Video: People bringing assault rifles to Obama rallies now
posted at 7:51 pm on August 17, 2009 by Allahpundit
And maybe not just people on the anti-Obama side, either. CNN reports seeing at least two AR-15s at today’s event in Arizona, one of which was carried by a guy standing among those waving “Reform Now” signs.
As I’ve said before, it’s a security risk and a de facto provocation to the other side. And having the right to do it is no more of a justification than bringing porn to a meeting with the president would be. Exit question: Why?
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 2 3 4 5 … 19 Next »
Good thing about rights, you don’t get to dictate how someone gets to exercise them. They were all within legal regulation and their rights to do what they did.
Enoxo on August 17, 2009 at 8:44 PM
I just see no need to have a weapon there. People aren’t getting shot up at rallies. It adds to the tension. It multiplies it.
Sure, a handgun? I’m more sympathetic. If I could carry, I’d carry all day long.
An AR is egregious
gratuitous
superfluous
and finally
wholly uneccessary in that situation
I doubt having an assault rifle there is about personal safety as it is intimidation and making a statement (a statement that could easily be made with a sign).
blatantblue on August 17, 2009 at 8:45 PM
At 5:18 . . . could it be racism??
- The Cat
MirCat on August 17, 2009 at 8:45 PM
Im not going to bring my AR to 9/12.
blatantblue on August 17, 2009 at 8:45 PM
Prove it.
MadisonConservative on August 17, 2009 at 8:45 PM
Legal yes, good idea no.
First, because it will be used as an excuse for Obama to call out his thugs, like the “New” Black Panther Party, and this time they will be armed with more than clubs. Sure you could have the cops check everyone’s carry permits, in theory, but in practice it will be called racist since the cops will not be rousting the properly-papered honkeys.
Second, I do not think it is in anyone’s interest for political rallies to be become armed standoffs, if for no other reason as it way cause the cops to overreact to even a slight disturbance.
Third, it makes it more difficult for you to protest vigorously – if the lefties get in your face, you should be able to get back in theirs, even play a little pokey-chest if necessary. You cannot do that if you are strapped – you can’t get in a shoving match if you’re armed, period.
holdfast on August 17, 2009 at 8:45 PM
to some extent I agree, however misusing the term “assault rifle” allows the moonbats to make it sound as though you had a person who was seconds away from going cyclic….
The term assault rifle is a translation of the German word Sturmgewehr meaning “Storm Rifle”, (Storm used as a verb being synonymous with assault, as in “to storm the compound”). Sturmgewehr was coined by Adolf Hitler to describe the MP44, the firearm generally considered the first practical widely-used assault rifle. The newly renamed Sturmgewehr 44 or StG44 is the effective progenitor of the concept. It gradually became the common term for the sub-family of similar firearms. The term has also been used retroactively with earlier weapons possessing various similar traits.
It is, has been, and remains a military phrase. The military would call your AR-15 a “semi-automatic rifle” unless it had been accurized in which case it would become a precision shooting instrument. Don’t help Chuckles Schumer and who cares about the nuts?
1) not the USSS who rumor has it are a bit hypochondriachal about the PotUS’ safety
2) not Chairman Soetoro he could have had the person interdicted.
seems to me that 52.1% of the country who voted for “change” is sort of pissed that some people left their little club and now 50+% of the country is rather vocally saying “grams is not shovel ready”….the rest is just noise.
sven10077 on August 17, 2009 at 8:46 PM
Its pure intimidation factor,the F–E—A–R!!
canopfor on August 17, 2009 at 8:46 PM
Israel’s murder rate isn’t about zero, it’s 2.3/100,000. It’s lower than the US (5.5), but then again the US is one of the higher ones. There are many countries with a lower rate and they aren’t armed to the teeth. Conversely there are less armed countries with a higher rate. I don’t think the two are necessarily related, but I obviously think a low murder rate is a good thing.
jonknee on August 17, 2009 at 8:46 PM
Maybe,its a message!(sarc).
canopfor on August 17, 2009 at 8:47 PM
People may not be getting shot up at rallies, but they are being beaten up. There were no reports of guns being sighted until after Kenneth Gladney was beaten up.
If I went to a rally, I would carry as well especially when this Administration is sicking their union thugs on citizens.
