Matthews to Obama protester: Why’d you bring a loaded gun to a town hall with the president?
posted at 7:42 pm on August 11, 2009 by Allahpundit
Good question, especially given the sign this guy was carrying. Considering the lengths to which the Secret Service normally goes to investigate threats against the president, I’m amazed he wasn’t hauled in for questioning at the scene as a potential threat. People are going to beat the Second Amendment drum in the comments, but (a) I doubt it would have sat well with our readers if lefties carrying Bushitler signs had shown up to Dubya’s events packing heat and (b) having a right doesn’t mean you’re obliged to exercise it, particularly in circumstances where it would be provocative to do so. I’ve knocked atheist groups for suing for the right to display a “Darwin tree” or whatever on public grounds next to a Christmas tree, not because they’re not entitled but because they’re being spiteful, incendiary douchebags by doing so. How is Captain Sidearm here any different?
The worst part? According to a new book about the Secret Service, the number of daily threats against Obama is already four times the number Bush faced. Every pair of eyes diverted to watch this tool make his point about liberty is a pair that’s not watching the rest of the crowd.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: « Previous 1 … 7 8 9 10 11 … 13 Next »
He may or may not be a lot of things but he is clearly not a “liberal”. As for you, I do believe that you seem to have run out of ammo.
Joe Bloggs on August 12, 2009 at 1:04 AM
I don’t know if you realize what you have landed in.
TXMomof3 on August 12, 2009 at 1:04 AM
Impossible to answer as your question is phrased to imply that there is damage.
General question, to which the answer would be ‘it isn’t,’ but since you do not qualify or define your rules nor your flouting of them, this question is couched to present a pre-determined answer.
TinMan13 on August 12, 2009 at 1:05 AM
Try not to talk about things you know nothing about.
We used M16′s and M60′s. And i spent the full two tours.
guntotinglibertarian on August 12, 2009 at 1:05 AM
You’re not a libertarian. You oppose the right of the people to bear arms. Either you don’t know the meaning of the word “libertarian”, or you just can’t stop living through lies.
Again, between people lawfully carrying firearms to defend their lives and the lives of the people they love, and forbidding them to do so because some people get nervous(which is a sham, since I open carry all the time, plenty of people look, and few have ever made an issue of it), you would choose the latter. Feelings over security. Emotion over logic. That is how liberals operate.
MadisonConservative on August 12, 2009 at 1:06 AM
Just answer the questions. Stop dodging.
It’s simple.
guntotinglibertarian on August 12, 2009 at 1:06 AM
1. People like yourself, in most states, may be horrified that some states allow this behavior of conceal and open conceal. In that state it’s legal, they made it so, and so it’s really not your business Monday morning quarterbacking from whatever state you reside. By being harassed by the left for expressing that right he furthers the attention needed to the over all assault on the second amendment in this country (in his own small way).
2. Gun safety is a person by person issue, why broad stroke that issue?
Ozprey on August 12, 2009 at 1:08 AM
You’re really unhinged now. I own 11 firearms. I even support the right of morons like you to own firearms.
I just don’t approve of your unsafe handling of firearms.
guntotinglibertarian on August 12, 2009 at 1:08 AM
I’m sorry if parsing the English language is beyond you, however your questions are purposely designed to give a pre-supposed response. If, however, you could establish something other than blanket generality in your query, it could be answered with a modicum of specificity.
TinMan13 on August 12, 2009 at 1:08 AM
I’ve been lurking off and on since the thread started. just didn’t have a good open ended question like that to help me express myself. I believe a majority of Americans don’t own guns, but doubt my views are typical of them.
Loxodonta on August 12, 2009 at 1:09 AM
Lame answers. How did he improve the image of conservatives and gun-owners?
Gun safety isn’t person by person, just like safe driving isn’t person by person.
Come back when you’re sober.
guntotinglibertarian on August 12, 2009 at 1:09 AM
How else do you define a person who wants to rescind the rights of a person based on other people’s discomfort with it? You know, like how certain words make people uncomfortable?
M14s were standard US rifles until 1970, and M60s were machine guns. You really do know barely anything about firearms.
MadisonConservative on August 12, 2009 at 1:10 AM
God, you sound like Obama.
