Virginia State Legislature Bans American Flags On Sticks, But Lets Guns In

[Bjorn Against]

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 America’s 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 couldn’t 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/

[kestrel91316]

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]

2. Well at least we'll be safe from flags. Have to look on the bright side. nt

[Bjorn Against]

3. Here in Minnesota the GOP House Minority Leader's gun was used in a felony assault

GOP’s 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 lawmaker’s 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 he’d misrepresented its condition.

snip

Instead, when the situation grew tense, Daudt’s friend walked back to their vehicle and returned with Daudt’s loaded gun. Daudt said his friend displayed it “for about two or three seconds,” and he quickly tried to defuse the situation.

snip

Daudt’s 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 Daudt’s 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/