Nearly 40,000 people have signed an online petition urging Gov. Rick Perry and the Texas Legislature to enact an open carry law.

Open carry, as opposed to concealed carry, would allow an individual to openly carry a handgun. Texas is one of only six states that do not have an open carry policy.

Proponents say the open carry policy would be beneficial to protecting those around them-concealing a weapon makes it harder to draw in a time of need.

In addition, it would be a crime deterrent. People would be less likely to commit a crime if they knew someone else was in possession of a handgun. Criminals wouldn’t carry a gun openly because it would draw attention.

The gun debate has been waged for decades-for good reason. We should be thinking about guns because they kill people. But is the discussion of an open carry policy that much of an important issue?

We don’t think so.

Yes, being able to carry your gun in a holster like those guys Western movies is “cool.” Yes, openly displaying a gun will frighten some people. And yes, not wearing something over a gun will make it more easily accessible.

But we don’t think it will significantly prevent crime.

People who set out to do bad things, for the most part, complete their allotted tasks. If little Bobby Joe wants to rob a donut store, he’ll do it. Because little Bobby Joe wants that glazed donut, and he aims to take it. We’re pretty sure that Bobby’s act of robbery would cause attention anyway. People pay attention to things like robbery.

In addition, how many places can you actually (legally) carry a gun? Schools are out, as are government buildings, airports and state parks. Elsewhere, an open display of the heat you’re packing really going to do any good?

What would Sylvia and Maurice say when you visit their mom-and-pop pizzeria for a bite of lunch with your gun openly displayed in tow? Chances are, your open carry gun will cause more alarm than feelings of security. How can the average citizen know if the gun-carrier is good or evil?

The choice of how you carry your gun is not a determining factor in who’s on the side of good or evil. It will, however, send a message. And maybe Texas isn’t ready for that particular message.