Enoxo on August 17, 2009 at 8:47 PM
A single shot from either is deadly. Is there a difference, other than the fact that the sight is shocking to a country where guns have been demonized?
Oh, one difference: which, realistically, is easier to draw if someone wanted to go after a target?
MadisonConservative on August 17, 2009 at 8:47 PM
Why allahpundit? Why, then, yell at a Town Hall meeting? It’s disruptive, can be used as a weapon by the other side to make the right look wrong. It can cause panic and possibly fights and riots. Yelling and speaking at a Town Hall meeting is a dangerous act.
But both actions are our rights as American law abiding citizens.
You are only scared by it becuase liberal society has ingrained into our culture that guns are bad.
Vincenzo on August 17, 2009 at 8:47 PM
I agree with this.
I still need to get a gun. I have had a gun in face before and those flashbacks are intense. Never want to be unprepared again.
Mommypundit on August 17, 2009 at 8:47 PM
Do mommy and daddy know you play with guns? Be careful or you might get grounded.
simplesimon on August 17, 2009 at 8:48 PM
Maybe you haven’t been paying attention lately, and that’s ok… maybe you live under a rock with Osama. 80 year old folks scared that they are going to not have access to life saving health care are being called an angry mob, being called racist, and being accused of all sorts of things. Meanwhile union thugs are assaulting innocent folks who disagree with them. So tell me, if you were escorting your Gran to a rally because she wanted answers because she was concerned, would you want her to go unprotected when some Purple Shirt could throw her down or something else. Heck, look at the old lady at the Prop 8 rally last year who had her protest sign ripped out of her hands and stomped on. She was shoved and spit on, all because she didn’t believe the same way as someone else.
Guess what, Midas, its time you woke up and smelled the coffee. This is a violent world and things are only getting worse. Id rather have my gun on me should something happen than to be without it.
Wolftech on August 17, 2009 at 8:49 PM
We play together, bucko
blatantblue on August 17, 2009 at 8:49 PM
I have somewhat mixed feelings on this.
While nothing good could come out of an outbreak of violence. Even law abiding citizens merely expressing their right to bear arms, could entice crazies to escalate the situation.
On the other hand, this is exactly what the 2nd amendment is for. The government should fear the people. The federal government has and will continue to breach the contract that establishes it’s power. The second amendment isn’t there for hunting or home defense.
jhffmn on August 17, 2009 at 8:49 PM
Nice, another leftie talking mechanism. I have not once suggested that what they did was illegal, or that is should be.
I have frequently said, and maintain, that it was stupid to have done so.
Part of being an adult is knowing when and where to do things, say things, and when and where not to do things and say things.
These guys were well within their rights to have done what they did, but you can’t honestly disagree that they’ve harmed the conservative position today by doing so.
In fact, since you and a few others have yet to argue against that and insist on bleating nothing but “it’s not illegal, nyah”, I guess you know the reality that it’s harmed ‘us’ in the process.
Watch the clip again – and thank these guys for mindlessly exercising their definite right to do what they did and handing the leftie media some more ammunition (pun intended) to use against ‘the right’ in the process.
Was it worth it? What did these guys prove? No one’s suggesting that what they did was illegal or should be – they proved nothing, other than the fact that they have very poor judgement.
Midas on August 17, 2009 at 8:49 PM
I wonder if Perky Ambush Couric is going to have any
commentary,on gun-weilding Extreme Left Wing fanatics
who bring guns to a Obama meetings!!
canopfor on August 17, 2009 at 8:49 PM
Last I heard, owning weapons is for self defense. No one was “brandishing” the guns, as the Panthers were brandishing clubs. Big difference.
atheling on August 17, 2009 at 8:50 PM
You know, your name fits you, simpleton.
Wolftech on August 17, 2009 at 8:50 PM
A handgun is not as visible. An AR slung on your back, at a rally is about making a statement. It’s about intimidation.
That’s the difference.
blatantblue on August 17, 2009 at 8:50 PM
Midas, it’s more a reminder that the will of the people will not be tread upon easily.
- The Cat
A little revolution, now and then, is a healthy thing, don’t you think?
Do you still like to fish, Ryan?