Simple questions.
Just answer them.
guntotinglibertarian on August 12, 2009 at 1:10 AM
Nope. Army and Marine military arms training is reasonable extensive, particularly Infantry. Much more than swaggering around some shopping mall and looking at gun web sites.
The M14 was little used in The Republic of Vietnam. The M16 was the main personnel weapon and still a fine weapon if you keep it clean. Never heard of the 1911. Infantry weaponry has not changed all that much over the last few decades.
Joe Bloggs on August 12, 2009 at 1:11 AM
I think he brought the gun so that someone would take it away and then he could lead a huge outrage explosion about his God-Given Second Amendment Rights being taken away.
beekiller on August 12, 2009 at 1:11 AM
Open carry. Bearing firearms. In Wisconsin, the only legal way. Legal in multiple other states.
Bearing firearms. You oppose it.
Simple.
MadisonConservative on August 12, 2009 at 1:12 AM
Alright, I’ve given you mopes about 2 hours to answer 2 simple questions and the best I get is that I am an anti-gun liberal.
Hey, Madison, enjoy stroking your…um…gun.
In your double-wide.
Night.
guntotinglibertarian on August 12, 2009 at 1:12 AM
lol that was some lame shit troll
Ozprey on August 12, 2009 at 1:13 AM
In REMF Germany. Not in Vietnam.
Joe Bloggs on August 12, 2009 at 1:14 AM
Ah, this is a bit more specific. The over general ’cause’ is needlessly vague.
To wit, now your question requires a defense of the implied concept that somehow he ‘hurt’ the image of conservatives and gun owners.
If, and I assume, you mean among those in the MSM and liberal anti-gun groupings, the mere fact that he owns gun is reason enough for maligning. If, and I assume, you mean that he will be held up as a poster-boy for more restrictive gun laws, they hardly need an excuse.
If, and I assume, you advocate that we bend and kow-tow to the left’s ideals regarding guns, then you are hardly libertarian.
TinMan13 on August 12, 2009 at 1:14 AM
Interesting implication. I guess hours of training under certified firearms instructors, as well as regular viewing of videos produced by places like Thunder Ranch equate to that. Nice assumption, though. Sounds like you have no respect for civilian carriers either.
You’ve never heard of the standard sidearm issued to US soldiers for decades?
Uhhhh…kay.
MadisonConservative on August 12, 2009 at 1:14 AM
ok I name called….you win troll…
Ozprey on August 12, 2009 at 1:14 AM
I’d say stick with me where it is safe, but I am gonna have to call it a night. I know you are a pretty earlier riser, as well. I have an alarm that is going to go off in 3.5 hours. I’ll see you in the morning after I get to work. Night.
TXMomof3 on August 12, 2009 at 1:14 AM
Keep mocking rural areas, jackass. Real classy.
MadisonConservative on August 12, 2009 at 1:15 AM
You are incorrect. Most of us do, and recently purchased more.
It was an unnecessary thing for this guy to carry to that event. The most potent weapon many of us carry is between our ears and can use it to quite devastating effect, like say, quoting pages 429 and 430 from HR3200.
dogsoldier on August 12, 2009 at 1:16 AM
You seem to have an extreme fondness for telling other people what they really said.
Joe Bloggs on August 12, 2009 at 1:16 AM
You’re a lovely and gracious Southern Lady.
Loxodonta on August 12, 2009 at 1:17 AM
I AM a Libertarian! And guntotinglibertarian! YOU ARE NO LIBERTARIAN.
Ozprey on August 12, 2009 at 1:17 AM
Wow. An authority ‘n’ stuff and never heard of Browning’s greatest invention. Huh.
(Hint: Standard issue sidearm for the US military for, oh, a long time.)
TinMan13 on August 12, 2009 at 1:17 AM
The M16A1 wasn’t even standardized until 1967. What were they using before then? Garands?
MadisonConservative on August 12, 2009 at 1:18 AM
That my husband and I bought to shelter our family, buying within our means.
TXMomof3 on August 12, 2009 at 1:18 AM
I think he was mocking you.
Lawrence Talbot on August 12, 2009 at 1:18 AM
He doesn’t want people being able to carry guns if they make other people nervous. He’s been clear about that time after time. If you’re unclear, go back and verify it.
