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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009

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Matt Taibbi

Palin: Our First WWE Politician

Pick an asshole, any asshole, and she'll rock the house

Nov 22, 09 10:44 AM CST
analysis

Book Tour Shows Palin
Hitting a Nerve

'Going Rogue' phenomenon may foreshadow something bigger

Nov 22, 09 2:46 PM CST
the big plan

Beck Will Host Conventions
to Educate America

He's shifting toward political organizer, plans big DC rally

Nov 21, 09 5:06 PM CST
editorial

NYT to Blankfein:
Your 'Apology'
Is Bull

Editorial board schools Goldman CEO in true meaning of 'sorry'

Nov 22, 09 4:53 PM CST
NO COMMUNION FOR YOU, MY SON

RI Bishop Disses
Kennedy Over
Pro-Choice
Stance

Spat over Patrick's position on abortion escalates

Nov 22, 09 8:23 AM CST
Palin Pulls in Big Bucks
—for Democrats

'Going Rogue' boosts Dem fundraising to new high

Nov 21, 09 6:50 AM CST
TALK SHOW ROUNDUP

McConnell:
Dems Proceed
at 2010 Peril

Senators hit the Sunday talk shows after health vote

Nov 22, 09 11:15 AM CST
who let the paranoids out?

46 Years After Kennedy, the Virus of Hate Is Back

Republican Rep. Louie Gohmert panders to dangerous paranoids

Nov 21, 09 9:08 AM CST
Senate Democrats Clear
Health Care Hurdle, 60-39

Reid gets 60 votes to open full debate after Thanksgiving recess

Nov 21, 09 7:13 PM CST
Eyes on 2010

Lincoln
Swings to
Center of
Health Debate

Dems come calling as GOP eyes her seat in 2010

Nov 22, 09 1:03 PM CST
Billboard Links Obama to Jihad

Colo. car dealership wants this opinion heard

Nov 20, 09 8:42 PM CST
HE'S GOT A BOOK OUT, TOO

Beck to Unveil
'Big Plan' at
Saturday Rally

Righty pundit OK with destroying Dems and GOP

Nov 20, 09 8:07 PM CST
Neglected Ind. Fans Boo Palin

Hecklers accuse her of 'quitting on the job'

Nov 20, 09 3:50 PM CST

|NEXT STORY »

116

Dozen Gun-Toters Spotted at Obama Event

By Kevin Spak| Posted Aug 18, 09 8:24 AM CDT|

(Newser) – The man who brought an assault rifle to Barack Obama’s speech yesterday wasn’t alone. Roughly a dozen protesters were seen carrying guns, the AP reports. Phoenix police say the men didn’t need permits, and didn’t commit any crime. In fact, they say they were worried someone would try to harm the man carrying the AR-15 semi-automatic rifle. “It sparked a lot of emotions,” said one detective. “We were keeping peace on both ends.”

One political scientist tells the AP he’s never heard of anyone openly carrying an assault rifle near the president before. An anti-gun activist worries that gun-toting protesters add to the Secret Service's headaches. But the Secret Service says the armed citizens didn’t change their security plans. “The subject was not entering our site,” said a spokesman. “The main thing to know is that they would not have been allowed inside with a weapon.”

[Images (4)]

[Quotes (2)]

Curtis Irwin holds a .50 caliber rifle to show at a gun shop in Fort Worth, Texas, Nov. 6, 2008. Following the election, the Cheaper Than Dirt gun shop swiftly sold out of assault weapons. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

President Barack Obama speaks at the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Convention in Phoenix, Monday, Aug. 17, 2009. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Obama supporters and protesters gather outside the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Monday, Aug. 17, 2009. Obama is scheduled to speak at the Veterans of Foreign Wars 110th Convention. (AP Photo/Matt York)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

When you start to bring guns to political rallies, it actually becomes quite scary for many people. It creates a chilling effect in the ability of our society to carry on honest communication. - Fred Solop, political scientist at Northern Arizona University

To me, this is craziness. When you bring a loaded gun to any political event, but particularly to one where the president is appearing, you're just making the situation dangerous for everyone. - Paul Helmke, president of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

11.20.09

The Health-Care Wars Have Just Begun

11.19.09

Sarah Palin Deserves Some More Attention

116 comments

VIEWING:

Doctor_Zaius
Aug 18, 09 8:30 AM CDT

Mark my words. Sooner or later something bad is going to happen. Reply

+20

IN RESPONSE:

