Gun Appreciation Day: What’s Dunedin Saying?
Gun supporters are asking people all over the county to stand up for the Second Amendment on Jan. 19. Dunedin residents have their own opinions about the issue.
As Gun Appreciation Day approaches, people are lining up on both sides of the issue to state their opinions and make their stands.
The national movement is being recognized Jan. 19 as a call for gun supporters across the country to let Washington, D.C., know they don’t want their rights tampered with.
We recently asked people across the Tampa Bay area for their opinions about the movement. Here’s what Dunedin Patch readers had to say:
Lightthewick1: I support the gun appreciation day and the 2nd Amendment.
Dave Pauley: Although I do not have a fire arm I feel no one should have the right to take the privilege of owning one away from me. Our ancestors fought for this right. However, I think assault weapons do need some form of control. Hopefully this issue, and only this issue, will be discussed and acted upon.
What are your thoughts about Gun Appreciation Day? Share them in the comments section.
Steve
9:30 am on Thursday, January 17, 2013
We should all have the choice to be "sheep" or "sheepdogs". It's much easier for criminals and the government to control "sheep".
Bill Storck
9:30 am on Thursday, January 17, 2013
I believe our forefathers had a different idea when they wrote the 2nd amendment. I don't think they would have supported auto and semi-auto weapons. Oh, and justice was swift back then if someone murdered someone. Time for change. P.S.- I do go hunting for small game and deer.
Pat Woodruff
10:27 am on Thursday, January 17, 2013
I choose to stand with our Constitution and the rights they proclaim.
Maureen
12:53 pm on Thursday, January 17, 2013
Guns do not get up an kill. People use them, as well as knives, cars, beating, bludgeoning, drugs, etc. to kill people. Gun laws do nothing to keep them out of the hands of those who do not respect or obey the law. The only thing laws do is make the people who hate guns and what they can do feel better, but nothing to make them safer.
Drunk drivers kill far more people than guns. We have laws against drunk driving, and tried to ban alcohol during prohibition.
Kathleen Kimpel, PhD
1:42 pm on Thursday, January 17, 2013
You all disgust me! Dunedin is a far more enlightened community than these comments reflect. If this event takes place there will be far more protesters than attendees. Evolve People!
Kathleen Kimpel, PhD
2:12 pm on Thursday, January 17, 2013
Gee, I hope the guy who shot the water tower will be there leading the way!
Heidi Thompson
5:06 pm on Thursday, January 17, 2013
I believe the Constitution was written when the British were very much on our minds - not our own government. No one is talking about taking anyone's guns away - just banning assault weapons. I can't think of anyone on this earth who needs or has THE RIGHT TO OWN an assault weapon outside of the military/SWAT teams. If one really needs to shoot them for fun, go to a registered shooting range and shoot their automatics. I don't believe banning assault weapons in any way conflicts with the second amendment.
Laurie Langlais
6:07 pm on Thursday, January 17, 2013
Thanks, Heidi, for a sane, cogent response. Australia and Britain banned these types of weapons and have much lower gun death rates as a result. The President's proposals do not infringe on the second amendment, and people will continue to have a right to their rifles and handguns for hunting or protection. Sane, responsible gun owners should support the President's efforts.
Kathleen Kimpel, PhD
6:35 pm on Thursday, January 17, 2013
Again, the issue is automatic assault weapons; the ones that utilize gas propelled
rounds, like 650 rounds per minute and one magazine supplies 30 rounds! Only our military are trained and capable of controlling this weapon. They have no suitable purpose in "civilian" society. And please stop interpreting the intentions of the drafters of the Constitution! How old are you, 233?
lightthewick1
7:13 pm on Thursday, January 17, 2013
The weapon you are referring to have been banned since 1934. The current situation and weapon being debated on is a "semi-automatic rifle" or AR15, which is no more than a semi-automatic rifle made to look like a military weapon. Yes, there are some features that function like a military weapon; Grips, magazines, sight rails, etc. At the end of the day it is a common semi auto gun. Which, by the way, is in the form of a rifle, pistol and shotgun currently numbering in the 100s of millions that (law-abiding citizens) have used for years without incident.
Melody Urso
9:35 pm on Thursday, January 17, 2013
Seriously - gun appreciation day? You've got to be kidding me!