Posted on 08/31/2009 9:18:18 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
So is this guy a terrifying threat to democracy? Or just a civic-minded citizen? If you think that his position on healthcare changes the likelihood that he will discharge that weapon, is this a rational belief?
I think carrying guns to protests is entirely counterproductive. Indeed, I'm not sold on the general virtues of protesting, which worked for Gandhi and the civil rights marcher, but has a dismal track record on other concerns. But I think people have a perfect right to do it, including with guns, though I also think the secret service is within its rights to ensure that they don't have a sight line on the president.
But the hysteria about them has been even more ludicrous. Numerous people claim to believe that this makes it likely, even certain, that someone will shoot at the president. This is very silly, because the president is not anywhere most of the gun-toting protesters, who have showed up at all sorts of events. It is, I suppose, more plausible to believe that they might take a shot at someone else. But not very plausible: the rate of crime associated with legal gun possession or carrying seems to be very low. Guns, it turn out, do not turn ordinary people into murderers. They make murderers more effective.
So perhaps unsurprisingly, when offered the opportunity to put some money down on the proposition that one of these firearms is soon going to be discharged at someone, they all decline. It is starting to remind me of that C.S. Lewis quote from Mere Christianity:(continued)
(Excerpt) Read more at meganmcardle.theatlantic.com ...
The comments go on and on, with the author responding to some of the cranks.
Hey, the left think that those Christians are the enemy! If they are carrying guns, then they are doubly dangerous. Combine that with right-wing conservative and you have a real problem on your hands...heh.
Can’t help but think that the left is just about over the edge and loosing it. Not unexpected though...The loons are our on the lakes at this time of year...
They are missing the point, and “getting it” at the same time. The whole idea is to get a rise out of the left. No, guns are not allowed near the principals of government. But, in the normal course of everyday life, which, by the way, includes petition for redress of grievances, the presence of guns serves only to tell those who think they can subvert, undermine, denigrate, disregard, and circumnavigate our Constitution, that they have another think a-coming.
It is starting to remind me of that C.S. Lewis quote from Mere Christianity:
Suppose one reads a story of filthy atrocities in the paper. Then suppose that something turns up suggesting that the story might not be quite true, or not quite so bad as it was made out. Is one's first feeling, 'Thank God, even they aren't quite so bad as that,' or is it a feeling of disappointment, and even a determination to cling to the first story for the sheer pleasure of thinking your enemies are as bad as possible? If it is the second then it is, I am afraid, the first step in a process which, if followed to the end, will make us into devils. You see, one is beginning to wish that black was a little blacker. If we give that wish its head, later on we shall wish to see grey as black, and then to see white itself as black. Finally we shall insist on seeing everything -- God and our friends and ourselves included -- as bad, and not be able to stop doing it: we shall be fixed for ever in a universe of pure hatred.
Which is, sadly, starting to sound all to much like our current political environment.
That’s one of those decisions that you have to make for yourself. Many like you see no problems here...others do, I guess it is up to time to decide... The major problem is that if one side if right, they still lose...
lol...I'm not naive...I remember the 70s riot with guns between the Commies and the Klan in Greensboro
guns at protests can have consequence...just make sure your's is handy
I may be mistaken, but I believe that Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, never used a gun.
More damage is being and has been done with ink and paper by those who fear that which has given them the ability to do their damage.
Of course he used a gun.
Not only was Jefferson a shooter, but he recommended regular firearms practice as an excellent sport.
"As to the species of exercise, I advise the gun. While this gives [only] moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise, and independence to the mind. Games played with the ball and others of that nature, are too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun, therefore, be the constant companion to your walks."
“..but has a dismal track record on other concerns.”
Do some research stupid. If we didn’t protest America would be broken in two be a greedy hoard of illegal aliens. “Protests” worked on that one and will work on this issue as well.
Empty holster holding a “pocket Constitution” would be legal and make our point. I will do so at the TEA Party Express stop in Albany, NY. Sept. 10th, 5:30 Capitol Steps.
Perfectly legal.
Uh oh, now you did it. Get ready for information overload. Gun lovin' FReepers are about to school you.
;-)
Seriously, I recommend you read "A Patriot's History of the United States," by our own Larry Schweikert (Freeper LS). You'll gain a truer picture of our Founding Fathers.
Seriously? Come one, they lived in a time when a gun was used to put food on the table. And Franklin was responsible for some defense fortifications IIRC, and it would seem to me he had to have at least fired one even in training.
Now did they ever use one against another man? I don't know.
Certainly both Jefferson and Franklin could shoot, but how much I don’t know. Franklin was particularly enthralled with the bow and arrow, and had a long disquisition about its advantages over muskets.
Me neither. (and, to give credit, as you know, that wasn't my point)
I appreciate that my post may give that indication. (My aim and distance/accuracy have improved greatly since having lasik eye surgery)
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