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Citizens Hold Peaceful Pro-Second Amendment Rally

by KREX News Room
by Courtney Griffin

Story Created: Jan 19, 2013 at 6:50 PM MDT

Story Updated: Jan 19, 2013 at 8:18 PM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.- President Barack Obama's Extensive Gun Control Proposals to Congress have sparked mixed reaction across the nation.

While some groups are praising the President's attempts, others are holding rallies against firearm restrictions.

Hundreds of people stood together in unison outside the Mesa County Courthouse to stand for their rights to bear arms.

"I like to say I carry this gun, or a gun, because I can't carry a cop," said Clair Swartzentruber, gun owner and supporter.

"We have the right to protect our life, liberty and property. You're not going to protect those things with harsh language," said Patrick Hayes, National Rifle Association instructor.

Two of the recently released gun control proposals that was believed to be sparked by the Connecticut shooting would ban military style assault rifles, and high-capacity magazines carrying more than ten rounds.

"It's important that we don't allow that fear to drive public policy on emotion. We need to make sure that we come up with real solutions, not solutions that further restrict our freedoms as Americans," said Jared Wright, Representative for House District 54.

These proposals, have gotten residents fired up.

"Why would you need more than ten rounds? Let me ask you this, how many guys are attacking you at once, is there one or are there three?" said Hayes.

Concerned citizen say the answer is not to eliminate guns, but to educate residents on firearms, and allow teachers to carry concealed weapons.

"The idea behind the Second Amendment is that the people be armed with firearms equivalent to what the government has, because the purpose of the Second Amendment is to defend ourselves against the tyrannical government," said Hayes.

"Hopefully it never comes to this, but we need to be able to defend ourselves against the tyrannical government; all of our Founding Fathers said that, that was the reason the Second Amendment was put in there," said Swartzentruber.

Folks say they will continue to voice their beliefs.

"The top priority is for citizens to be involved in their government. They need to be contacting their legislatures," said Wright.

"These guns don't hurt people, people hurt people. That's the drive," said Swartzentruber.

Many viewers were wondering if there were any proponents for Obama's plan at the rally and NewsChannel 5 didn't see any.

Next Article Family of Man Shot By Police Speaks Out

View Newest Comments First

Jude said on Saturday, Jan 19 at 8:27 PM

No supporters of gun control would go to a rally like that. They'd be afraid of being shot.

Evan said on Saturday, Jan 19 at 9:25 PM

I don't understand your comment Jude. That rally was the safest place in town -- for anyone. Being armed isn't merely a right, it is a responsibility of citizenship. Those who accept that responsibility protect not just themselves, but those around them.

kevin said on Sunday, Jan 20 at 12:48 AM

Sorry Evan but you and your gun will not protect me as i do not know if you have mental issues that would cause you to snap at any time.

Mark said on Sunday, Jan 20 at 1:10 PM

You were sorely missed Kevin, I was so hoping I'd see you there - sarcasm. Why would anyone be afraid to show up to a rally of responsible gun owners? Here's a tip from a 6 year Army combat vet, CRIMINALS DON'T SHOW UP TO DO HARM, WHEN THEY OUTNUMBERED 500:1. That rally was the safest place in town, possibly the state. I can't believe I have to share air with such cowardly "Americans"..

indigent said on Sunday, Jan 20 at 9:44 PM

I should have been there to shoot off a couple of blank rounds, just to see the reactions of the crowd...LOL

Don said on Sunday, Jan 20 at 10:17 PM

The lack of humility here is astounding. It is box of rocks dumb to bring a bunch of firearms to a populated public event. Accidents happen. The more guns and people in the same space equate to a better chance of someone getting hurt or killed. The recent gun shows, who are frequented by the same kinds of people, are proof enough. As for firearms keeping us safe, that statement only works on a case by case basis. I saw the men at the rally. Most of them were in deplorable physical condition. It wouldn't be terribly difficult to wrestle a gun away from one of them and use it against them. Guns can only keep us safe if the circumstances permit it.

Anonymous said on Monday, Jan 21 at 11:38 PM

You gun haters are nuts.

Paul said on Saturday, Jan 26 at 11:56 PM

@ Don, you are so, so sorely misinformed. I was among the politest, most law biding citizens on the planet! I felt way safer there with myself and others being armed than I ever have in NYC! You call US box o rocks dumb? You should grow a brain and realize that law abiding gun owners are NOT the problem, criminals ARE! Get your head out of your fourth point of contact, and go away!

Richard said on Thursday, Feb 28 at 1:32 PM

Don, the whole point of being armed is to preclude the need to wrestle anyone. Your argument has all the intelligence of a brainwashed elementary school student. If you want to wrestle, go to the airport and try to keep your shampoo away from a dedicated TSA agent. Read the constitution and some of the federalist papers, then maybe you will understand why this country was taken from the British in the first place. Good luck trying to graduate from the fifth grade this year.

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