/Scottish Russian
MirCat on August 17, 2009 at 8:50 PM
I tend to distrust people who carry open, especially at an event like this. I sometimes carry open when I am camping, but that’s about the only time. People with a CCW permit are vetted. Open carry, not necessarily so.
I was at this event today and this guy was standing on the corner outside the convention center. I’m surprised that the local police and secret service allowed him to stay. Obama was inside the convention center, and not “miles away”.
azkenreid on August 17, 2009 at 8:50 PM
Preparedness isn’t even just about guns. How many people do you know always have a flashlight with them at all times? A knife? Those are critical tools, but both come in small, functional versions that can be stuck in a pocket, a purse, or even on a keychain. The only tool most people carry is a cell phone, which allows them to call people who are prepared. Dependence is a crutch.
MadisonConservative on August 17, 2009 at 8:51 PM
It never ceases to amaze me how little folk know about this issue…You are aware that the police are involved in unlawful shooting far more often than are lawfully carrying civilians, the civilians hit innocent passers by far less often, per FBI stats.
JIMV on August 17, 2009 at 8:51 PM
You can protect yourself with a high caliber handgun at a rally.
An AR is overkill
and as i said
doesnt help a situation in which very tense situations can quickly arise.
blatantblue on August 17, 2009 at 8:51 PM
Now that’s funny…but I’ll let it slide…
jerrytbg on August 17, 2009 at 8:51 PM
but hey
i hope everyone takes their high powered, long range rifles to the next rally they attend.
blatantblue on August 17, 2009 at 8:52 PM
I think the “tense climate” is exaggerated. The media and the White House is hyping this to demonize the Right, and to create an oppressive atmosphere, i.e., refrain from your right to bear arms in cases where we tell you to.
If the President is actually receiving as many death threats as the media reports, he would not be out campaigning. Protocol by the Secret Service would have him lay low.
atheling on August 17, 2009 at 8:52 PM
Left or Right, the open carry folks at these rallies do so for the same reason. They were wired by God and Darwin to show their package. They were also wired by God and Darwin to be the first to drop. Stupid is as stupid does. One of these stupids will end up on a slab and every front page from here to Cairo.
Limerick on August 17, 2009 at 8:52 PM
9/12 in DC?
Just a warning that will get you arrested faster then you can say DC.
F15Mech on August 17, 2009 at 8:53 PM
Well, I beg to differ. Even before the ban was put into place, Colt stopped milling out the back portion of the lower receiver. I do not remember the last year a person could legally purchase a drop in auto-sear, but it is still legal to mill your own. The only difference between an M-16 and an older AR-15 is the bolt, selector switch and an auto sear (could remember the official name of this part wrong, it has been a while).
We can argue minutiae forever, but for all intents and purposes the AR-15 is an assault weapon. The M-16 isn’t even capable of full auto any more.
And it is still a sweet rifle in all the calibers you can get it in.
cozmo on August 17, 2009 at 8:53 PM
Why do you trust someone who hides their weapon, but not someone who doesn’t hide the fact that they have one? You trust the deceptive person?
Again, in either case, they have a weapon. Is there any reason you dislike open carry other than the fact that you’d rather pretend they don’t have one?
Another case of visibility fear. I pose the same question to you: would you rather just pretend they don’t have one? If so, why do you need to pretend that in order to avoid discomfort?
MadisonConservative on August 17, 2009 at 8:53 PM
I hear Chairman Soetoro’s $cience T$ar believes in overpopulation so we should encourage EVERYONE to pack….
see you on 9/12
sven10077 on August 17, 2009 at 8:53 PM
EEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!! A GUN!!!!
Cody Baker on August 17, 2009 at 8:53 PM
With a propensity for foolishness, I’ll take a swing at it.
Most men have a dick in their pants. At least we all presume that men walk around with their dick concealed somewhere. It is when they walk around with their dick openly exposed, that most of us find it annoying. It’s a cultural thing I guess.
Skandia Recluse on August 17, 2009 at 8:53 PM
If you feel your liberties are being threatened, you generally make a statement in support of the liberties you are more fond of–such as carrying a gun.
Please do show where they’ve harmed the conservative position. Other than CNN or MSNBC having an aneurysm because they’ve never seen gun before.
