Bolded first.
Funny you mention that whacko... considering the location that he did it... in one of the more heavily gun regulated parts of our country... by all definitions and their laws he shouldn't even have had his guns there.
So, you're under the same impression with gay people who flaunt their sexuality in the light of "it's my right"?
What about liberals who go on about being pro-choice anytime they can in public? Cause it's their right to speak freely?
Couples of any sexual orientation need to be mindful and respectful of their surroundings when displaying affection for one another.
I know that gay is not contagious so gay pride demonstrations don't bother me. Harmless self-expression. My children are only going to be more tolerant by learning that some people are just naturally different.
Re: Pro-Choice, I'm not sure what you're saying. Usually the people displaying inappropriate depictions of abortions are pro-life. I've never known a pro-choice activists to use graphic descriptions of abortions to win people over. So, could you be more specific?
I am intelligent and mature about my rights to possess firearms and use them. While I'd never have done this, I admire this person for being brave enough to take unfounded criticism from the likes of you, and rathi for exercising his constitutional rights.
There's no reasoning with you. By freaking people out, he did more to hurt the public perception of gun owners. You want to win people over. Let mature, reasonable people who understand and appreciate the concerns of the unarmed public be your representative. Not wingnuts trying to make a point and misfiring all the way.
I'd imagine you're the same person who looks down on those who open carry pistols in public as well... boy, you just can't win with some of them.
If they have a carry permit and legitimate need to be armed, sure, it's all good as long as they follow the law.
See, in Wyoming, I don't even think they need guns laws. Those people are smart and sensible and can police themselves as far as firearms. But in New York City and Los Angeles, gun regs should be draconian. I want anyone in L.A. county purchasing ammo to leave a fingerprint. I want the California carry permits to be strictly regulated. People who don't live in one of three or four really big cities with diverse populations really don't get it. There are more people in L.A. and Manhattan than in some states. Your gun laws will not work for us.
You could fit roughly 3 Maricopa County's (which is surrounded by desert) into 1 L.A. county which is surrounded by Orange and Ventura County. That jackass would have been shot dead if he tried a stunt like that in L.A. or NYC.
The Thune amendment was thankfully shot down this July--it would have lowered all state gun laws to the lowest common denominator.
Again, I am under ABSOLUTELY NO OBLIGATION to have a purpose or need to justify my rights in your eyes, or in society's eyes. They are my inalienable rights afforded to me by the constitution. Just because you don't like them, doesn't mean that they've changed and I should moderate myself in your presence.
Funny, you started this post with examples of people, Gays and Pro-Choice, who should moderate themselves in your presence. Your examples were a particular speech or personal expression that you feel infringes on your space.
What I'm talking about is the carrying of a lethal weapon, a rifle, into a public space for no other purpose than to press your rights. How can you not see the very big difference?