Open Carry Rally in DC

[Irving]

I was there. Standing around.

[JoeT]

did either of you help organize, put on, or even attend some of these rallies?

I don't know if I was at that one....but I was at one in Colorado before I moved, I've been to 2 here in Connecticut since I moved and I spoke at 2 of the hearings before the state legislature

before moving to Colorado, I was a board member at Massachusetts' version of RMGO (only without the tinfoil) where I presented "ourside" dozens of times.

In addition to donating my time, I also donate from my wallet....in FY 2012 I donated thousands to gun rights organizations

[ChunkyMonkey]

Yep, another thread becomes a pissing contest.

[blacklabel]

Yep, another thread becomes a pissing contest.

Would you expect anything less?

[Dingo]

Would you expect anything less?

Doesn't take long. Lotta vaginas, with a lot of sand in 'em these days. I keep waiting for the old favorite to pop up: "Because of your views, you're part of the problem". Always a good standby when somebody has a different opinion.

[ChunkyMonkey]

Sheriff Terry MaketaI've been asked to share my feelings and position concerning the proposed open carry march of civil disobedience on Washington DC. While I applaud the intent and the passion of the organizers, I cannot support deliberate acts of civil disobedience. As a peace officer, I believe we have many avenues at our disposal to send whatever message we wish to convey.

I do believe our freedoms and rights are under attack. I feel as passionate as anyone about the preservation of our rights, freedoms and ensuring those rights and freedoms are protected for future generations. Furthermore, I believe our freedoms are one generation away from extinction. It is our turn to speak out and protect our rights and freedoms for not only today, but well into the future.

These are challenging times and we need to be very calculating, systematic and factual in order to convey our message to those who buy into the misinformation and misrepresentations of what is taking place. I believe now, more than ever, we need to be cautious and find ways to educate people and develop a credibility across all political lines, cultural lines and generational lines in order to succeed. This is far too important to approach in a reckless manner that provides those attacking our rights, and the members of the media who support their efforts, the ammunition they need to discredit and suppress our voice.

Now is the time to ensure we follow existing rules, regulations and laws to reach the majority we need to form that critical mass. The public needs to be educated on the misrepresentations of the legislature and hold them accountable for their agenda. Our voice needs to be heard, and we will have a greater impact, if we assemble in a lawful manner and find common grounds in order to attract those who may be unsure or misinformed. I would encourage the organizers to plan a lawful march that represents the views of law abiding citizens, and then I would be honored to walk with them. Government needs to stop blaming society for the ill-actions of criminals and start holding those criminals accountable for their own actions, and not at the expense of law abiding citizens. So if we are going to send a powerful message, let's not do it in a criminal manner.

[Irving]

I really think that people have given up on what is a right and what isn't. When people commit crimes, they are read their rights pertaining to the Fifth Amendment. This is while they are being accused of a crime. How come no one is ever afraid of losing their right to remain silent, or their right to an attorney, or their right to a trial? It is a sad state of affairs that we are actually afraid to lose one right, yet couldn't even imagine losing another. That is not a commentary on those here with the warnings, more of those who actively work to take those rights away, or convince us as a population that they actually can be.

[ChunkyMonkey]

I really think that people have given up on what is a right and what isn't. When people commit crimes, they are read their rights pertaining to the Fifth Amendment. This is while they are being accused of a crime. How come no one is ever afraid of losing their right to remain silent, or their right to an attorney, or their right to a trial? It is a sad state of affairs that we are actually afraid to lose one right, yet couldn't even imagine losing another. That is not a commentary on those here with the warnings, more of those who actively work to take those rights away, or convince us as a population that they actually can be.

Everyone has his/her own tolerance level of being 'infringed' I suppose.

[HoneyBadger]

I just saw that Sheriff Maketa posted this on facebook and I was going to post it here. He is a solid guy.

[Sawin]

I was there. Standing around.

Me too. Red jacket under the tree to the left. Can barely make myself out. IMO there wasn't nearly enough people there though.