states where the open carry practice is illegal, and this law dates back to Civil War times when carpetbaggers were afraid of honest citizens.

My father was famous as a leather wright and did breathtaking work, so I came to value the beauty and work of good leather. It seems a shame to buy a great holster and not let anyone see it. For me, open carry might be a dress-up occasion.

The other side of this coin is something my wife expressed after watching an ill-conceived open carry demonstration on the news. These were not people who bordered on reasonableness and did not seem to be the type that she would want carrying handguns in public.

Yes, I know they take great pride in quoting the Constitution, which is a document written under difficult conditions concerning their rights in 1776. However, the world today — 239 years later — is a different place than that of our great-great grandfathers. Plus, the Texas Constitution is the ruling authority in this instance, which gives the state the right to govern our firearm laws.

I support the idea of licensed open carry. If a person wishes to carry a firearm, he needs to be exposed to the laws by which he will use this privilege and have this right vetted by his historical judgement with proven behavior. In short, I'm talking about background checks.

Many will attack the word "privilege" as something granted by the state. In reality, understanding the law and the consequences requires a thorough study before a person goes out in public to risk his life, fortune and honor.

These must be understood before concealing or strapping on a firearm.