Enoxo on August 17, 2009 at 8:54 PM
Rush made an excellent comment last week.If the pres. is concerned about assination attempts made on his life,why would he make that public and continue to go out in the public? That is not normal and in my estimation I think they would love for someone to start something and then say the grassroot conservatives caused it. Just sayin’
ohiobabe on August 17, 2009 at 8:55 PM
Bearing arms is the great equalizer among the large and small, the well-dressed and t-shirted, the rich and the poor, the loud and the silent, the timid and the proud.
Your gun is an extension of your rights as a free man to express his liberty without the fear of another suprressing it.
Vincenzo on August 17, 2009 at 8:55 PM
In Israel you see these weapons in public all the time (so I’m told).
I am amazed that the issue that got to this point was the health care debate. It only takes one mistake and if both sides are carrying, that means you have a civil war.
ThackerAgency on August 17, 2009 at 8:55 PM
And if you use your gun to deal with the “union thug” in your scenario you will be charged and convicted of murder. Guns have no place at a town hall (on either side!). It’s obviously legal, but still remains unwise.
jonknee on August 17, 2009 at 8:55 PM
Hyperbole. An AR-15 isn’t a high-powered, nor long range rifle. Its effective range is a third of a mile, which makes it a standard or medium-range rifle, and the 5.56 and .223 rounds are standard size, and in fact smaller than most other calibers.
MadisonConservative on August 17, 2009 at 8:55 PM
The key-word in that quote is brandishing. If I ever removed my firearm from my holster in public and brandished it I have no doubt I would be arrested.
F15Mech on August 17, 2009 at 8:56 PM
the point is
you cant intimidate with something not seen
you cannot make a statement with it
and when you are at an event
which does not require the presence of high powered rifles
it is something symbolic
nothing necessary.
blatantblue on August 17, 2009 at 8:56 PM
When did we become Europe? People afraid of guns AND American . . something’s not right.
A gun is a tool just like a hammer. Hammers can and ARE used to kill people. Freaking out over people bringing ball point pens?
Anyway, If we shy away from our right to bear arms(guns) EVERYWHERE then the guys with box cutters will win.
- The Cat
MirCat on August 17, 2009 at 8:56 PM
If was acceptable to wear a weapon during an election rally in 1800, or 1840, or 1888, why is it not acceptable now? Because times have changed? Bullshit. The Constitution, and the 2nd Amendment, are timeless. It’s the libs that want to modify the rules because “times have changed.” They’re wrong. Freedom loving people accept the risks and the responsibilites that freedom brings.
“An armed society is a polite society. Manners are good when one may have to back up his acts with his life.”
- Robert A. Heinlein
infidel4life on August 17, 2009 at 8:57 PM
The people who were intimidated by the Black Panthers brandishing clubs at the polling booths in Philly…
Do you think they would have effectively scared a 70 year old man with a hand gun holstered on his side?
I think not.
That’s why, Allahpundit.
Vincenzo on August 17, 2009 at 8:57 PM
*sigh*
Strawman after strawman after strawman. It’s like a “50 Years of Oz” cast reunion.
You know, DC’s a violent place, too. Be sure you carry your gun when you go for the White House tour, should you decide to do so.
And the next time you fly somewhere, be sure you carry your gun onto the plane, just in case someone tries to hijack it.
Oh wait, you mean that might be a problem? Kind of a “you know, this isn’t a place where you should carry a gun” sort of thing? And that’s by government regulation, not even simple common sense.
Carry your gun where you want, as I will with mine – but God help us, I hope you have the capacity to exercise more common sense about where and when you carry it than these morons did today. Again, all they did (and I guess you would too) is hand the lefties some solid talking points to use against conservatives today. Nothing else was accomplished.
Midas on August 17, 2009 at 8:57 PM
The comparison of a firearm to genitals often makes me wonder exactly what a person thinks a firearm is. I don’t deny that some people treat firearms as penis extensions. However, 99% of those people haven’t the balls to lawfully open carry it.
MadisonConservative on August 17, 2009 at 8:57 PM
Alexander Hamilton? ;)
malclave on August 17, 2009 at 8:58 PM
I saw purple shirts. That’s enough reason to be ready for anything.