UrUndertaker
Aug 18, 09 9:35 AM CDT

Doc, the Right decided to look "cool" and began a new fad of being armed at Presidential appearances but the one thing the Paint Ball warriors forget is the Left also has a strong contingent of highly trained ex military as well as they don't practice on targets with pain ball guns, not if but WHEN this b/s turns south and you know it will end in death of someone it may well spark something the Right will find themselves ill equipped for and the Left has no need of it as well. As stated by many of us they all need to stop their b/s insanity now. Violence can only beget more violence and this country does not need another President harmed no matter his position. Cooler heads need to apply a bit more restraint and end this show and tell

+10

IN RESPONSE:

DJM420
Aug 18, 09 10:05 AM CDT

good point. im a former marine. i love guns. i just dont love assault weapons, gun shows, no/too short background checks, concealed weapons without a purose, psychos trying to make weak-ass points...and i'm socially liberal...not really as uncommon as the right would hope...

IN RESPONSE:

DJM420
Aug 18, 09 10:05 AM CDT

*sp...purpose..not purse

-1

IN RESPONSE:

Alan_Harrington
Aug 18, 09 10:34 AM CDT

undertaker: there hasn't been one bit of violence pertaining to these situations. and those are definately not paintball guns. djm: noone cares if you were an eagle scout

-6

IN RESPONSE:

DJM420
Aug 18, 09 12:37 PM CDT

LET US ALL IMAGINE IF THIS HAD BEEN TEN BROTHAS WITH GOLD GLOCKS 'EXERCISING THEIR RIGHTS'. LETS GET REAL PEOPLE. YOU DONT BRING A GUN TO A KNIFE FIGHT, AND THIS IS ONLY A WORD FIGHT. >>I CAN JUST PICTURE MLKjr WITH A SIDE ARM<< WAS JAMES EARL RAY JUST 'EXERCISING HIS RIGHT'???? THIS IS DOMESTIC TERRORISM, NO LESS

IN RESPONSE:

MSCXYZ
Aug 19, 09 6:33 PM CDT

They're doing this to psychologically weaken our President and his security forces. The more angry white men, the more guns, the chances are that your words will prove prophetic. It saddens and sickens me.

IN RESPONSE:

Shannonals
Aug 19, 09 8:19 PM CDT

When the Panthers demonstrated their rights to bear arms in public, everyone freaked out, but now that the "average" American is doing it it's alright?

IN RESPONSE:

cognitivefilter
Aug 19, 09 10:26 PM CDT

hope not

IN RESPONSE:

lietomelibs
Aug 21, 09 1:58 PM CDT

It already happened in November of 2008.

IN RESPONSE:

Reader60610265
Aug 25, 09 1:17 PM CDT

Mscxyz. It wasn't just (WHITES ) carring guns read the reports . YOu jackasses all so willing to dump this solely on the whites . wHO'S THE FUCKING RACIST NOW ASSHOLES.

| 0 minutes ago

mainlander
Aug 18, 09 8:36 AM CDT

This has got to stop NOW. Reply

+11

IN RESPONSE:

Alan_Harrington
Aug 18, 09 8:59 AM CDT

what has to stop? nothing has happened. people are just exercising their rights.

-18

IN RESPONSE:

DJM420
Aug 18, 09 9:30 AM CDT

This comment has been removed by Newser’s community. You must be logged in to view this comment.

+13

IN RESPONSE:

Alan_Harrington
Aug 18, 09 9:34 AM CDT

djm: classy. grow up and finish highschool, then work on saying something meaningful

-9

IN RESPONSE:

DJM420
Aug 18, 09 9:42 AM CDT

This comment has been removed by Newser’s community. You must be logged in to view this comment.

IN RESPONSE:

mintclassic
Aug 19, 09 10:48 AM CDT

If you can't see how utterly disingenuous it is to try and chalk all this up to "they're just exercising their rights," I feel sorry for you. This is not a second-amendment issue, it is a blatant intimidation tactic and you know it, so spare us this double-talking bullshit. These juvenile arguments have every aspect of some snot-nosed little kid saying, "I'm not touching you!" You know just as well as we do what the issues are here, so quit playing dumb (or, if you are, in fact, JUST THAT DUMB, then for God's sake, go away).

| 0 minutes ago

Fondue
Aug 18, 09 8:40 AM CDT

One question to all the gun carriers at these events: why didn't you do this at George W. Bush events? Reply

+28

IN RESPONSE:

Janniel
Aug 18, 09 8:47 AM CDT

Excellent question.

+14

IN RESPONSE:

Alan_Harrington
Aug 18, 09 9:05 AM CDT

people probably did carry guns. there's nothing illegal about it in those area. there isnt a reason to freak out about it. what they need to worry about is the people that aren't so obvious. do you think there wern't 5 snipers on each of the people carrying guns at the speeches?

