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GOP Rep. Phil Gingrey Defends People Packing Guns At Town Halls
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by TheCameraObscura | August 18, 2009 at 04:09 pm
422 views | 34 Recommendations | 14 comments
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In addition to the shouting, screaming and shoving, some right wingers are now bringing loaded guns to town halls on health care (including one fellow who brought a rifle to Obama's town hall).
One of the supporters of the gun nuts is Rep. Phil Gingrey, who previously made headlines when he begged forgiveness from Rush Limbaugh. He went on MSNBC to defend the gun nuts, but couldn't explain what guns have to do with health care.
Asked by Chris Matthews on "Hardball," Georgia Republican Phil Gingrey defended Americans who attend town halls while packing guns. "It just so happens those same people would take that weapon anywhere they go," said Gingrey, "They are permitted to carry a concealed weapon. They have the right to do that."
Matthews interrupted him. “They’re not concealed. … We’re looking at gentlemen here that have guns on them, in their holsters. They’re not concealed. They’re basically displaying their weapons. Armed weaponry at these public meetings. I’m just asking,
why is it going on? …”
Gingrey replied: “Well Chris, they have the right to do that. I have no fear of it. I’ve already had five town hall meetings; I have six more planned. I don’t plan on wearing a bullet- proof vest. In fact, I usually get standing ovations when I come into these meetings …I have no fear.”
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TheCameraObscura
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (14)
at 16:27 on August 18th, 2009
Cops carry guns! FBI agents carry guns! Criminals carry guns! Why shouldn't law-abiding American citizens carry guns too? JEEZ! I heard that there was an African American carrying an AR 15 at an Obama health care rally. Do you know if there's any truth to that story or is it just a rumor? ? I haven't been able to find anything about it on the internet or in the newspapers . . . .
at 16:47 on August 18th, 2009
Why does one need guns at a town hall about health care? Is there alot of CRIME going on at health care town halls? Are people being mugged and raped at public town halls? Are criminals targeting town halls and molesting children in public? Tell us!
at 17:49 on August 18th, 2009
They know that they don't need their guns. They're just making a statement and the statement seems to be that they don't trust, nor do they like, their government. Americans are so distracted by materialism and the means to acquire material objects that it takes them a while to catch on to what their government is up to. But when they decide that what their government is up to can have a detrimental affect upon their acquisition of material objects they react in many different ways. I think that they've now finally caught on to how George W. Bush royally screwed them and they're taking out their frustrations on the next guy that came along. We all need to blame someone and so it goes . . . .
at 19:33 on August 18th, 2009
Carrying guns to health care town halls is some kind of politico statement against American materialism? How does that work?
They're not taking out frustrations, they are deliberately trying to intimidate lawmakers and those who support public health care.
I will be at a town hall friday taking pictures and video of these thugs who pack guns because they're "frustrated." If anyone aims a gun in my direction, they'll get my frustration.
at 20:19 on August 18th, 2009
YES! The gun-toters are making a political statement in my opinion. If it were anything else, the secret service would have toted them away in a heart-beat. No, it is not a statement against American materialism--it is a statement in for of and defense of.
I think that the thugs that are in attendance at these town hall meetings are bought and paid for by the meeting's sponsors. I don't believe that the citizens that show up at these meetings are thugs. I've personally known a number of bonafide/on-the-payroll thugs in my life and they (the citizens) that voice their concerns at these meetings don't fit the profile. I wish you luck at the meeting and I'm looking forward to your pictures, videos, and story.
at 17:29 on August 18th, 2009
I saw it on my local news today...Brother carries AR-15 Rifle at Obama Rally.
Here's CNN's take on it... Man carries assault rifle to Obama protest -- and it's legal
I'm sure glad I live in Canada, this is getting sooo outta hand!
at 17:51 on August 18th, 2009
Blue Crush: WOW! Thanks for the info!
at 19:29 on August 18th, 2009
It's getting even uglier, I just posted this story on Now Public:
Right Winger Yells “Heil Hitler” to Jewish Man at Town Hall
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icemayer57 (not verified)at 19:56 on August 18th, 2009
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at 20:26 on August 18th, 2009
Many here are horrified by gun toting townspeople, guess many have never visited rural areas in Canada where everyone has a gun or rifle or two. I was in Coutts Alberta and there were guns galore and this place is real tiny, across the border Sweetgrass Montana citizenry were just as well armed. It is a cultural thing, oh and guess where the crime sprees and murders are? Certainly not in most rural towns with law abiding gun toting townspeople.
at 20:44 on August 18th, 2009
I think that you might be on to something there, Barry Artiste! Oh the horror! The horror!
at 20:51 on August 18th, 2009
Thanks Rory, of course I am right, I was born and raised in the country, small towns, from the Arctic circle to the Huron community in Quebec to the Tit Qet First Nations in Lillooet, Hell even in school we carried Buck Knives, toted rifles into town as kids 22s with nary a frightened glance by the townspeople who themselves were armed. We used to also carry bows and arrows as well, Crime was something we only saw in Movies or on the news in cities.
at 21:01 on August 18th, 2009
Did he say much about the people Boy George's thugs dragged out of events because they had t-shirts exercising their First Amendment Rights?
For that matter, outside of commenting on the juvenile nature of it, has anyone interfered with "Tiny's" desire to take a gun to town?
at 22:46 on August 18th, 2009
Uh . . . no, they have not.