East Texas adults react to book 'My Parents Open Carry' :: 09/07/2014

LONGVIEW, TX (KLTV) - A little known children's book, which could have easily disappeared from store shelves, is making a comeback, in spite of a controversial target audience.

The children's book is entitled My Parents Open Carry, and tells the story of parents trying to explain to their child why they openly carry guns, and why the second amendment is important.

Late night talk show hosts have found plenty of fodder for discussion because of the book.

Written by two Michigan authors, My Parents Open Carry, is a book that supports second amendment rights, but not everyone thinks the message is presented properly.

"It kind of shocked me at first. I don't think it's appropriate for that age group of child," says gun rights supporter Waymon Strong.

The story depicts a girl's parents as openly carrying sidearms everywhere they go for protection.

LeTourneau University professor Kathy Stephens says politically charged children's books are nothing new.

"I see it more often where adults want to push their agenda on children. And they do it through children's books. It is something that we see in school classrooms periodically," she says.

When political hosts began knocking the book, sales dramatically increased.

But even staunch second amendment supporters say the book is off-base.

"I was surprised, that anyone would take the time to publish, much less write, a book along those lines. I think that right needs to stop as far as in their home, and whether or not they read a book to their children on that," says second amendment supporter Kay Martin.

"I can see how it can be somewhat controversial because it can be seen as someone writing a book to try to shape children's minds, as liberals would say, to believe that it's ok for everybody to have a gun," says college student Brandon Zuck.

"Until they get to a certain age, children are just not capable of rationalizing or making good decisions. When they read something they believe it to be the truth," says Stephens.

"It's not up to a book, it's up to us to teach our children about right and wrong when it comes to guns," Strong says.

The authors of My Parents Open Carry say no matter what your opinion is, teaching children about second amendment rights is important, and that's why they wrote this book.

The authors of the book are also the co-founders of Michigan Open Carry, which is a non-profit that promotes the open carry of a handgun and, "works to protect all firearm rights."

http://www.ktre.com/story/26462238/east-texas-adults-react-to-book-my-parents-open-carry