-8

IN RESPONSE:

Doctor_Zaius
Aug 18, 09 9:10 AM CDT

So some idiot makes a dumb gesture with the gun and an over zealous sniper pops him one. Then what happens. It's just dumb. They are not "exercising their rights", they are making a statement and its a dangerous one. Do you really want to go down that road? Do you? Think about it.

+17

IN RESPONSE:

Alan_Harrington
Aug 18, 09 9:32 AM CDT

Dr.: if some idiot points their gun at the president, yes, i hope the secret service takes him out. then what? probably less people carrying and pointing their guns at the president. They are making a statement by exercising their rights, and yes, it may be dangerous. but so is standing on a corner with a sign, all it takes is one freedom loving bastard to jump the curb in his truck...

-11

IN RESPONSE:

DJM420
Aug 18, 09 9:36 AM CDT

why are they 'exercising their rights' right near the president, instead of in the hills shooting a deer... they are clearly just trying to make a frightening statement. something tells me these guys aren't into inter-racial marriage, gay-marriage, or equal pay for women, and i dont think its a stretch to say they probably have a bible somewhere on their body

IN RESPONSE:

DJM420
Aug 18, 09 9:37 AM CDT

wow alan...thats a stretch...

IN RESPONSE:

Alan_Harrington
Aug 18, 09 10:09 AM CDT

djm: haha astretch? kind of like "something tells me these guys aren't into inter-racial marriage, gay-marriage, or equal pay for women, and i dont think its a stretch to say they probably have a bible somewhere on their body" you and your non-stop mindless dribble. i wish you had a rally so i could bring my assault rifle to it.

-4

IN RESPONSE:

DJM420
Aug 18, 09 10:23 AM CDT

so what's your point, my comment is hardly a stretch, it wont take long before im proven correct...you really think a jewish brotha is gonna try?...and then you prove my point by threatening me with an assault rifle...outstanding

IN RESPONSE:

DJM420
Aug 18, 09 10:24 AM CDT

stretch...i had to say it one more time

IN RESPONSE:

Alan_Harrington
Aug 18, 09 10:40 AM CDT

djm: a jewish brotha is going to try what? what does that even mean? i cannot believe a person like you represented our country in the Marines. maybe you should have gone to college instead...

-3

IN RESPONSE:

IndependentThinker
Aug 18, 09 10:53 AM CDT

@Fondue: Cause they were scared shitless at Shrub. Nobody could say anything for fear of what would happen to them. You would be pained as a terrorist and locked up with no phone call no one knowing where you went and no hope of release. Then tortured till you told them what they wanted to hear.

IN RESPONSE:

DJM420
Aug 18, 09 12:41 PM CDT

um, not to brag...but i did take advantage of the 'socialist' g.i.bill...i went to a major university in the southwest where the bball is the best...ba poli sci 2004. and the marines must have liked me, they said whatever it was i did was honorable...not that i need to answer to alan or anything. p.s. i still get 'socialist' va benefits...

IN RESPONSE:

JonmarkP
Aug 18, 09 2:26 PM CDT

Next question: why would gun freaks not have been ALLOWED to do this? At Bush events, unarmed peaceful protesters were sequestered MILES away from Bush-in "Free Speech" zones. They were breaking no laws, it was Bush who was breaking the law. I want to know why there is such a glaring DOULBE STANDARD here.

IN RESPONSE:

lietomelibs
Aug 21, 09 2:09 PM CDT

How do you know, for certain, that people weren't carrying outside Bush events? The liberal media could've cared less about someone possibly threatening Bush. Oh, but, those gun-crazy righties are liable to do something nutso to Obama. Your hypocrisy never ceases to amaze! Go do your nails or something.

| 0 minutes ago

dontlikenobody
Aug 18, 09 8:44 AM CDT

Face it. The only reason to carry assault rifles to even the general area of a Presidential meeting is as an implicit threat and, secondarily, to rile up the folks on the other side. Assault weapons are not the usual downtown go-to-meeting garb, no matter what our own stable of rightie trolls may say. Your Second Amendment rights end when you wave a gun in my face for no reason except to stiffen some limp part of your body. Reply

+20

IN RESPONSE:

PaleRider
Aug 18, 09 10:30 AM CDT

First of all, your constitutional rights do not just end because you may commit a violation of the law. You liberals have fought very hard to make sure that that does not happen. Second, he wasn't waving the gun around, I know you libs like to sensationalize but don't be ridiculous.

