Well, one liberal gets it

[Snap E Tom]

This is an ultra liberal running for the 15th Congressional Seat in Florida. He writes about the Wall Street protests in NYC. This article is partisan, inflammatory and at many times, outright rude, but in the first half, he makes an interesting observation:

"We all rolled our eyes in exasperation and made fun of the people who showed up to teabagger rallies with AR-15s strapped to their backs. But look at how nobody at those rallies got maced, tackled, beaten, or falsely arrested. It's not because those rallies were more orderly or lawful—it's because the people in attendance were ready and able to defend themselves from police oppression."

http://parnell.us/issues/national-const ... nd-liberty" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[The Mad Moderate]

I'm not sure how "orderly or lawful" the Occupy Wall Street protest have been, however he makes some good points. There are reports of police aggression and abuse I however think it would be asking for a lot of trouble if you were to shoot a cop for oppressing your rights. I cannot however shake this feeling in the pit of my stomach that we may soon see something like what happened in Egypt might come to our land. All it wold take is a spark.

[speedsix]

...I'm sure it wasn't easy emotionally and I'm sure it caused a lot of trouble for them when our first Patriots said "Enough" and armed themselves against people they knew personally and could call by name...but that's what it took to stand up for their rights...being armed against an overly aggressive government is not just a thought...we need to make our minds up beforehand to do what we must do...no matter how much we don't want to have to...2A is about just that...protecting US against THEM...it needs to be understood by all who go armed...else for what good have we fought for our 2A rights...

[Liberty]

I've been to a few TEA party events, and I've never seen anyone with anything more than a baby filled backpack strapped on them, I realize that mny might have had been carrying concealed handguns, they weren't out in the open. I believe these events were peaceful, because the folks at the TEApartys were non confrontational, peaceful, and respectful. We didn't block traffic, disrupt businesses, or confront anyone who disagreed with us. I don't know what these people in NYC are trying to accomplish, but I do know our technique is effective, and already has proven results. These guys in NYC get a lot of press, and a little pepper spray but thankfully they will change nothing, because they have not earned any respect.

[C-dub]

...I'm sure it wasn't easy emotionally and I'm sure it caused a lot of trouble for them when our first Patriots said "Enough" and armed themselves against people they knew personally and could call by name...but that's what it took to stand up for their rights...being armed against an overly aggressive government is not just a thought...we need to make our minds up beforehand to do what we must do...no matter how much we don't want to have to...2A is about just that...protecting US against THEM...it needs to be understood by all who go armed...else for what good have we fought for our 2A rights...

Respectfully, you may have meant "against", but I don't always look at it as us against them. Many times we are on the same side.

2A is about just that...protecting US from THEM

[Jumping Frog]

I've been to a few TEA party events, and I've never seen anyone with anything more than a baby filled backpack strapped on them, I realize that mny might have had been carrying concealed handguns, they weren't out in the open.

Well, that makes sense in Texas since open carry is not legal.

Go to a Tea Party event in an open carry state and your mileage may vary.

[speedsix]

...I'm sure it wasn't easy emotionally and I'm sure it caused a lot of trouble for them when our first Patriots said "Enough" and armed themselves against people they knew personally and could call by name...but that's what it took to stand up for their rights...being armed against an overly aggressive government is not just a thought...we need to make our minds up beforehand to do what we must do...no matter how much we don't want to have to...2A is about just that...protecting US against THEM...it needs to be understood by all who go armed...else for what good have we fought for our 2A rights...

Respectfully, you may have meant "against", but I don't always look at it as us against them. Many times we are on the same side.

2A is about just that...protecting US from THEM

...well I'm not an English major...but I say what I mean...I don't mind anyone disagreeing with me loudly, but I don't need a proofreader...I choose my words purposefully...and I meant AGAINST all three times I used it...NOT FROM...our overly aggressive and controlling government is NOT FOR us...they are AGAINST us more and more... "...Many times we are on the same side."....name one time since 2008 you've honestly felt that our government has been on the same side with us...I can't...
...as to the choice of words...being armed AGAINST them is the purpose of the 2A...and our only protection FROM them...(and their goals and plans for us)...

...choice of words aside, I feel that the great majority of Americans...even gun owners, have never seriously considered that we may be in a time when we have to take up arms...against people we know...to protect/preserve our rights...right here in the USA...that's the point I was making...

