Tools

Pro-Second Amendment Rally to Address Sweeping Gun Reform

by KREX News Room
by Cori Coffin

Story Created: Jan 19, 2013 at 12:15 AM MDT

Story Updated: Jan 19, 2013 at 12:54 AM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. - Days after President Barack Obama announced his desire to enact sweeping gun reform, Mesa County residents are gathering for a Pro-Second Amendment rally.

The rally will be held on Saturday, Jan. 19 at 12 p.m. outside the Mesa County Courthouse, 544 Rood Ave., Grand Junction.

"[It's for] peaceful, respectful, citizens who believe in the right to bear weapons," explained Jeff McCloskey, president of Mesa County Patriots.

"I'm calling on Congress to pass some very specific proposals, right away," the president said during his speech on the issue Wednesday.

President Obama plans to curb gun violence with thorough legislation and a plethora of executive actions.

Obama is asking congress to reinstate a ban on some assault weapons and high capacity magazines holding more than 10 rounds.

"If there's even one life that can be saved, then we've got an obligation to try," President Obama said.

"The reality is that criminals don't abide by new laws. Infringing the rights of law abiding citizens is not the path that the Republican party is going to support," said Ryan Call, state chairman for the Colorado Republican Committee.

But proponents to the president's proposal argue they're not blocking a citizen's right to bear arms entirely. They just don't see the need for semi-automatic and fully-automatic machines that can cause mass casualties.

Gun advocates' response is that modern society grows increasingly dangerous and citizens should have the right to be prepared for any situation.

"What happens when you're in a situation with multiple intruders or multiple attackers?" asked McCloskey.

At the very least, all sides can agree on the need for a closer look at mental health in America.

President Obama gave Congress recommendations on how to address this issue in his proposal.

"The issue of mental health and access to mental health services is an important part of the solution," added Call.

The proposal also included provisions addressing school safety and mandatory background checks for all gun purchases, including private sales.

Led by Vice President Joe Biden, a task force held 22 meetings in the past three weeks to create the extensive recommendations.

You have indicated this comment should be removed.

Close

The comment has been submitted for review. Thank you .

Don said on Sunday, Jan 20 at 12:20 AM

Nothing will change. Whatever gun is used in the next mass murder will be the next big seller. This isn't a country where people live together. It's an asylum and there is no fix for it.

RealPolls said on Saturday, Jan 19 at 10:15 PM

Disregard Gerry's lies above... here's some more poll data: As a new poll conducted by NBC/Wall Street Journal reveals, 83 percent of Americans say that parents who "don't pay enough attention to what's going on in their kids lives" share "a great deal" of responsibility for shootings like those at the Aurora theater, Sandy Hook Elementary, and Tuscon, AZ. Moreover, the same poll shows that 62 percent of Americans believe that movies and television programs that portray violence in an appealing way share a large portion of the blame as well.

Gerry said on Saturday, Jan 19 at 10:20 AM

Poll: 9 in 10 Favor Background Checks on All Gun Buys A new poll finds the Newtown massacre has affected public opinion on guns more deeply than other shootings. The New York Times/CBS News poll says 54 percent of Americans believe gun control laws should be tightened, up from 39 percent last April. The increased support swept across party lines, with an 18-point rise among Republicans. Nine in 10 people said they favored requiring background checks on all gun purchases.

Phil said on Saturday, Jan 19 at 9:29 AM

As a firearm owner, I feel that i have the right to own firearms. Gun safety starts at home. I was taught at a young age. I've taught my kids. My rules are very easy. 1. Guns are loaded until you check them to ensure they are unloaded. This means you trust nobody who says they are unloaded. 2. Don't point one at anything you don't intend to destroy. Very easy and to the point. We should enforce the laws we have, not make more.

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

KREX - News, Weather, Sports for Grand Junction | Montrose | Glenwood Springs - Coverage You Can Count On and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

Most Popular
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
News Channel 5 Weather