Ok, I'll jump in too. I generally don't open carry in public , except as mentioned above from the fellow from PA, maybe in hunting season. I CC frequently,and should always - no need not to, just like my pocketknife in my pocket like my Daddy taught me. Think that's not comparable? Look up 9/11 and boxcutters. Even pistols in the plane cabins might have not averted that one due to element of surprise.
This all said, I see some of the argument against OC by obvious "idiot" types, however, and I will state this strongly, I believe that our opinions of EVERYONE having the right to carry, and how they do it, is already swayed by the anti-gun opinion of "that person shouldn't carry becuz of.....this reason or that excuse", while we KNOW that WE are just fine to carry a gun. Yet, letting those same "idiots" vote, breed, carry pocketknives and boxcutters, drive 2000-80,000 pound vehicles capable of going well in excess of 100 mph, starting at age 16, near pedestrians with other human lives in the vehicle, speak freely on the net, etc., etc., etc., is not an issue of equal importance in terms of public safety in our minds. I submit that the anti's have gotten into even our brains over the years. Even we (pro-gun & pro-personally-responsible-for-your-own-safety types) view potential death or physical harm by gun as worse and more frightening than other forms of potential death or physical harm. And that is wrong, period. It's potential death and physical harm, period, regardless the cause, which is generally another human doing something they shouldn't near you - the tool, or weapon, if there is one, does not matter really. You're just as harmed or dead.
I submit that the anti's have gotten into even our heads over the years. I submit that wishing that someone looking "idiotic", even though I may agree with you wholeheartedly in certain cases, shouldn't be carrying openly, is a fear we shouldn't have, esp. if we are prepared ourselves. Preparation for self-preservation in the modern world has become frowned upon way too much - such that they have reality shows about it now. If everyone carries, many more are safe.
Rant off.
Oh, and no one not proven guilty of continual felonious actions should NOT have to apply for a permit to carry any weapon in a "free" society - criminals don't - many carry for a lifetime, and are never prosecuted.