[speedsix]

I've been to a few TEA party events, and I've never seen anyone with anything more than a baby filled backpack strapped on them, I realize that mny might have had been carrying concealed handguns, they weren't out in the open. I believe these events were peaceful, because the folks at the TEApartys were non confrontational, peaceful, and respectful. We didn't block traffic, disrupt businesses, or confront anyone who disagreed with us. I don't know what these people in NYC are trying to accomplish, but I do know our technique is effective, and already has proven results. These guys in NYC get a lot of press, and a little pepper spray but thankfully they will change nothing, because they have not earned any respect.

...from what I've read about the Tea Party, their whole intent is to represent calm, though angry, reasonable, though frustrated Americans in a respectable way...without being rabble-rousers or embracing violence...that's a good plan to win folks over...we can say our piece without shouting and being wild and crazy...the power of the vote trumps any riot...

[Liberty]

I've been to a few TEA party events, and I've never seen anyone with anything more than a baby filled backpack strapped on them, I realize that mny might have had been carrying concealed handguns, they weren't out in the open.

Well, that makes sense in Texas since open carry is not legal.

Go to a Tea Party event in an open carry state and your mileage may vary.

Open carry of an AR15 is legal in Texas. Which is what the OP had mentioned.

edit for clarity 1/10/2011: The OP used a quote that mentioned AR15s. The OP wasn't suggesting that they were really there

[C-dub]

...I'm sure it wasn't easy emotionally and I'm sure it caused a lot of trouble for them when our first Patriots said "Enough" and armed themselves against people they knew personally and could call by name...but that's what it took to stand up for their rights...being armed against an overly aggressive government is not just a thought...we need to make our minds up beforehand to do what we must do...no matter how much we don't want to have to...2A is about just that...protecting US against THEM...it needs to be understood by all who go armed...else for what good have we fought for our 2A rights...

Respectfully, you may have meant "against", but I don't always look at it as us against them. Many times we are on the same side.

2A is about just that...protecting US from THEM

...well I'm not an English major...but I say what I mean...I don't mind anyone disagreeing with me loudly, but I don't need a proofreader...I choose my words purposefully...and I meant AGAINST all three times I used it...NOT FROM...our overly aggressive and controlling government is NOT FOR us...they are AGAINST us more and more... "...Many times we are on the same side."....name one time since 2008 you've honestly felt that our government has been on the same side with us...I can't...
...as to the choice of words...being armed AGAINST them is the purpose of the 2A...and our only protection FROM them...(and their goals and plans for us)...

...choice of words aside, I feel that the great majority of Americans...even gun owners, have never seriously considered that we may be in a time when we have to take up arms...against people we know...to protect/preserve our rights...right here in the USA...that's the point I was making...

Maybe it's a potato/potato thing. Sorry. I don't know what I was thinking at the time because when I read it now it makes sense from your point of view.

[mamabearCali]

I would imagine that our Tea Partry rallies are left alone because #1 We abide by the laws and don't block traffic #2 We have a rally for 4 hours and then go home because surprise surprise we have to go to work in the morning (or get up to do laundry and homeschool) #3 We are listening to speeches, eating hotdogs, and saying the pledge of allegiance--not exactly riotous behavior. Va is an open carry state so yes people do open carry at these rallies--but mostly handguns. I think the most interaction we had with the police was when they brought over their horse for my 5 year old son to pet.

[TxDrifter]

I would imagine that our Tea Partry rallies are left alone because #1 We abide by the laws and don't block traffic #2 We have a rally for 4 hours and then go home because surprise surprise we have to go to work in the morning (or get up to do laundry and homeschool) #3 We are listening to speeches, eating hotdogs, and saying the pledge of allegiance--not exactly riotous behavior. Va is an open carry state so yes people do open carry at these rallies--but mostly handguns. I think the most interaction we had with the police was when they brought over their horse for my 5 year old son to pet.

...and cleaned up after we left rather than defecating on flags and cars in the streets. Their lack of respect for any societal structure is exactly why they think nobody should have firearms. Because they lack the self control to be decent much less curtail their tempers and egos.

[wharvey]

BUT, events are becoming more and more violent. The government has become more oppressive in the name of national security. I don't know what the future holds I have a very bad feeling.

[speedsix]

...with the groups showing up "supporting" these mini-riots including the SEIU...it seems clear you have reason to be nervous...these staged, paid riots are nothing but a setup...for a martial law takeover and possible suspension of elections...this little lady said it better in her last sentence than I've ever heard it said...and it matches what the liberal in the link said...

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid ... 7893819675#" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;