MadisonConservative on August 12, 2009 at 1:19 AM
Just another example of the craziness of the far-right. SS should have beaten this man to a pulp and thrown him in jail. I’m glad he is going on tv to talk about it though…he’s playing right into our hands with the “far-right is wacko” meme. Please, continue sir.
dcwvu on August 12, 2009 at 1:19 AM
Given that I live in a medium-sized city, he failed utterly.
MadisonConservative on August 12, 2009 at 1:19 AM
Nicest thing I have heard all day. I sure had to stay up late to receive it! Thank you.
TXMomof3 on August 12, 2009 at 1:19 AM
First of all, I did answer your first question re: what did he do for us. And i have yet to see you refute my answer, so I have to assume you can’t refute it.
Now, re: scaring people…
By that logic, you would prevent people from publishing Atlas Shrugged or The Day After because they scare (some) people. You would stand in favor of marijuana laws because people smoking marijuana scares (some) people. Hell, you would oppose gun shops in your city, because gun shops scare (some) people.
If we are going to condemn free men exercising their legal rights because it scares (some) people, then we might as well punt those rights altogether, because you’ll always find some people who are scared of every action free men might engage in. Because, simply put, some people are afraid of freedom.
You seem to be under the impression that caving to their fears will somehow make us more free. The only way to change their minds is to engage in the activities of free men, responsibly, and show those who fear freedom that it can be eercised responsibly.
Which is what this man did. He didn’t brandish his weapon, didn’t even remove it from its holster. He carried in a way that law enforcement and the Secret Service deemed non-threatening.
For you to claim that carrying openly is in and of itself irresponsible, regardless of the law, is to set yourself as the sole arbiter of responsible gun ownership. If you don’t see the threat to liberty inherent in that way of thinking, then clearly your handle is a bad joke.
JohnGalt23 on August 12, 2009 at 1:21 AM
You said –
Ponder the difference in the years, as given by you. I am sure that it will come to you.
Joe Bloggs on August 12, 2009 at 1:23 AM
You sport more I’s than a gaggle of PeaCock!
Recommend you get that checked out, because
it clearly reveals that you’re damaged goods.
Now back to the Vermont Mountain Man,
He kept his pistol safely holstered in a right to carry state. You and Chrissy take offense and spout off like liberal harpies, then try to pretend you support the 2nd Am.
You’re both worth a chuckle, no more no less.
“Let’s Roll”
On Watch on August 12, 2009 at 1:24 AM
Can’t put my finger on it at the moment, but while I remember a large majority supporting gun ownership rights, only a minority actually owned a gun. 30+%?
I think there is a cultural divide working here.
But I agree that the most effective weapon to bring to a public meeting is facts.
Loxodonta on August 12, 2009 at 1:24 AM
There you go making things up again. You are a vary strange person.
Joe Bloggs on August 12, 2009 at 1:24 AM
I am in your “Amen Corner” on that post. Well said.
Ozprey on August 12, 2009 at 1:24 AM
This from the guy that ‘Never heard of a 1911.’ Heh.
TinMan13 on August 12, 2009 at 1:25 AM
That is such utter bul***t. I don’t care if you live in an open-carry state, it makes people nervous. Especially cops. You have no idea what you’re talking about.
The Wild West ended about 140 years ago, fantasist.
guntotinglibertarian on August 11, 2009 at 11:51 PM
gun toting libertarian…right, I have read through all your posts, decided to comment on this one in particular. You claim you understand the founding fathers…you claim a lot of things actually…but I have come to the conclusion you are a pimple faced teenager who doesn’t really have a clue about the constitution or guns, but think you are making your case by making all the sexual remarks…like you just graduated from the 7th grade. Oh you may go to your shooting range…and such but that doesn’t mean you have a clue.
First of all, guns are tools, period. If a law abiding citizen wants to carry 2 guns on their hips, a sword on the back, and smoke a cigar, while riding his harley without a helmet, after eating raw beef…then we live in AMERICA! As long as he isn’t swinging his sword, playing with his guns…or blowing smoke in my face, I don’t care.