-2

IN RESPONSE:

dontlikenobody
Aug 18, 09 1:07 PM CDT

Rotorooter - are you suggesting that if you commit a crime with a gun you shouldn't be prosecuted because of your "second amendment rights?" Nobody suggested he was "waving the gun around," - just you. My reference was to an real, open threat - hence the "in my face" as in the old saying "Your rights end where my nose begins." Overt threats with a deadly weapon are not protected by the constitution; if you think they are, I don't want to live anywhere near you - you seem to have missed a step in the march of civilization. But thank you anyway for acknowledging that we liberals have fought very hard for our constitutional rights. We have; rights such as habeas corpus, protection against undue search and seizure, voting rights, and freedom from torture have all been secured by our battles. What the hell have you and your buddies ever done?

-2

IN RESPONSE:

dontlikenobody
Aug 18, 09 1:08 PM CDT

I'm sorry - that should have been "loudmouth buddies."

-3

IN RESPONSE:

PaleRider
Aug 19, 09 1:52 AM CDT

Nice attempt at spinning your first comment. If you re-read what I said, maybe get someone to help you, you would see that your response makes absolutely no sense what so ever.

IN RESPONSE:

PaleRider
Aug 19, 09 1:53 AM CDT

Must be hard logging in and out of all those accounts.

| 0 minutes ago

sache
Aug 18, 09 8:44 AM CDT

Strange. Obama is President so people can now exercise the right to bear arm by bringing them to where the President is speaking. Why do i say, strange, because when Bush was president, a person could get arrested for having protest signs where he was speaking. How many times did we see people with protest signs hustled away by the powers that be. I guess exercising your right to protest with a sign during the Bush era was too much but With Obama it's ok to bring a damn gun. Sick ass right wings bastards, If it were done to a right leaning president these same people would be calling for the heads of anyone toting a gun near the president. Reply

+23

IN RESPONSE:

Doctor_Zaius
Aug 18, 09 9:07 AM CDT

Exactly!

IN RESPONSE:

Alan_Harrington
Aug 18, 09 9:09 AM CDT

This comment has been removed by Newser’s community. You must be logged in to view this comment.

-22

IN RESPONSE:

Fondue
Aug 18, 09 9:40 AM CDT

Sache, this is exactly the point. People were arrested for having cardboard near Bush or wearing cotton tee-shirts that they didn't like.

IN RESPONSE:

DJM420
Aug 18, 09 9:40 AM CDT

This comment has been removed by Newser’s community. You must be logged in to view this comment.

IN RESPONSE:

ruserious
Aug 18, 09 9:52 AM CDT

Alan: I find it humorous that you previously told DJM420 to finish high school, then yourself use a phrase laden with junior high tendencies and a hint of misogyny. You, sir, should finish high school--THEN you may have something useful to say. Or at least something not hypocritical.

IN RESPONSE:

Alan_Harrington
Aug 18, 09 11:03 AM CDT

ruserious: yeah you got me on that. i just have a problem with that guy

-2

IN RESPONSE:

ruserious
Aug 18, 09 11:04 AM CDT

Alan: I respect your response to my post--we all say silly things occasionally. I will continue to read your posts with an open mind.

| 0 minutes ago

Nwambe
Aug 18, 09 8:57 AM CDT

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IN RESPONSE:

kokuaguy
Aug 18, 09 9:12 AM CDT

Be careful Nwambe. Your heart is in the right place, but we wouldn't want to lose you because you went off "half-cocked." Now is the time for a smart Senator or Congressperson to sponsor a bill that wil make this kind of spectacularly stupid stunt illegal, and to strilke a highly symbolic but long overdue blow for what has been fast becoming "politically incorrect" , and verboten for any aspiring politician or elected official -- sane, reasoned, common-sense gun control. Russ Feingold ... Barbara Mikulski ... Neil Abercrombie ... Mazie Hirono ... hello !!! Is anybody home?

IN RESPONSE:

Nwambe
Aug 18, 09 10:11 AM CDT

Point well taken. Reason is the greatest weapon.

| 0 minutes ago

carbonated_turtle
Aug 18, 09 9:07 AM CDT

First it was one, now it's a dozen, pretty soon we'll have entire mobs of these dangerous idiots, and all it'll take is for one of them to accidentally fire their weapon and the whole thing will turn into a blood bath. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

PaleRider
Aug 18, 09 10:38 AM CDT

"First it was one, now it's a dozen, pretty soon we'll have entire mobs of these dangerous idiots..." gee, is this Aug 18 2009 or Apr 19 1775?

