William Costnic brings a loaded gun to a protest. AP Photo Joel Page
The "bring your gun to the health care protest" movement seems to be gaining steam as today two men came armed with AR-15 assault rifles to a protest outside an Obama event. In the video below Chris Matthews asks the relevant question which is should these men be bringing guns not if these men can bring guns to the rallies.
The frequent response to defenders of these men is "they have a right to bring a gun if they want." Let me say from the start I concede that point. Under current Supreme Court interpretation of the second amendment and relevant state law these men were completely within their rights to bring the guns. My point is, however, that not everything that is permissible is also beneficial.
The real question is do these guns make these protests safer? I would contend they do not. I actually think the men who are bringing these guns are actually probably well trained with the weapon and can be trusted to carry the weapons safely. Suppose however that in the middle of brawl the weapon gets taken by someone not so trustworthy. Brawls have occurred in places like St. Louis so this is not an unheard of scenario. Even worse, pretend liberals all the sudden feel the need to start bringing their own guns in response and some liberal with no idea how to operate a firearm accidentally pops off a shot. All it would then take is few men with these AR-15's to create a blood bath in the name of self defense.
I know the gun rights advocates will claim I am being paranoid. Believe it or not I like guns. I have hunted before and greatly enjoyed target practice at shooting ranges. In the woods I am comfortable with guns. At a town hall protest filled with tension and human emotion I do not feel comfortable with guns. They have every right to carry the guns, I would simply argue it is not wise to do so.
Comments
I'd agree with you except that we must exercise ALL of our rights if we wish to retain them. In that light, I can only say that I wish more people had carried their guns to the rally.
Nice, well thought out article, Ryan. thanks for not falling into the trap of thinking that just because some would excercise any Constitutional right imprudently, that that doesn't mandate that right should be revoked.
P.S. And I was not passing judgement on the protesters, as does Chris Matthews, a man given to wasting a lot of his time and energy fretting about what other people should or should not do.
Robert Moon is spamming The Activity Pit again: twi.cc/lAlq
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!