Ronnie on August 17, 2009 at 8:58 PM
So its a statement. He was not brandishing it. He was wearing it. If he was waving it around or walking around with his hand near the trigger, then yes, that would be a problem. Otherwise, there is no issue. Its a statement. Rather than holding a sign, he has his rifle on his back, warning the union thugs, should they decide to get out of hand, it might not be such a good idea.
Wolftech on August 17, 2009 at 8:58 PM
Legal doesn’t even matter to some in law enforcement. Open carry is allowed in Indiana as the law does not define at all how one is to carry. That did not matter to the police officer I dealt with recently who unloaded my gun and then returned it to me and said I couldn’t load it in his presence.
I’m currently waiting on Gun Owners of America to send me contact info for some lawyers.
aikidoka on August 17, 2009 at 8:59 PM
I thought the Obama Justice Dept. said it was OK to bring weapons to political events?
Seems like they were just taking Obama’s advice.
Well, if Black Panthers can bring night sticks to polling places it should be fine for their opponents to bring guns to political events.
Obama said, if your opponent brings a knife, you bring a gun. So what’s the big deal???
JellyToast on August 17, 2009 at 8:59 PM
I went to the Tax Day Tea Party and people were carrying pitchforks around. No one blinked an eye, even the State Police.
atheling on August 17, 2009 at 8:59 PM
Mostly due to arabs, who are far overrepresented in violent crime versus their population. The Jewish murder rate, or violent crime, in general, is negligible.
We all know who perpetrates huge amounts of violence in American society. It isn’t law abiding citizens carrying weapons legally.
So you admit that guns and rates of violence are, at best, unrelated. Good. It is violent subcultures and illegal weapons that cause most problems.
progressoverpeace on August 17, 2009 at 8:59 PM
he was engaged in an extreme sport….does it really count?
sven10077 on August 17, 2009 at 9:00 PM
So you’re against open carry of handguns as well?
MadisonConservative on August 17, 2009 at 9:00 PM
I have never seen a criminal open carry a firearm in a holster have you?
F15Mech on August 17, 2009 at 9:00 PM
And why exactly would it be wrong for law abiding citizens to carry their weapons on a plane?
What if a plane was hijacked? Do you think a bullet hole through a window would cause the plane to self destruct or implode or explode? It doesn’t workt that way.
And imagine all the money we would have saved in rebuilding downtown NYC and not having to go to war with Afghanistan if people had guns on the planes that were hijacked?
Vincenzo on August 17, 2009 at 9:00 PM
According to this link, the group of individuals–including the guy with the AR-15–notified the local police department that they were going to be at the rally with weapons.
As I stated… when people feel that their liberties and rights are being threatened, they’ll likely stand in support of all their rights, and rights they’re more particularly fond of–such as 2A.
Enoxo on August 17, 2009 at 9:00 PM
Come on. I’m all about gun owners expressing their rights, but discretion is the better part of valor. There’s already been fistfights and people getting arrested at these things. The LAST thing we need is a Boston Massacre in the middle of a tea party.
MobsterinVA on August 17, 2009 at 9:00 PM
I like the straw men here that are being constructed
i find it irresponsible
doesn’t make one against gun rights
blatantblue on August 17, 2009 at 9:00 PM
5 points for you.
MadisonConservative on August 17, 2009 at 9:01 PM
I don’t know about Iraq and Afghanistan but in RVN, when I was there, troops were not even normally allowed (exceptions: headed out in the field (the bush) or just back, under attack, MP’s, payroll, etc) to carry M16′s or 45′s on base, so if people start packing at rallies it will seem more like a war zone than a war zone.
MB4 on August 17, 2009 at 9:01 PM
OK, for those of you unaware, as I was until a couple of days ago (There was a very interesting article in the North County Times {San Diego California} on the subject) There is apparently a rather sizable Open Carry Protest going on in the United States.
doriangrey on August 17, 2009 at 9:01 PM
It is not helpful and it is damn stupid to be doing this.
rlwo2008 on August 17, 2009 at 9:02 PM
“the news” was already talking about increased threat to Obama, and today (obviously, since the CNN clip is the root of this discussion) will fuel that fire.
You can dismiss it as them have an aneurysm all you want, and as silly as it may be, the fact is that the media is very good of pounding silly nonsense like this over and over and over until it sticks and starts to have an impact.