-2

IN RESPONSE:

IndependentThinker
Aug 18, 09 10:58 AM CDT

@PaleRider: Or May 4th 1970? Bet you don't know that date but it was a day that should live in infamy, as the day the right wing nutjobs showed their face and shot unarmed collage students at Kent State.

IN RESPONSE:

PaleRider
Aug 19, 09 1:57 AM CDT

@IndependentThinker the Kent State incident has absolutely nothing to do with this.

| 0 minutes ago

jamerican
Aug 18, 09 9:18 AM CDT

This comment has been removed by Newser’s community. You must be logged in to view this comment. Reply

-11

IN RESPONSE:

sache
Aug 18, 09 9:28 AM CDT

jamerican, back to where? Maybe there are more American not willing or wanting to take our country back to wherever you want to it go.

IN RESPONSE:

UrUndertaker
Aug 18, 09 9:40 AM CDT

This comment has been removed by Newser’s community. You must be logged in to view this comment.

+12

IN RESPONSE:

DJM420
Aug 18, 09 9:44 AM CDT

i dont even get the point...what does "take out country back" even mean? is that like taking someone 'out back' for a fight or something? please clarify

IN RESPONSE:

ruserious
Aug 18, 09 9:53 AM CDT

Take our country back? And then do what with it? Fuck it all up again? Good luck with that.

IN RESPONSE:

IndependentThinker
Aug 18, 09 11:00 AM CDT

I think jamerican is a Native American wanting to take back his country... Doubt it tho. My guess he is a white southern who never got much of an education.

IN RESPONSE:

kokuaguy
Aug 18, 09 1:27 PM CDT

Take it back from whom? Just remember, it's not just the blood of the "tyrants" that waters that tree you are so fond of invoking.

| 0 minutes ago

doingtherightthing
Aug 18, 09 9:30 AM CDT

This comment has been removed by Newser’s community. You must be logged in to view this comment. Reply

-9

IN RESPONSE:

Fondue
Aug 18, 09 9:44 AM CDT

What does the 2nd Amendment have to do with healthcare? Why do you need a AR-15 to go to a townhall meeting?

IN RESPONSE:

DJM420
Aug 18, 09 9:46 AM CDT

This comment has been removed by Newser’s community. You must be logged in to view this comment.

IN RESPONSE:

Fondue
Aug 18, 09 9:56 AM CDT

Also, the 2nd Amendment is not about walking around with your guns. The 2nd does not give you the right to do that. If you are paying attention, these 'carry' laws are state specific.

IN RESPONSE:

doingtherightthing
Aug 18, 09 11:14 AM CDT

Fondodo.....thats the point its them making a statement to Obama who is against the 2nd amendment that they will keep there guns..get it.....

-3

IN RESPONSE:

piyrwq
Aug 18, 09 12:37 PM CDT

rightthing: you're right, that is point they are trying to make, but don' t forget the other implicit point: "Watch you back Mr President".

IN RESPONSE:

Fondue
Aug 18, 09 2:03 PM CDT

"As a general principle, I believe that the Constitution confers an individual right to bear arms. But just because you have an individual right does not mean that the state or local government can’t constrain the exercise of that right, in the same way that we have a right to private property but local governments can establish zoning ordinances that determine how you can use it." rightthing, this is a man that did community outreach in the Southside of Chicago. I'm sure he has seen more gun violence than you are aware. It's not like walking around Smalltown, USA. He believes in the Constitution, even said so in public to that NRA guy in front of witnesses. He taught constitutional law for a decade (that's 10 years). But I'm sure you'll agree, states have authority to do what is necessary for their area and citizens. I'm sorry, but I do not believe everyone has a right to own or carry around in public a load weapon. If you do, fine. Go down to your local jail and start handing out your gun of choice to every prisoner released. How about next time you call me Fondumdum?

IN RESPONSE:

PaleRider
Aug 19, 09 2:01 AM CDT

@piyrwq who said anywhere in any story that it was a direct threat to the bama? You are more of a menace by making a statement like that then the man himself for carrying a gun.

| 0 minutes ago

Adapt-Overcome
Aug 18, 09 9:32 AM CDT

Well these are the same hypocrits that shout at the rooftops about the people of Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc. and berate them for carrying weapons around our troops. THESE FOOLS ARE MAKING AMERICA THE LAUGHING STOCK OF THE WORLD AND making us look like some third world country. As volaltile as they get or "impassioned" as they like to call it, it's dangerous to allow someone so unstable to carry a gun in a crowd, but it will not stop because ego's which these loons have and the media helping them along will keep them coming in record numbers, that is until an innocent individual gets hurt and then they will cry from the rooftops again. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

PaleRider
Aug 18, 09 10:41 AM CDT

Who said the guy was unstable? A little prejudice are you?

