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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsVirginia State Legislature Bans American Flags On Sticks, But Lets Guns In
Virginia State Legislature Bans American Flags On Sticks, But Lets Guns In
BY REBECCA LEBER ON JANUARY 24, 2014 AT 10:24 AM
What is the bigger risk inside a state capitol building: openly carrying an American flag or an assault rifle? In Virginia, visitors to the state legislature cannot bring American flags and signs affixed to sticks, because capitol security considers sticks a public threat. Firearms, however, are allowed.
A group of gun violence prevention activists discovered this when they arrived on Monday to attend a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day event. According to Virginia Capitol Police, the groups were informed beforehand of the restriction barring sticks at permitted rallies, because they can be used as weapons. Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in Americas Gena Reeder said they were aware of the rules, but certainly not in our wildest imagination thought that could apply to the American flag.
While the moms tore out the dowels of their flags, capitol grounds visitors with firearms were ushered through the entrance. That day, Virginia Citizens Defense League and other gun rights groups organized a Guns Save Lives day. The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported that about half of the crowd was armed, packing weapons that ranged from handguns to assault rifles.
The anti-gun violence activists couldnt reconcile this conflicting message in their heads, Reeder explained. We are sending a message that you cannot hand carry an American flag into a state capitol, but you can bring a loaded weapon, Reeder told ThinkProgress. Are guns becoming more patriotic than an American flag?
BY REBECCA LEBER ON JANUARY 24, 2014 AT 10:24 AM
What is the bigger risk inside a state capitol building: openly carrying an American flag or an assault rifle? In Virginia, visitors to the state legislature cannot bring American flags and signs affixed to sticks, because capitol security considers sticks a public threat. Firearms, however, are allowed.
A group of gun violence prevention activists discovered this when they arrived on Monday to attend a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day event. According to Virginia Capitol Police, the groups were informed beforehand of the restriction barring sticks at permitted rallies, because they can be used as weapons. Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in Americas Gena Reeder said they were aware of the rules, but certainly not in our wildest imagination thought that could apply to the American flag.
While the moms tore out the dowels of their flags, capitol grounds visitors with firearms were ushered through the entrance. That day, Virginia Citizens Defense League and other gun rights groups organized a Guns Save Lives day. The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported that about half of the crowd was armed, packing weapons that ranged from handguns to assault rifles.
The anti-gun violence activists couldnt reconcile this conflicting message in their heads, Reeder explained. We are sending a message that you cannot hand carry an American flag into a state capitol, but you can bring a loaded weapon, Reeder told ThinkProgress. Are guns becoming more patriotic than an American flag?
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2014/01/24/3198821/state-capitols-guns-flags/
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Virginia State Legislature Bans American Flags On Sticks, But Lets Guns In (Original Post)
Bjorn Against
Jan 2014
OP
Here in Minnesota the GOP House Minority Leader's gun was used in a felony assault
Bjorn Against
Jan 2014
#3
kestrel91316
(51,666 posts)1. How long before those guns are used by conservative legislators against
progressive legislators? Or by staff or fans of conservatives?
Don't like the results of the election? Just run on down to the state house, gun in hand, and get rid of the newly elected Democrats.
This, my friends, is the REAL reason they want guns in the state house.
el_bryanto
(11,804 posts)2. Well at least we'll be safe from flags. Have to look on the bright side. nt
Bjorn Against
(12,041 posts)3. Here in Minnesota the GOP House Minority Leader's gun was used in a felony assault
GOPs Daudt Speaks Out On Gun Incident
January 22, 2014 6:22 PM
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) The top Republican in the Minnesota House said Wednesday he intends to stay in his leadership post, and believes he properly handled an incident last September in Montana where a friend pulled out the lawmakers loaded handgun after a vehicle purchase went bad.
Rep. Kurt Daudt, of Crown, broke nearly two weeks of silence about the incident. It was first reported by KSTP-TV after Daudt refused repeated interview requests from multiple news outlets, including The Associated Press. Daudt and a friend had traveled to Montana so Daudt could pick up an antique truck he purchased on eBay, but after driving it for a few miles they decided to return it and complain to the vehicle seller that hed misrepresented its condition.
snip
Instead, when the situation grew tense, Daudts friend walked back to their vehicle and returned with Daudts loaded gun. Daudt said his friend displayed it for about two or three seconds, and he quickly tried to defuse the situation.
snip
Daudts friend, 24-year-old Daniel Weinzetl, faces felony charges of criminal assault and endangerment. He has had previous run-ins with the law, including a conviction for assaulting a police officer. Court records say he waved Daudts gun in the presence of the seller, his wife and two children.
January 22, 2014 6:22 PM
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) The top Republican in the Minnesota House said Wednesday he intends to stay in his leadership post, and believes he properly handled an incident last September in Montana where a friend pulled out the lawmakers loaded handgun after a vehicle purchase went bad.
Rep. Kurt Daudt, of Crown, broke nearly two weeks of silence about the incident. It was first reported by KSTP-TV after Daudt refused repeated interview requests from multiple news outlets, including The Associated Press. Daudt and a friend had traveled to Montana so Daudt could pick up an antique truck he purchased on eBay, but after driving it for a few miles they decided to return it and complain to the vehicle seller that hed misrepresented its condition.
snip
Instead, when the situation grew tense, Daudts friend walked back to their vehicle and returned with Daudts loaded gun. Daudt said his friend displayed it for about two or three seconds, and he quickly tried to defuse the situation.
snip
Daudts friend, 24-year-old Daniel Weinzetl, faces felony charges of criminal assault and endangerment. He has had previous run-ins with the law, including a conviction for assaulting a police officer. Court records say he waved Daudts gun in the presence of the seller, his wife and two children.
http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2014/01/22/gops-daudt-speaks-out-on-gun-incident/