Constitutional Law

Bringing guns to rallies

I can't say as I'm fond of the idea -- the media is quick to portray gun rights activists as menacing or intimidating, and there's no reason to set the stage for just that. (Note that, in the story linked below, he is described as having "heated words," when he apparently talked to people he agreed with. That might ordinarily be described as animated, etc. speech but not as heated... except that the implicit theme for a story about someone doing that requires that they be portrayed as aggressive, short fused, and intimidating).

Anyway if it's to be done, it should be done this way. African-American gun owners only. "There's a man with a gun, I'm frightened, can't you arrest him?" plays well, "There's a black man with a gun, I'm frightened, can't you arrest him?" sounds pretty racist. (Note that in this case the MSM reporters took care to photograph him from behind).

Bonus points if the carrier can memorize some Shakespeare. It's hard to portray a fellow as menacing while he's doing Monte Python or BlackAdder.

"So what do you think of the Administration's health care proposals?"

"I'd not give a farthing for that whoreson bull's pizzle."

"And his recovery plan?"

"Though this be madness, yet there is method in 't."

"Why did you bring a firearm?"

"Tho the pike be more puissant, many a knave would ha' tripped over it."

"What do you think of the President?"

"Longshanks hath a lean and hungry look; I trust him not. Methinks he is a knotty-pated fool, an hourly promise breaker, the owner of no one good quality."

Hat tip to reader Jack Anderson....

Full post as published by Of Arms and the Law on August 18, 2009 (boomark / email).