Protesters gather for pro-gun rally in Salem
»Play Video
SALEM, Ore. – Opponents of gun control rallied at the state Capitol Saturday to stand up against what they see as an infringement on their rights.
The rally was part of a national movement dubbed “Guns Across America.” Many of the hundreds who attended carried their own guns to show their opposition to President Barack Obama’s proposed gun laws.
Many protesters who spoke with KATU News said they felt misunderstood.
“I have the right to defend my children,” said Becky Myers, who is not a gun owner but supports gun ownership. “We have the right to have them,” she said.
“It’s because we love this country,” said Micky Garus. “We’re here to protect what our founding fathers wrote down.”
"I think there's a certain section of America that does misunderstand," said Tim Denny. "I hesitate to use pro-gun, but freedom-loving. I don't think guns are the problem. They're just tools like anything else."
Diana Bowem stood alone, carrying a sign that said “The NRA is out of touch with humanity.” Bowem said she’s a gun owner, but doesn't believe assault rifles should be available for sale.
“I don’t want anybody to have weapons of mass destruction,” she said. “Assault weapons are out of bounds. They’re just out of bounds. Why do we need weapons like that?”
Police estimate more than 1,000 people attended the rally. There were no arrests.
Every time there is a tragidy anywhere the first thing the law makers do is try to take away out rights. Taking or banning any type of gun is not the answer, and I think most of us know that. Most of the shootings are done with stolen guns. Rather than take away our rights why not do better background checks, Put in those checks if a person has some kind of mental problem. Require every home to have a lockable gun safe or cabnet, require people to keep the ammo locked up. But banning any kind of gun isn't the answer. Personally, I have no use for an assult rifle, but if someone wants one thats there choise. How about requiring a permit to own an assult rifle, like a concealed weapon permit.
When you see a scene like this from third world countries, you think "extremist" or "insurrectionist", but when they show up waving weapons on the steps of our own capitol, somehow this is now called "freedom"? Â Sorry, but I see this as an armed threat against our legislators. Â
Â
They are there to oppose commonsense reforms (like requiring ALL gun sales to have abackground check). Â Â Meanwhile, the pro-gun extremist lobby here in Oregon is introducing house bill 2377, which would allow convicted drug abusers to legally carry concealed handguns. Â
Â
This isn't the country we wish to see. Â
Â