Activists Rally in Washington in Support of Gun Rights

[festus]

Please Dear Lord...Let Our Voice Be Heard...

Activists Rally in Washington in Support of Gun Rights
FOXNews.com

Hundreds of activists rallied in Washington, D.C., in support of gun rights Monday, urging people to vote for candidates in the upcoming elections who will loosen firearm restrictions.
FOXNews.com - Activists Rally in Washington in Support of Gun Rights
Hundreds of activists rallied in Washington, D.C., in support of gun rights Monday, urging people to vote for candidates in the upcoming elections who will loosen firearm restrictions.

The rally in the nation's capital coincided with another rally in northern Virginia, where dozens of activists holstered handguns and slung unloaded rifles over their shoulders. The gun-toting protesters in Virginia were within the bounds of the law, and promised to keep the weapons unloaded.

Those in Washington, D.C., though, chose not to carry any firearms in compliance with the District's strict gun laws, even though many believe the rules are unconstitutional. The Supreme Court overturned part of the District's gun policy in 2008, when it struck down the city's handgun ban.

Among the activists in Washington Monday was James Everett, 71, a gun owner from Battle Creek, Mich., who said he came to the rally on a bus with nearly 40 others.

He echoed the speakers' message, saying he wants lawmakers to stop infringing on his right to bear arms.

Signs reading "Which part of 'shall not be infringed' confuses you?" and bright orange stickers saying "Guns save lives" dotted the crowd at the Washington Monument.

Across the Potomac River in Alexandria, former Alabama Minutemen leader Mike Vanderboegh told the crowd armed confrontation should be reserved only for instances of the government threatening people's lives.

However, he said it might be justified if people face arrest for refusing to buy insurance under the health care reform package recently passed by Congress.

"If I know I'm not going to get a fair trial in federal court ... I at least have the right to an unfair gunfight," Vanderboegh said.

As the group made its way from a staging area to Gravelly Point Park, gun control advocate Martina Leinz dismissed Vanderboegh as a bully.

"If they wanted to have dialogue, they don't need to bring a big weapon with them," she said of the protesters.

Organizers said it's the first armed rally in a national park since a law passed allowing people to carry firearms in national parks.

Ken Garvin of Newville, Pa., said he came because believes the government is overreaching. He stressed that the people attending the rally "are not a bunch of crazed thugs ... they're just people."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

[Conservative Wife & Mom]

I am anxiously awaiting the REAL count on how many 2A supporters actually made the trip to D.C. for the April 19th, 2010, SAM! Am looking forward to a full report from those of you who attended.

[HK4U]

I am anxiously awaiting the REAL count on how many 2A supporters actually made the trip to D.C. for the April 19th, 2010, SAM! Am looking forward to a full report from those of you who attended.

What do you want to bet the major news media in their attempt to play down the movement and how fed up the voters are with what is happening to our republic will way under estimate the actual numbers.

[Conservative Wife & Mom]

What do you want to bet the major news media in their attempt to play down the movement and how fed up the voters are with what is happening to our republic will way under estimate the actual numbers.

+1 There is no doubt in my mind that the "Shame" Stream Media will do exactly as you predict, HK. It's my hope that the President of the Virginia Citizens Defense League (who was the next to last speaker at today's SAM) will let us VCDL members know what the official count is. If he sends around an e-mail concerning same, I'll post it.

[wolfhunter]

I am anxiously awaiting the REAL count on how many 2A supporters actually made the trip to D.C. for the April 19th, 2010, SAM! Am looking forward to a full report from those of you who attended.

RicBak and JJ should have good stories to share.

[Ringo]

What do you want to bet the major news media in their attempt to play down the movement and how fed up the voters are with what is happening to our republic will way under estimate the actual numbers.

I watched all day and this evening expecting a decent report. I heard "mention" of it twice, and one of those two showed a film clip that made it look like a large family reunion and nothing more. Bummer.

[kn1080]

It was a blast. Latest figures we could gather were aproximately 2000 in attendance. There were 5 or 6 of us from USACARRY. Everyone in the group felt the absence of one additional member.

[mojo]

What do you want to bet the major news media in their attempt to play down the movement and how fed up the voters are with what is happening to our republic will way under estimate the actual numbers.

I did'nt see anything here in IN........maybe I was'nt looking close enough

[Conservative Wife & Mom]

It was a blast. Latest figures we could gather were aproximately 2000 in attendance. There were 5 or 6 of us from USACARRY. Everyone in the group felt the absence of one additional member.

How about a report, kn? Did you feel that 2000 was a decent turnout? Were the speakers pleased with the number of people there? Any sign of infiltrators? "Moms" can be so nosey!!!

[kn1080]

How about a report, kn? Did you feel that 2000 was a decent turnout? Were the speakers pleased with the number of people there? Any sign of infiltrators? "Moms" can be so nosey!!!

Well... we were basically the first group to arrive around 8:30am or so. By 10:30 or 11 there were about 2000 people.

The Presidents motorcade drove by early on in the festivities. His helicoptor "Marine one" flew over as well. We felt that we were noticed.

As far as infiltrators, it didnt appear that there was any kind of organized infiltration. Boomboy, Tim and I did see on young lady who was in very aggressive opposition to firearms. She approached one of the revolutionary reenactors and was very animated in her position. She appeared to be about 20 or so.

It was a very peaceful gathering where all enjoyed each others company. However, there were plenty of police gathered around the green as well as at least two snipers that we could identify who at one time trained their sights on the crowd.

We took plenty of photos and will be posting them independently.

As I said before, there was one USACARRY member who was unable to make it. Their absense was felt greatly. There was a "missing man" in the formation.

More to come from the other members, Im sure.