Only in Texas

Any would-be robbers looking to walk into the bank here in Chappell Hill, Texas had best think twice.There is a new sign in town.
About a month ago, Chappell Hill Bank president Edward Smith looked at a sign on the front door prohibiting concealed weapons from his business, and decided to make a policy change. The sign, now prominently displayed on the bank's front door, says: "Lawful concealed carry is permitted on these premises. Management recognizes the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution as an inalienable right of all citizens. We therefore support and encourage the carrying of licensed concealed weapons." Smith said he made the policy change to send a warning to potential robbers, and also to express support to Americans right to bear arms. "We had the sign on the window, the red circle with the pistol inside and a line through it. And I started thinking: we've got this no-gun sign up, and the robber can come in and do what he wants. But if you've got a policy allowing handguns, he won't know how many people are going to be in here carrying a concealed weapon. There may be some little old lady who's mad at the government, and she'd love to use it," he said.
The bank has been robbed twice in the last three years, including last March, when a Western-attired man walked in, ordered bank employees to fill a canvas bag with money, and then fled in a pickup truck. The man, who did not brandish a weapon, has not been caught.
The sign has made Chappell Hill Bank, and Smith, somewhat of an internet sensation. A photo of the sign has made its way around the world, and Smith has been interviewed for the National Rifle Association's radio network. He's also been contacted by other media outlets wanting to do stories. "It's kind of gotten a life of its own," he said.
Expressions of support have far outnumbered criticism. Smith has been contacted by officials from larger banks considering taking similar action, and has received emails in support from across the United States and even from England, Canada, and Germany. "I haven't gotten any from Chicago or California, which doesn't surprise me," Smith said with a laugh. "We did get a real nice email from an 88-year-old World War Two veteran, who said it's about time somebody stood up in this country."