A great couple of days in the Midwest

May 19, 2:29 PMMinneapolis Gun Rights ExaminerJohn Pierce

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A Picnic in The Park

This past Sunday afternoon, I was busy taking my final exam as a first year law student. However, if I had not found it necessary to spend the day focused on a thorough examination of the intricate and eerily beautiful mysteries of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, I would have been down in Onalaska Wisconsin.

Why Onalaska? Because that is where Wisconsin gun owners, emboldened by Attorney General Van Hollen’s recent memo making it clear that legal open carry of a handgun is protected by the Wisconsin constitution and not grounds for disorderly conduct charges, held a massive open carry picnic at the Marvin Gardens Park.

There was an astonishing turnout. According to picnic organizer Hubert Hoffman, there were 213 attendees who signed in, 99 of which were open carrying. He also noted that he served 100 hamburgers, 100 brats, and 50 hotdogs to those in attendance.

And in addition to the wonderful work done in educating Wisconsin gun owners about their under-exercised rights, the event also raised $830.85 for Wisconsin Badger Camp which offers outdoor recreational activities to those who are developmentally challenged.

I would like to extend a special recognition of the professional approach to the event from the La Crosse County Sheriff’s Department.  Their pro-citizen stance is embodied in the comment made by Capt. Mike Horstman who said “We’re not planning extra patrols in the area.  They’re doing what they’re legally entitled to do.” 

I would also like to thank Hubert and all who attended for being willing to stand up and make a difference. And I would especially like to thank those who also contributed to the wonderful work of Wisconsin Badger Camp. I am continually amazed and humbled by the generosity of gun owners.

Open Carry on The Airwaves

And speaking of the generosity of gun owners, let’s move on to the next exciting pro-gun story happening in the Midwest.

As many of my readers will know, I am the Co-Founder of OpenCarry.org, the internet’s premiere resource for open carry information and social networking. The other Co-Founder is recent Georgetown Law graduate and DC Gun Rights Examiner Mike Stollenwerk. Over the last several weeks, Mike and I have asked our wonderful, dedicated members from across the country to contribute to our media efforts in Wisconsin dubbed ‘Operation Carryland.’ And contribute they have, quickly allowing us to meet our initial goal of blitzing the airwaves in Milwaukee.

For those of you living in the Milwaukee area, starting Monday May 19th, you should have been hearing radio spots from OpenCarry.org running on WKLH and 102.9 The Hog. These ads, which you can listen to here, seek to both educate the populous about open carry as well as encourage others to join in the fight to protect and enhance the rights of all Wisconsin citizens.

As the ad say, “Learn more and take action at OpenCarry.org”

The Good Guy Wins

And in a final and fitting end to the Midwestern gun news roundup, a Racine Wisconsin man who used his legally carried firearm to defend himself from 4 thugs will not be charged with a violation of the Wisconsin state statute making it a crime to possess an otherwise legal firearm within 1,000 feet of school property.

The prosecutor, knowing the strong presumption of constitutionality arising from lawful use of a firearm (see Wisconsin v. Hamdan), correctly decided not to pursue charges. But the overly broad state law prohibiting otherwise legal possession within 1,000 feet of a school zone needs to be repealed. What can you do to help? You can sign the petition.

Final Thoughts

Until next time my friends …stay legal, carry safe and keep fighting the good fight in the judiciary, the legislature and the courts of public opinion. We will advance the cause of individual liberty one step at a time and tomorrow will be better than today.