Pro-Gun Rally Hits Streets of Duluth
Posted at: 02/19/2013 8:37 PM
| Updated at: 02/19/2013 10:32 PM
By: Travis Dill
tdill@wdio.com
Protesters braved the cold on Tuesday because they say proposed gun control will take away their rights and do nothing to prevent crime.
Over 50 people lined Grand Avenue in Duluth on Tuesday afternoon with home-made signs and American flags. The protesters call their movement S.A.F.E., which stands for Second Amendment Rights for Everyone.
Protester Allan Kehr said the group opposes state and federal gun control legislation.
“Our right to keep and bear arms is in serious jeopardy and so we're out here to try and educate the public,” Kehr said. “Any of the proposals right now are ridiculous. So we'd like to see them voted down.”
One Minnesota proposal would limit clip size, and protester Gene Bauers said it would ruin a family tradition.
“I got a deer rifle from my dad that'll accept a magazine over 7 rounds. That'll make me a felon if I pass that down to my kids,” Bauers said.
But the group isn't just worried about restrictions for law abiding gun owners. Protesters said the proposed laws will not stop criminals.
“No I don't like it at all for the simple reason that the criminals are not going to pay attention to the legislation anyway,” Jerry Carlson said.
He said lawmakers should look at the issue from a different angle.
“Education is the key ticket on gun control. Education not controlling guns. It's teaching people what to do with them,” Carlson said.
He doesn't trust state or federal lawmakers with the Second Amendment.
“They can't even make a budget and you're going to let them take care of your rights? I don't think that's a good idea at all,” Carlson said.
Vehicles driving by gave supportive honks showing that gun culture is strong in the Northland, and that this debate is far from over.
Several protesters called recent school shootings tragic, but did say armed teachers could helps save lives in those situations.
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