We have a Dem pres and Dems in control of both House and Senate as testimony to the ability of the press to take a lie and make substance out of it for the Dems. The last 8 years and few elections are irrefutable evidence of this.
But you don’t see it. Ok. lol
Midas on August 17, 2009 at 9:02 PM
If you fear the guns, I suggest you wear one of these for your protection.
- The Cat
MirCat on August 17, 2009 at 9:03 PM
I’m pretty sure the founding fathers packed heat at their political rallies.
I think we ought to get 10,000 of us all strapped up heavy and screaming this bat shit crazy commie down. See how that flies, maybe they’ll start to get the point.
Hah, I’m even more surpised no one linked Stuck Mojo, turn this mutha up ya’ll.
Alden Pyle on August 17, 2009 at 9:03 PM
The fistfights and arrests were the SEIU thugs, not law abiding American citizens protesting. What you’re saying is that everyone has to suffer because of a few who misbehaved. And they were on the bad guys’ side!
So, your POV is unjust to the innocent.
atheling on August 17, 2009 at 9:03 PM
Amen, BB.
I don’t smoke at a fireworks stand. I don’t carry at a political rally. Other then that I know where it is and how to get it. There is absolutely no need for me to show the wares.
Limerick on August 17, 2009 at 9:03 PM
+1
That blows the irresponsible or reckless meme out of the water. These guys did it the right way.
atheling on August 17, 2009 at 9:04 PM
Anybody that does something that I wouldn’t do is wrong.
Cody Baker on August 17, 2009 at 9:05 PM
More people are killed by bees than by sharks too and probably for similar reasons.
MB4 on August 17, 2009 at 9:05 PM
Or possibly shot if the circumstances are wrong – it is a risk that YOU assume, as is your right as an adult and a citizen.
holdfast on August 17, 2009 at 9:05 PM
stop calling it an assault rifle. assault rifles are capable of full auto fire (or, in the case of some rifles, controlled bursts).
I can call my volvo station wagon an armored personnel carrier. that does not make it one.
words have specific meanings. please use them properly.
I suppose we could lawyerese everything to death…but why?
speak plainly, and you will not be misunderstood.
warhorse_03826 on August 17, 2009 at 9:05 PM
And it lets everybody know just who the moron is. There is no logical reason to carry an “assault type” to a public gathering except to show off. Or compensate for deficiencies somewhere else.
Its the quiet one’s who aren’t showing their toys that I would worry about.
cozmo on August 17, 2009 at 9:06 PM
One other question: Are those who are disturbed by open carry more disturbed by those who CC with OWB holsters, than those who CC with IWB holsters?
MadisonConservative on August 17, 2009 at 9:07 PM
Show off? . . . at a protest?
Dorknugget
- The Cat
MirCat on August 17, 2009 at 9:07 PM
Purrrrrfect
HoustonRight on August 17, 2009 at 9:07 PM
Who has the straw man again, Midas? Oh, that would be you. You see, I never said I would carry in DC or any other place I was not legally allowed to. Guess what, I have my CCW. I am fully vetted by the State of Missouri to carry my weapon where I want to with a few exceptions (like school or government buildings). I also do not carry into places that have no concealed weapons signs posted because I am a law abiding citizen.
You are the one making ridiculous straw man arguments about carrying on a plane and in DC.
As I said, I live in Missouri. If I was to go to a Town Hall (and it wasn’t in like a school or government building) I would have every right to carry. And remember it was here at a town hall in Missouri where the purple shirts already beat up someone for having a different view point. If I am going to a situation where there could be violence done to my person, the yes, by god I have a right to carry. Not to carry in that situation would be foolish. Just because you don’t like it gives you the right try and prevent me from exercising my rights. My Daddy had a saying, your rights end at the tip of my nose.
Wolftech on August 17, 2009 at 9:08 PM
Why only the video of the one guy? The other guy should have been easily found as well.
It’s legal but it would attract way to much attention. Both individuals will probably be looked into by either the local cops or FBI and Secret Service.
Don’t be surprised if one of these guys ends up getting arrested for something down the line. It might not even be remotely related to guns or politics but it will be splashed all over National news.
jpmn on August 17, 2009 at 9:08 PM
Not exactly an assassination…both Burr and Hamilton were armed and operating under the rules. In fact, I miss those days as I am sure Bush would have shot a few of his critics and Clinton would have wet himself.
