Just as I was tempted to feel that I might be ‘safer’ in the States, this story comes to my attention (thank you, Facebook) about male representatives of “Indiana Moms Against Gun Control” showing up armed with loaded assault weapons to protest a Gun Control Rally in Indianapolis.
Several men with assault rifles and hand guns crashed a Mayor’s Against Illegal Guns National Day to Demand Action event in Indianapolis, Indiana on Thursday and stood silently as the state chapter of Moms Demand Action held a rally in favor of limiting the availability of military style weapons and universal background checks.
At least two or three men showed up at the rally site before the event began and engaged in a discussion about gun regulations with the group, two participants in the action told ThinkProgress. The armed men — who were later joined by another man carrying a hand gun and a woman who runs Indiana Moms Against Gun Control — insisted that they had a right to carry the loaded weapons.
I love the answer to the question, “Who goes on a hunting trip with this?”
How crass! – like showing up to an anti-pornography rally in a raincoat! At least no shots were fired.
But seriously, I can’t imagine what these pro-gun folks were thinking. Showing up with loaded guns, insisting on their right to carry arms openly does nothing to reinforce our image of gun owners as victims. Rather than reassure the general public that gun owners are moral, god-fearing people who wouldn’t dream of shooting up a school, they’ve sent the message that gun owners don’t care about anyone rights but their own. Loose cannons, if you will. Hardly reassuring. This type of action will only make people more determined to seek gun legislation reform. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot…
