Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Another Obama Speech, Another Armed Citizen

Man brings assault rifle, pistol to health-care rally

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 17, 2009 3:50 PM CDT

(Newser) – President Obama's appearance at a VFW convention in Phoenix today was marked by yet another appearance of a man with a gun, the Arizona Republic reports. As separate crowds of protesters for and against health care reform rallied outside the Phoenix convention center, a man with an AR-15 rifle and pistol on his hip could be seen milling about with the pro-reform demonstrators. Asked why he was armed, the man responded: “Because I can do it. In Arizona, I still have some freedoms."

Former Arizona Gov. Rose Mofford meets with President Barack Obama talks before the president boarded Air Force One in Phoenix, Monday, Aug. 17, 2009.
Former Arizona Gov. Rose Mofford meets with President Barack Obama talks before the president boarded Air Force One in Phoenix, Monday, Aug. 17, 2009.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
An AR-15 rifle is shown at Mark Koscielski's Minneapolis Guns and Ammo store Monday, Oct. 8, 2007.
An AR-15 rifle is shown at Mark Koscielski's Minneapolis Guns and Ammo store Monday, Oct. 8, 2007.   (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
President Barack Obama listens as he is introduced before speaking at the Arizona State University commencement ceremony at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz., Wednesday, May 13, 2009.
President Barack Obama listens as he is introduced before speaking at the Arizona State University commencement ceremony at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz., Wednesday, May 13, 2009.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 50 comments
rajanKazhmin
Aug 18, 2009 12:20 PM CDT
Your sentence structures make my head hurt.
foodchain11
Aug 18, 2009 12:16 PM CDT
I do know a bit about NY and it is safe!! Guiliani-don't care for him but-didn't arm the citizens with guns in order to reduce crime! You rural folks should not rule the rest of the country. Minority representation yes-rule no!
foodchain11
Aug 18, 2009 12:11 PM CDT
Palerider: Police want do not want everyone carrying a gun!! I would bet a LOT OF $$ that you maybe visit a big city but don't live in one. Your point is that, in modern cities, you have to arm yourself? Where is the rule of law or does the 2nd ammendment get to trample on everything? You get to shoot Drs. you don't like? Who else do you get to shoot if you don't like what they say or do???

More Newser Stories

Book Scuttles Obama's Health Care Story

Weiner's the Only Dem in Health Brawl

South Dakota Bill: Every Adult Must Own a Gun

Republicans Look to Hobble Health Reform

Obama Scrambles to Patch Kids' Health Gap


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne