tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6161327987992186698.post6660222160324695304..comments2023-06-09T08:37:26.905-07:00Comments on High Altitude Politics: The Boundaries of Speech and Tolerance in the U.S.Fred Solophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16373113866235076470noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6161327987992186698.post-84412008151998871352009-08-28T07:57:58.487-07:002009-08-28T07:57:58.487-07:00Fred, I recognize that this discussion revolves ar...Fred, I recognize that this discussion revolves around the Constitution and the Right to carry weapons. However, as a CCW member, people carry guns openly to add a few layers of whatever they are lacking elsewhere (if you know what I mean). I, myself dont own a gun, but felt the need to get training in it so that I could be prepared to protect my property if I ever needed to (even then, there are very strict laws about that). I dont feel that individuals should openly carry guns in public, primarily because it screams "here, lets have a showdown with our guns" or "dont mess with me, because I'll shoot" if you have a gun exposed. Everyone has the right to protest (gun or no gun) and people shouldnt be in fear of expressing their opposition (or support) of a political figure for fear they may get shot at. Republican, Democrat, or Liberatarian - everyone in the U.S. has rights to express their position and not fear for their lives because someone exposes their gun to intimidate them. When these individuals say "we fought for YOUR freedom to carry a gun". I dispute that, you fought for my right to express myself without fear of retaliation. Just my two cents....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6161327987992186698.post-1103230501160148052009-08-25T14:58:54.491-07:002009-08-25T14:58:54.491-07:00Wow! I remember reading this article and the comme...Wow! I remember reading this article and the comment you made. These emails you've posted are disturbing. You're comment about bringing assault weapons to political rallies espoused no disrespect to those who would choose to be armed (in any situation), yet you were met with complete disrespect in return (particularly from the second response). I admire Jim's fearlessness, but it scares me that there are such unstable people who are so determined to bring dangerous weapons to public events. <br /><br />~Katrina TaylorAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6161327987992186698.post-10260987865556049602009-08-18T08:06:35.484-07:002009-08-18T08:06:35.484-07:00Fred, I am appalled by the ignorance exhibited in ...Fred, I am appalled by the ignorance exhibited in just these two illiterate rants. No civilian needs an assualt weapon nor has the "right" to tote one around in public. And, like Ann, I would leave a rally, a bar, a building or the street if a civilian is present that is openly displaying a weapon, especially a firearm. There is no purpose to such action but intimidation. Can any of the gun toters explain why they are armed? And don't give me the "Right to bear arms" crap. I wish the lunatic fringe that screams the right bear arms would actually read the 2nd amendment they constantly misquote. It does NOT guarantee every angry bully in American the right to brandish weapons in public. It states... "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." How dumb do these people have to be not to understand the words "well regulated militia?" They are not in a militia. They are purposefully strutting around openly communicating their misguided macho attempts at compensating for their lack of power and influence in their "real" daily lives. I used to be a gun owner then I realized I'm not afraid of anything. And a gun doesn't make me more of a man.Jim Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12414844891246642506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6161327987992186698.post-14271938658746951272009-08-18T07:23:28.084-07:002009-08-18T07:23:28.084-07:00Well, Fred. I'm glad you posted a couple of co...Well, Fred. I'm glad you posted a couple of comments because I was imagining worse. Maybe you kept them in hiding. These people are sick. And I AM afraid to go to a rally with semi-automatics (or whatever) present. If one of them gets angry and decides to open up, I don't want to be in the way. If that isn't chilling political discourse, I don't know what would.Ann Heitland,RE/MAX Peak Propertieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12157273910453007118noreply@blogger.com