-1

IN RESPONSE:

piyrwq
Aug 18, 09 12:39 PM CDT

I think it's safe to say someone Implicitly threatening the president with his life is unstable.

| 0 minutes ago

Toon
Aug 18, 09 9:41 AM CDT

Let's look at the second amendment. Hm, right there it says 'well regulated militia.' Some how I just don't equate these fact challenged, disruptive crowds with the kind of people we should trust to handle dangerous equipment. With this right comes the responsibility to not be stupid. 99%+ of gun owners are responsible and if just one of these idiots could do something dumb enough to get the laws tighten for every one. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

Reader65069154
Aug 18, 09 9:57 AM CDT

If you're going to partially quote the 2nd amendment, at least say so. There's also a part which reads "the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed."

-2

| 0 minutes ago

Reader65069154
Aug 18, 09 9:55 AM CDT

Like him or not, and all Obama supporter hysteria aside, this guy has done a bang up job of getting his point across. Hasn't cost him a dime to raise the awareness of his concerns for loss of personal freedoms in America. Reply

-3

IN RESPONSE:

PaleRider
Aug 18, 09 10:44 AM CDT

You are 100% correct, and that is what the lib denizens of this board can not stand.

-6

IN RESPONSE:

doingtherightthing
Aug 18, 09 11:17 AM CDT

right on reader 9154.....you've got it right....

-5

IN RESPONSE:

Toon
Aug 18, 09 12:13 PM CDT

Yea but he's about six years too late.

IN RESPONSE:

JonmarkP
Aug 18, 09 2:41 PM CDT

Where were all you "Personal Freedom" assholes when we were in the streets protesting passage of the so called Patriot Act? You were cowering in your mobile homes, you little chickenshit nobodies.

IN RESPONSE:

PaleRider
Aug 19, 09 2:07 AM CDT

@JonmarkP Name someone you know who rights were violated by the Patriot Act.

| 0 minutes ago

Fondue
Aug 18, 09 10:01 AM CDT

Let's start a Water Gun activist group where we'll show up to events with super soakers strapped to our legs and carry those signs about "watering the tree of Liberty". Reply

IN RESPONSE:

DJM420
Aug 18, 09 10:08 AM CDT

that's a hell of a lot more clever than 'tea-bagging' too. genius. im down.

IN RESPONSE:

JonmarkP
Aug 18, 09 2:36 PM CDT

Mock the Mullets! Bring huge inflatable guns. Water pistols. Huge oversize cowboy hats! Let that make the news. These insecure, self-absorbed, self-important morons HATE not being taken seriously.

| 0 minutes ago

ezrider
Aug 18, 09 10:23 AM CDT

rights or no rights , i think the secrets service need to put a stop to this it's only going to get worst.(a house divided against itself cannot stand) Reply

| 0 minutes ago

Caps
Aug 18, 09 10:40 AM CDT

These people think they have to have a gun strapped to their leg or belt are nothing more than big COWARDS. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

PaleRider
Aug 18, 09 10:46 AM CDT

An Ironic statement, considering the emotion that moved you to post that comment.

-3

| 0 minutes ago

Yourself
Aug 18, 09 10:50 AM CDT

i know people that were refused from Bush events for wearing a John Kerry TSHIRT!!! but now it's ok to bring a gun to a presidential meeting? this is insane. I know i know, second amendment, but common, an assault rifle? some people are nuts, and in those nuts-driven people there's at least one that is on the brink of his/her tipping point. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

PaleRider
Aug 19, 09 2:09 AM CDT

You should be refused from ANY event for wearing a John Kerry T-Shirt.

IN RESPONSE:

mintclassic
Aug 19, 09 11:04 AM CDT

For once I agree with PaleRider.

| 0 minutes ago

Forderon
Aug 18, 09 11:07 AM CDT

Every single civil right in the Bill of Rights has stood the test of time and will stand the test of time forever, except for one, the 2nd amendment. It couldn't be more outdated. How the fuck is the right to own assault weapons on par with the right to free speech, religion, and due process? Lots of countries have gun rights, but not to this extent. This country practically celebrates gun violence in every facet of its culture and it's getting out of hand, all in the name of protecting an outdated civil right. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

dontlikenobody
Aug 18, 09 1:18 PM CDT

Dead on target, Forderon.