Guns are tools…just because people aren’t metro-sexual as you seem to be, doesn’t mean they don’t know how to handle their tools or their kids for crying out loud. Guess what CARS kill more people than guns…and yet HOLY CRAP kids can take keys and drive. Again, they are tools…do you sir lock up all your kitchen knives too? How about the screwdriver set?
I would not feel uncomfortable in the slightest being surrounded by law abiding citizens carrying guns, anymore does it make me nervous driving down the freeway. As long as people around are not acting insane, everything is fine and dandy.
You have no clue of the founding fathers, none. The 2nd Amendment was not for hunting and shooting ranges, it was put in place to keep government in check. That is bloody business, not some grandma tea party with cookies at your local shooting range.
Conservative Voice on August 12, 2009 at 1:29 AM
Difference between a standardized weapon and the standard weapon.
It’s okay. You hadn’t even heard of the standard(as opposed to standarized) sidearm that they carried, the 1911. It’s okay. You’ll catch up.
MadisonConservative on August 12, 2009 at 1:29 AM
So exactly where did you pull mall browsing and magazines from, as being somehow non-military weapons information? Is that what you typically do to get yours?
MadisonConservative on August 12, 2009 at 1:31 AM
You hadn’t even heard of the standard(as opposed to standarized) sidearm that they carried, the 1911. It’s okay. You’ll catch up.
MadisonConservative on August 12, 2009 at 1:29 AM
TinMan13 on August 12, 2009 at 1:31 AM
What is so special about a “1911″? Does knowing all about it get one into some special club or a discount at Home Depot?
Joe Bloggs on August 12, 2009 at 1:34 AM
10 years ago, the estimate was 60-80 million gun owners in America. I’ve seen estimates over 90 million.
And remember, that’s not out of the total population of this country. Take out people too young to own them, as well as felons.
MadisonConservative on August 12, 2009 at 1:36 AM
Nothing, except if you don’t know what it is, you clearly haven’t a clue about firearms, much less the ones carried by the military. It’s like being a conservative but not knowing who Barry Goldwater was.
MadisonConservative on August 12, 2009 at 1:37 AM
Truth to powah, brutha, truth to powah.
When you hope to administer a cluebat to someone on a subject you don’t know nothin’ ’bout, you might wanna make sure it don’t smack you in the mouth.
TinMan13 on August 12, 2009 at 1:38 AM
I can’t read the last 8 pages of comments, so please inform me, Did he draw the gun?
PappaMac on August 12, 2009 at 1:39 AM
Nope. Just had it holstered.
MadisonConservative on August 12, 2009 at 1:40 AM
Bite your tongue.
TinMan13 on August 12, 2009 at 1:40 AM
Then whats the big deal?
PappaMac on August 12, 2009 at 1:41 AM
I wasn’t there….But I call BULLSHIT!
http://www.sparrowhawkm14.com/id16.html
But I don’t need this. My father-in-law served three tours before 72. Carried the M-14 for the first two. My father carried the M-14 in korea until 1969, when he looked his sargent in the eye and told him to take this new POS and stick it (m-16), my dad is left handed.
Fighton03 on August 12, 2009 at 1:43 AM
‘By 1963 US Army was purchasing the M16 for use in South East Asia and by various elite forces. The Army also ordered 85,000 rifles in 1963. An additional 35,000 were ordered in 1964, 100,000 in 1965, and 100,000 in 1966. These rifles were initially issued primarily to combat troops in the Dominican Republic and to Special Forces, Airborne, helicopter crews, Air Commando and other special category troops in Vietnam.
The M-16 was type classified standard A in 1965 and became the military’s basic service rifle. By 1966 it was in widespread use.’ (GlobalSecurity.org)
BTW, I was there incidentally, with an M16. I did carry a 45 at times for payroll only. Maybe that was called a 1911 by Pentagon REFM nomenclature. I, and other actual troops, just called it a 45 and it, unlike the M16, was not widely used.
Now just go away, Keyboard Ranger/Shopping Mall Rambo.
Joe Bloggs on August 12, 2009 at 1:43 AM
*bites tongue*
*…Browning Hi-Power has as much stopping power…*
MadisonConservative on August 12, 2009 at 1:44 AM
Heh.
