H/t valued commentor LAMH. From The Trace:
More than 47 years before last week’s shooting at a community college in Roseburg, Oregon, Senator Robert F. Kennedy passed through the town on a presidential campaign stop and spoke about the need for stricter gun control measures.
He appeared on the Douglas County Courthouse steps on May 27, 1968, before a crowd of about 1,500. Protesters who opposed Kennedy’s position on gun control carried signs instructing others to “protect your right to keep and bear arms.”…
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.@POTUS is scheduled to visit #Roseburg on Friday. Gun advocates promise a protest. http://t.co/xUeQLFVlQ8
— KREM 2 NEWS (@KREM2) October 8, 2015
… Elected officials say they welcome the visit, despite having different political views than the president.
Gun rights groups have also been vocal, condemning his visit after Obama said he plans to keep gun control at the forefront of political discussions.
A Facebook page called “Defend Roseburg – Deny Barack Obama” outlines plans for a protest at 11 a.m. Friday in advance of the president’s expected early afternoon arrival. Over 7,000 people have clicked on “going” to the rally, including many who have indicated that they are coming from California and elsewhere.
Organizers emphasize that they want a peaceful protest and instruct those attending to not engage in theatrics or arguments that cast gun control opponents in a bad light…
“If you choose to carry a firearm that is your right. Be safe, be responsible. We suggest that you carry a handgun as opposed to a rifle, but again, you have the right to carry what you wish. Whatever you carry, keep it holstered/secure. Show the world that American gun owners are responsible patriots. Look out for each other.”
An official with the Douglas County Tea Party said that at least two separate protests are planned, and that the intention is to show support for county sheriff John Hanlin, who has spoken out against additional legislative restrictions on gun ownership…
I think a gun advocate already demonstrated his love of guns in Roseburg. https://t.co/2l1VyKSl4i
— Bob Schooley (@Rschooley) October 8, 2015
Second commandment, Second Amendment… Garry Wills, “Our Moloch”:
… The gun is not a mere tool, a bit of technology, a political issue, a point of debate. It is an object of reverence. Devotion to it precludes interruption with the sacrifices it entails. Like most gods, it does what it will, and cannot be questioned. Its acolytes think it is capable only of good things. It guarantees life and safety and freedom. It even guarantees law. Law grows from it. Then how can law question it?…