IN RESPONSE:

JonmarkP
Aug 18, 09 2:33 PM CDT

If you'll check, major portions of the Bill of Rights did not withstand the assaults of the Bush Administration.

-2

IN RESPONSE:

DanH
Aug 19, 09 3:13 AM CDT

That's a picture of John Brown. You have John Brown as your avatar. Interesting. You are arguing that the population should be disarmed and your avatar was hung for raiding an arms depot in order to secure weapons with which to raise rebellion against tyranny. The irony.

| 0 minutes ago

SPH
Aug 18, 09 11:08 AM CDT

I find it odd the right seems to feel the second amendment, the right to bear arms, is somehow of greater importance than the first amendment, the right of free speech AND peaceful assembly..... Reply

IN RESPONSE:

Forderon
Aug 18, 09 12:39 PM CDT

Jinx

IN RESPONSE:

PaleRider
Aug 19, 09 2:14 AM CDT

I find it odd that your president provided a e-mail address to the white house with the sole purpose of Ratting Your Neighbors Out for "Questionable" speech.

| 0 minutes ago

Realist
Aug 18, 09 11:14 AM CDT

Well now it seems the Dems are organizing to counter the interference, getting their own supporters to counter the arguments of the gun-toting, bible-waving, eyes-closed, ears-covered right-wing zealots. The only likely outcome is that somebody is going to get shot - when these people can't win an argument in the face of facts and rational reasoning they do something stupid 'for God or their country'. And it's entirely pointless - this debate is about health-care, WTF is the point of taking loaded weapons? Maybe to shoot somebody who doesn't have enough insurance? That might inadvertently prove an interesting point... Reply

IN RESPONSE:

dontlikenobody
Aug 18, 09 1:25 PM CDT

Realist - Nope - the point is to change the subject and make it a "Constitutional rights" question - that way they can avoid any rational discussion of health care. Smooth move - if they can control the sociopaths they've aroused.

| 0 minutes ago

DLSmooth
Aug 18, 09 12:00 PM CDT

If anyone doese anything to hurt or kill the president, this country would be burned to the ground. There are just as many fanatics that love the president (if not more) than those who hate him. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

lonewolf17
Aug 18, 09 12:42 PM CDT

Obama has the most dangerous job in the world right now.. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

PaleRider
Aug 19, 09 2:16 AM CDT

No he doesnt, really.

-1

| 0 minutes ago

Odaecom
Aug 18, 09 12:43 PM CDT

Lets see what happens when the guy with an assault rifle is black. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

Fondue
Aug 18, 09 1:35 PM CDT

That would be interesting to see.

IN RESPONSE:

PaleRider
Aug 19, 09 2:17 AM CDT

Umm, he is black.

| 0 minutes ago

tiredofthisnonsense
Aug 18, 09 12:59 PM CDT

You are so correct. If someone were to hurt the almighty BO, all hell would break loose and he would become a Martyr of EPIC proportions. I think when discussing the Second Amendment it is prudent to remember why the Founding Fathers included the right to bear arms in the constitution in the first place. Both dissenting sides in these threads should remember that their passion comes from fear. Neither side wants to be controlled by the other, just as our founding fathers did not want to be controlled by Mother England. The constitution was drafted when that threat was real, and we always need to remember that at the time it was considered a responsibility - not a right to be armed. There were many battles during the revolutionary war where armed citizens carried the weight of protecting their soil from tyranny. Regardless of which side you are a fanatic of (left/right) who can say for surety that will never happen again? Until then i shall keep arms, in order to bear them if protection of my family warrants. And to the posters that try to compare the right of free speech to the right own firearms.... i would offer that my right to own a gun is under far more political scrutiny then your right to open your gob hole and spew opinionated garbage and call me names for my beliefs. Reply

-4

IN RESPONSE:

kokuaguy
Aug 18, 09 1:41 PM CDT

I will all you a name ... dissembler and con artist. Your high minded screed along the lines of the "watering the tree" argument entirely obscures the point. Carrying firearms into a setting like this is a provocative, reckless act. It is very similar to shouting fire in a crowded theater. Federal legislation to protect the President is needed NOW.

| 0 minutes ago

lthurman
Aug 18, 09 1:31 PM CDT

Isn't it wonderful how the country comes together and debates an issue seriously. Did I really say that?? What was I thinking? They all come out of the woodwork about something like this...sure takes your mind off health care, doesn't it? Reply

| 0 minutes ago

Rocket448
Aug 18, 09 1:43 PM CDT

A couple things. The Supreme Court of the US has ruled that your Second Amendment right to Keep and Bear Arms extends no further than your front door. State laws may make it possible for your to bring your weapon to a Presidential visit, but that falls into the category of provocation, imho. Also, memory reminds me that Mr. Bush's public events were notoriously free from any protest. Where were the gun-totin' demonstrators then? Reply

