So a guy walks into a protest rally...

[JohnnyLingo]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090817/ap_on_re_us/us_obama_protesters_guns

About a dozen people carrying guns, including one with a military-style rifle, milled among protesters outside the convention center where President Barack Obama was giving a speech Monday the latest incident in which protesters have openly displayed firearms near the president.

Question 1: Is this news?

Question 2: Should it be legal to carry an assault rifle to such an event?

[Slim]

Even if it is legal it is such a stupid thing to do. If you don't want certain types of laws (ie gun control) then don't go around giving those who want to make these laws reasons to do so.

[JohnnyLingo]

Even if it is legal it is such a stupid thing to do. If you don't want certain types of laws (ie gun control) then don't go around giving those who want to make these laws reasons to do so.

Do actions like this really give people a reason to fight for tighter gun control?

[falafel]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090817/...rotesters_guns



Question 1: Is this news?

Of course this is news. People walking around openly displaying guns (loaded or not) within a stone's throw of the President is a serious and news-worthy subject.

[JohnnyLingo]

Of course this is news. People walking around openly displaying guns (loaded or not) within a stone's throw of the President is a serious and news-worthy subject.

I'd argue only insofar as it is a weird and infrequent event. If this happened at every rally, it would no longer be newsworthy, IMO.

[Color Me Badd Fan]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090817/...rotesters_guns



Question 1: Is this news?

Question 2: Should it be legal to carry an assault rifle to such an event?

JL and his vexing questions! Here is a glimpse of future mind-puzzling questions to be posed by JL:

1) Why did The Godfather win the Academy Award for Best Picture and Kangaroo Jack not even get a sniff from the academy the year it came out?

2) Why does everyone think Paris Hilton is a slut?

3) If you have the choice between taking a job in Fresno, CA and Marin County, CA and you'll make more money in Marin County, work less hours, and travel less for work, do you take the job in Fresno or Marin County?

[il Padrino Ute]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090817/...rotesters_guns



Question 1: Is this news?

Question 2: Should it be legal to carry an assault rifle to such an event?

1. If it's in any way connected to the POTUS, then it's news.
2. Yes. The Constitution grants that right.

[DU Ute]

Question 2: Should it be legal to carry an assault rifle to such an event?

Carry, yes.

Brandish, no.

[Slim]

Do actions like this really give people a reason to fight for tighter gun control?

I'm willing to bet that those who are already looking for reasons to tighten gun control would argue that this is a reason.

[JohnnyLingo]

Carry, yes.

Brandish, no.

Important distinction.

I'm willing to bet that those who are already looking for reasons to tighten gun control would argue that this is a reason.

Well sure, but these guys are always looking, and will take just about anything as a reason to tighten gun control. Should gun-rights advocates pander to them?

[il Padrino Ute]

I'm willing to bet that those who are already looking for reasons to tighten gun control would argue that this is a reason.

Agreed.

2nd Amendment hater (in hysterics): "See what happens when there is no gun control? People carry guns!"

2nd Amendment defender: "Nobody got shot."

2nd Amendment hater (frothing at the mouth): "Exactly! We need tighter restrictions!"

[Slim]

Important distinction.



Well sure, but these guys are always looking, and will take just about anything as a reason to tighten gun control. Should gun-rights advocates pander to them?

I wouldn't call it pandering as much as I would showing discretion. Just because you can do something doesn't mean that you should.

This applies to all kinds of situations. I have the right to be a total jackass at work/school and make tons of enemies but it really wouldn't be in my best interest would it? If people want these weapons then they should be responsible with them. Brandishing a gun (let alone many people brandishing many guns) is irresponsible because it creates a situation of heightened tension. When you've got a crowd of excited people already there then you don't need another reason to make them even more worked up.

I've never been the type of person to try to get away with things just because I can and I don't have much sympathy for those who are that way.

[Indy Coug]

And people carry an assault rifle instead of a pistol why?

[il Padrino Ute]

And people carry an assault rifle instead of a pistol why?

Because in AZ. it's not against the law to carry an assault rifle.

[snowcat]

I wonder what statement this guy is trying to make.