JIMV on August 17, 2009 at 9:08 PM
It has been ongoing for a few years now in VA. It may have gotten traction in CA because of this article.
F15Mech on August 17, 2009 at 9:08 PM
I swear…it amazes me how supposed conservatives can be instantly indistinguishable from die-hard liberals.
MadisonConservative on August 17, 2009 at 9:08 PM
Holy crap, what are some of you guys smoking?
Why is it wrong? Because – at the moment – I believe it’s quite illegal. I didn’t say it shouldn’t be, just that it is.
Time and place, time and place. Go ahead, it shouldn’t be illegal to carry on a plane – but go do it and exercise that right, I friggin’ dare you. Make the statement!
The point is, for the nth time, that these guys had the right to do what they did, but – read these next words slowly, now, I know it’s complicated – THEY SHOULD NOT HAVE, BECAUSE IT DOES NOTHING TO HELP THEIR CAUSE – IT ACTUALLY HELPS A$$HATS LIKE SANCHEZ/CNN PAINT ‘THE RIGHT’ AS CRAZIES.
I’m sure we wouldn’t even have to try hard to come up with some other ways to exercise our freedoms and rights, but that would make us look like a danger to other people! *SHOULD WE DO SO?* Or perhaps, should we consider that we’re in a political fight here for the hearts and minds of a lot of folks who are susceptible to how the media spins things (obviously – again, look at the election results!).
Or, we could, as these idiots seem content to do, simply self-destruct some more, just when momentum is shifting our way. Brilliant!
Midas on August 17, 2009 at 9:09 PM
I’m more disturbed by the guy recklessly waving around the power of the presidency threatening our rights! And those in loading him up with congressional ammo!
- The Cat
MirCat on August 17, 2009 at 9:09 PM
I am not against open carry, although my state doesn’t recognize it. In-band/Out-band doesn’t matter either. If open carry was allowed it wouldn’t bother me. What bothers me is the HOT politcal atmosphere. It isn’t the act, it is the time and place that worries me.
Limerick on August 17, 2009 at 9:10 PM
I’m pretty much not allowed to smoke anywhere. For the moment I can still smoke in my own apartment, but that right is disappearing quickly. Private property has been trounced in favor of the fashionable anti-smoke nazi stance.
Just sayin’ …
progressoverpeace on August 17, 2009 at 9:10 PM
It’s been going on in Wisconsin, too. It’s been particularly heated this year, first in Milwaukee, and right now in Madison. I did a write-up on the situation not long ago in the Green Room.
MadisonConservative on August 17, 2009 at 9:10 PM
Oh, I get it. Union thugs hit people, so we should bring assault rifles into the powder keg and see what happens then. Then it would NEVER occur to the bad guys to up the ante by bringing their own guns, and there would NEVER be a moment of chaos when someone shot a gun out of panic.
And please don’t hit back with every citizen gun owner being fully composed and professional enough to restrain in the middle of a fistfight. The British soldiers in Boston were paid professionals and they panicked anyway.
Bottom line, responsible gun owning means don’t bring that element into a tense situation.
MobsterinVA on August 17, 2009 at 9:10 PM
I’m not disturbed by open carry where it is APPROPRIATE
political rallies are not
what happens if healthcare succeeded?
Everyones mad going to ralles with ARs?
blatantblue on August 17, 2009 at 9:11 PM
I wasn’t addressing your correct safety issue, but the one of having rights trampled very quickly when society feels it’s fashionable to do so.
progressoverpeace on August 17, 2009 at 9:12 PM
The difference is quite clear to those who have not been breathing so heavily as to have their glasses all fogged up.
semloh on August 17, 2009 at 9:12 PM
Semiautomatic, jackass.
melachiro on August 17, 2009 at 9:12 PM
So, given that the situation was tense and possibly dangerous, you wouldn’t have a problem with only OCing a sidearm? Does that go for the guy Chris Matthews grilled not long ago?
In-f’ing-deed.
MadisonConservative on August 17, 2009 at 9:12 PM
Comment pages: « Previous 1 2 3 4 5 … 19 Next »