IN RESPONSE:

PaleRider
Aug 19, 09 2:28 AM CDT

"The Supreme Court of the US has ruled that your Second Amendment right to Keep and Bear Arms extends no further than your front door." False.

| 0 minutes ago

Mad
Aug 18, 09 2:20 PM CDT

To republicans, carrying a gun at a presidential rally is 'exercising their rights', but burning a flag (declared protected speech by the USSC) is treasonous! Reply

| 0 minutes ago

DarkFrancis
Aug 18, 09 6:47 PM CDT

Y'know, there's nothing better than waking up to a healthy, reasoned and sober discourse on the big issues affecting society...if only I'd woken to that today. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

cornelison
Aug 18, 09 7:34 PM CDT

Not only are they at events but their minions have been opining at The Huffington Post. Reply

-1

| 0 minutes ago

DanH
Aug 19, 09 3:05 AM CDT

There is always the possibility that something bad will happen. The point is that it will not be started by that fellow with the AR-15. He may be making a political point but he is not looking for a firefight. Undertaker: To make a nasty little threat and then follow it with "but I just want to see the insanity stop!" is oxymoronic. BTW, there has been no violence. No president has been harmed. The security details are not scared or on high alert. I don't think you will find a small government conservative who has any doubt whatsoever that the Left is capable of great violence. In the previous century it was not the libertarians who murdered tens of millions of people. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

hybrid
Aug 19, 09 2:26 PM CDT

mr. harrington you are right, just some libs making something out of nothing, these people were making a point about having a right to bear, it was in plain view and not concealed. whiners Reply

-1

IN RESPONSE:

Fondue
Aug 20, 09 9:06 AM CDT

Not creative enough to come up with your own name?

| 0 minutes ago

SGJR8860
Aug 19, 09 4:59 PM CDT

The gun-totin', rootin'-tootin' rights exercisers need to remember one very important thing. This is NOT the 1960's. There are no more pacifist "coloreds" who will be led by a charismatic, integral figure to meet violence with non-violent protest. We have no MLK's, no John or Bobby Kennedys anymore. So rest assured...if anything happens to the President thanks to you, those firearms and sidearms you're using as blatant intimidation had better be a whole lot more than decoration. Just because you OWN Rambo's gun collection, does not mean that you ARE him. I have a feeling a lot of ass-backwards nutjobs will discover that about ten seconds too late. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

MSCXYZ
Aug 19, 09 6:39 PM CDT

After reading about half the comments here, I am starting to see an undercurrent of white racial anxiety...Our Pres is Black, and the stereotype is Black guys have bigger you know whats, so these angry white guys with phallic insecurity are showing how big their guns are to compensate. ;) Reply

| 0 minutes ago

View all 116 comments »

Barack Obama • Arizona • protests • Phoenix • health care reform • Second Amendment • assault rifles • assault weapons • deathers

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Dozen Gun-Toters Spotted at Obama Event

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Protest Organizer Inflated
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Dozen Gun-Toters Spotted at Obama Event

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Protest Organizer Inflated Crowd Size: ABC News

FreedomWorks president attributed 1.5M turnout to network

MORE ABOUT: Barack Obama • protests • health care reform • political protest • crowd • FreedomWorks Foundation • Tea Party

Angry Crowd Greets McCain at Ariz. Town Hall

MORE ABOUT: John McCain • health insurance • Arizona • Phoenix • health care reform • town hall meeting • protesters • public option

Frank Rumbles With Town Hall Wacko

MORE ABOUT: Barack Obama • Nazi • Barney Frank • health care reform • town hall meeting • right wingers • right-wing extremism • deathers

Barack Obama • Arizona • protests • Phoenix • health care reform • Second Amendment • assault rifles • assault weapons • deathers

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Protest Organizer Inflated
Crowd Size: ABC News

MORE ABOUT:
Barack Obama • protests • health care reform • political protest • crowd • FreedomWorks Foundation • Tea Party

Angry Crowd
Greets McCain
at Ariz. Town Hall

MORE ABOUT:
John McCain • health insurance • Arizona • Phoenix • health care reform • town hall meeting • protesters • public option

Frank Rumbles With
Town Hall Wacko

MORE ABOUT:
Barack Obama • Nazi • Barney Frank • health care reform • town hall meeting • right wingers • right-wing extremism • deathers