MadisonConservative on August 12, 2009 at 1:45 AM
Never had a 9mm put the first round out of the block dead center into a half inch paster at 10yds. Whether it was a browning, a cz, or an accurized berreta. My 1911….touched all four edges of the square paster I used as the hold point.
Fighton03 on August 12, 2009 at 1:46 AM
I really am not a fan of 38 short, but the high power is an ergonomic dream.
Fighton03 on August 12, 2009 at 1:48 AM
you left handed?
Fighton03 on August 12, 2009 at 1:48 AM
I just knew you were going to say that.
So we’ll both quietly celebrate the pacifist Mormon John Browning and his wonderful inventions. Keeping the US safe for the past 100 years.
TinMan13 on August 12, 2009 at 1:48 AM
The lord hath one prophet and his Name is Moses….John moses Browning.
Fighton03 on August 12, 2009 at 1:50 AM
Wrong. We called it a 45. I guess keybord Rangers, like you, call it by it’s Pentagon nomenclature, “1911″.
You would have had a hard time convincing the U.S. Army of that. But then, unlike you Shopping Mall Rambo, what do/did they know?
Joe Bloggs on August 12, 2009 at 1:50 AM
Block=box…sry
Fighton03 on August 12, 2009 at 1:50 AM
Can I get an ‘amen?’
TinMan13 on August 12, 2009 at 1:51 AM
BTW, Madison, what branch of the U.S. Military did you serve in?
Joe Bloggs on August 12, 2009 at 1:51 AM
…and at the time, the M-14 was still being issued. From the same site:
Incidentally, so was this guy:
MadisonConservative on August 12, 2009 at 1:52 AM
9mm +P+ rated. Boooooom.
MadisonConservative on August 12, 2009 at 1:52 AM
AMEN BROTHA!!! As he has stated in chapter 1911, vs 45……thou shalt not!
Fighton03 on August 12, 2009 at 1:53 AM
Fascinating how the guys who weren’t there are experts in the weapons we carried.
I never heard anyone refer to a 1911. It was a .45. And we all knew it wasn’t worth s**t over 50 feet.
I remember seeing our Captain fire off a whole magazine of .45 at three VC’s, at a range of about 15 feet. Missed every time. If it hadn’t been for our M60 gunner, they would have ventilated him.
guntotinglibertarian on August 12, 2009 at 1:53 AM
85,000 + 35,000 + 100,000 + 100,000 = 320,000 by 1966.
Joe Bloggs on August 12, 2009 at 1:54 AM
Well Joe, if you stripped one a half dozen times during the grave yard watch, I’m sure you’d appreciate the alert company of that sweet piece — especially comforting she was in the Phillipines back in the day.
“Let’s Roll”
On Watch on August 12, 2009 at 1:54 AM
There’s nothing wrong with that, if that’s your assigned weapon and you need only to know how to fire and field strip it.
Others, obviously, have a far greater grasp of weaponry than you. You seem offended by this. Too bad. You’re welcome to learn.
MadisonConservative on August 12, 2009 at 1:54 AM
Ohhhh…still jerking off?
What a wanker.
guntotinglibertarian on August 12, 2009 at 1:55 AM
guntotinglibertarian on August 12, 2009 at 1:56 AM
I never understood all tha +P stuff….I roll my own. I preferred to use a 125gr RN (most mil issue was 117gr), but they ususally ended up at about 950-1000 fps, which meant they dropped through the sound barrier at effective range so accuracy went to hell. the 147′s did a little better.
Fighton03 on August 12, 2009 at 1:57 AM
Duh. That’s the usual effective range of any pistol.
MadisonConservative on August 12, 2009 at 1:57 AM
And what were you doing while your Captain was fending off VC? Wanking off?
TinMan13 on August 12, 2009 at 1:58 AM
Enough with your “let’s roll” crap.
You couldn’t wipe the ass of those patriots on United 93.
You disgust me.
guntotinglibertarian on August 12, 2009 at 1:58 AM
Very nice. I’ve made some before with a couple friends, but personally I can’t afford the setup, nor do I know a good source for lead. I know it became very popular this last year when the shortages began.
MadisonConservative on August 12, 2009 at 1:58 AM
Giving CPR to my Corporal and screaming “Medic”.
