Youths Rally for Tighter Gun Control Laws - Houston, TX

Houston Chronicle | 20 June 2002 | Stephen Dove

[PetroniDE]

With 224 pair of empty shoes strewn at their feet, nearly a dozen youth braved the rain today to raise awareness of gun violence at a rally in front of city hall.

Each pair of shoes represented one Texas child or teen-ager killed by guns in 2000, said Jennifer Beazley, executive director of Texans for Gun Safety. The organization's youth division, Young Texans Against Gun Violence, led the event.

Glen Lambert, 20, said the group does not oppose gun ownership, but he said he believes access to firearms needs tighter control.

"I'm against gun violence even though I'm for citizens owning guns and protecting themselves," Lambert said.

He said the group encourages parents to educate their children about guns, and it is also lobbying for legislation to close "the gun show loophole." Program members say the loophole allows criminals and minors to bypass required background checks by buying guns from unlicensed individuals at gun shows.

A group of 10 anti-gun control protestors also showed up at the steps of city hall today to make their voices heard against the backdrop of the youths' speeches and stories.

Members of the pro-gun group stood to the side throughout the event holding signs espousing their views and at times shouting quick objections to opinions presented from the podium.

Anthony Garcia, chairman of the Harris County Libertarian Party, said gun control groups focus on inanimate objects rather than the true causes of violence.

"I empathize with what they claim they are trying to prevent, but they want to educate people with things we do not agree with," Garcia said.

Garcia said restrictions on law-abiding gun owners should be lessened so that individuals can protect themselves.

[PetroniDE]

I don't know of the newspaper account is accurate, since I couldn't make it, but I am certain we will find out.

[PetroniDE]

You have any update? Please Ping the Houston people.

[FreeTally]

"I'm against gun violence even though I'm for citizens owning guns and protecting themselves," Lambert said.

Forget you, buddy. I'm all for gun violence. All of us who oppose you are.(/sarcasm)

[Boonie Rat]

Glen Lambert, 20...

At the age of 20 he doesn't even know what he doesn't know yet.

Boonie Rat

MACV SOCOM, PhuBai/Hue '65-'66

[FreeTally]

At the age of 20 he doesn't even know what he doesn't know yet.

Yep!

Just wait until he hears of the "private sale loophole".

[spqrzilla9]

The "gun show loophole" is a lie.

[newgeezer]

You gotta love it when liberals persuade young skulls full of mush to rally for any one of their pet causes, and honestly believe wiser adults will be persuaded to join the cause as a result of it.

[INSENSITIVE GUY]

I wonder who"BRAINWASHED"these kids into doing this?

[PetroniDE]

Especially during business hours. What is a 20-year old doing with free time (doesn't he need to start working ?)

[El Sordo]

Your staff should get involved in this.

[PetroniDE]

Maybe they were PAID !!!! What is a 20-year old doing with free time (doesn't he want to earn something ?) When I was 20-years old, I would do almost anything (within reason) for money.

[RikaStrom]

What is a 20-year old doing with free time (doesn't he need to start working ?)

Sheesh, or at least finish school?

I'm sorry I couldn't make it, but given what today was like in the office, I really would have enjoyed FReeping more.

[TheBigB]

My question is: What the hell does "nearly a dozen" mean? 9? 10? 6? Why not just say how many there were? Was the math too hard for the reporter? Sheesh.

[PetroniDE]

Me too. Crazy meeting today and I am overloaded at work. Have to take work home the next several weeks to make schedules. Darn.

[PetroniDE]

Don't know... Couldn't make it... Hope to find out later...

[No Truce With Kings]

With 224 pair of empty shoes strewn at their feet, nearly a dozen youth braved the rain today to raise awareness of gun violence at a rally in front of city hall.

I guess the CCW laws in this state must be cutting into their business. Mugging was soooo much safer before Texas legalized CCW.

[Tourist Guy]

>>>Why not just say how many there were?

Three "protesters" (two really, a passerby with an umbrella the other) one reporter, one cameraman and a cop.

As they say in the news business, six of one, dozen of the other (something like that).

[BUSHdude2000]

You just caught the classic leftist media reporting it the way they wanted it to be. That wording of "nearly a dozen" is so classic. That means nearly a dozen brain dead losers were out there between dope smoking sessions. "Nearly a dozen" also makes it sound like a bigger number, so as to make it appear that there is a lot of support for their agenda.

[Deguello]

And How may pairs are there that belonged to gang-bangers? Those killed by LEO's during the commission of a crime?