Patriots' Day 2010

On April 19th, 2010 Second Amendment protesters hit the streets to advocate their right to bear arms. Though some accuse that the day is in honor of the anniversary Oklahoma City bombing, the advocates argue strongly that statements like that are an insult. The protesters are in fact rallying in celebration of Patriots' Day. The protests are not party fueled, however there tended to be much more conservative and Tea Party support.

The mostly male protesters were advocating firearm freedom, but made clear that they were not in support of armed violence. Their real message was to get real "fighters" into office this November. The target of the protesters was to not only to get rid of Democrats but also of what they call RINOs (Republicans in Name Only) However, many groups held "open carry rallies" where they openly displayed their firearms. Many of these people were not happy with the current government and were mainly afraid that their Second Amendment rights were in jeopardy.

With every rally, you cannot forget the radical ideas that are also being conveyed. Larry Pratt, President of Gun Owners of America quotes that,

"They are coming for our freedom, for our money, for our kids, for our property. They are coming for everything because they are a bunch of socialists."

Rep. Paul Broun, R-Georgia, quotes,

"we must declare war against oppression and against socialism, and you are the people to do that."

These views however, cannot be attributed to the entire Second Amendment rally. Many people simply fear that with the powerful institute of government growing every year (IE health care, bailouts, etc.) they don't want it to interfere with an industry that they feel protects their general well-being.


This story was originally from:
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/04/19/second.amendment.rally/index.html?npt=NP1