You faggot.
guntotinglibertarian on August 12, 2009 at 1:59 AM
They must be awesomely smart. Maybe it’s all the Shopping Mall food they eat between swaggering around with their big guns.
You got that right, on both counts.
Good for shooting a barn at about 10 feet away, but that’s about it.
Joe Bloggs on August 12, 2009 at 1:59 AM
guntotinglibertarian aren’t you a Rudy supporter? How can you lay claim to being a gun rights advocate OR a libertarian if you support Rudy Giuliani? You know, the guy who thinks the NRA is a bunch of radical extremists?
Dan Minardi on August 12, 2009 at 1:59 AM
Why don’t you summon up some guts and state your view on open carry instead of spewing mealymouthed backhanded remarks about civilian gun ownership and mindlessly shooting off your mouth about the effectiveness of handguns(which again, you appear to know nothing about if you truly think they have no effectiveness at more than 10 feet).
MadisonConservative on August 12, 2009 at 2:01 AM
As if you know. I can put 8 out of 10 .380 rounds in the 3 inch circle at 25 yards.
guntotinglibertarian on August 12, 2009 at 2:01 AM
YAY! I’ve drawn a gaycist pejorative.
Just how did you watch the scene unfold while administering first aid? I’m sure your buddy was real happy about having your undivided attention.
Now try a story you didn’t get off google.
TinMan13 on August 12, 2009 at 2:02 AM
I do. That’s why I said. Try harder.
MadisonConservative on August 12, 2009 at 2:03 AM
Wow.
G’night.
MadisonConservative on August 12, 2009 at 2:03 AM
Ooooohhhh…Madison Metrosexual uses a macho term.
Do ya say “field strip” to your fiancee when you’re trying to get hard in your double-wide?
guntotinglibertarian on August 12, 2009 at 2:05 AM
A 45 was especially bad. It was for stopping power only, but you had to be lucky, an extremely good shot, or what you were shooting at had to be almost on top of you. Never met anyone who liked it. Most would have brought a 9mm from the world but that was not usually allowed. Now go back to your gun web sites or the shoppimg mall.
Joe Bloggs on August 12, 2009 at 2:05 AM
can you do it with some shooting at you?
Fighton03 on August 12, 2009 at 2:05 AM
Thanks for those stats. Working backwards, as near as I can tell gun owners represented 30-44% of America’s adult non-felon population at about the time of the 2000 census. And the estimate I recalled was 30%.
To get over a majority, that would require 15 to 50 million new gun owners, which seems a bit much in a short time. Still, a sizable minority, though. And a majority still poll in favor of gun rights.
Loxodonta on August 12, 2009 at 2:07 AM
How about you getting a brain and a clue, Mademoiselle Madison.
Joe Bloggs on August 12, 2009 at 2:07 AM
Judging by your fascination with male genitalia and your use of homophobic terminology, one can only conclude that you are firmly entrenched in the closet.
Haven’t you heard? It’s the new millennium. You can come out.
TinMan13 on August 12, 2009 at 2:07 AM
That’s a legitimate question.
You have to undertand that Rudy had to, um, appeal to a constiuency that was about 75% wacko leftist. So he told them what they wanted to hear.
But once he was elected, he stood firm and saved the city.
Cynical? Yes.
But having lived in NYC before and during the Giuliani era, I can forgive him.
guntotinglibertarian on August 12, 2009 at 2:09 AM
I’m going to assume you’re referring to the 1911 and not the .45 caliber. If that’s the case, why are 1911s still so popular? Springfield, Colt, Kimber, Wilson, Les Baer…all immensely popular.
And seriously…what the hell is with the mall? It’s just a lame snide remark.
MadisonConservative on August 12, 2009 at 2:09 AM
Bloggsy and Guntotinglibtard are the same guy. Shhhh…
TinMan13 on August 12, 2009 at 2:11 AM
Women are currently the biggest growing group of gun owners. With sales through the roof, there may be a majority soon.
So no guts to actually state your opinion on gun rights, I see. Not surprised.
MadisonConservative on August 12, 2009 at 2:11 AM
Comment pages: « Previous 1 … 7 8 9 10 11 … 13 Next »