No guns please

Did you know that there are some items prohibited at gun shows and tea party rallies?  Loaded guns, for instance, are not welcome at most gun shows. This Los Angeles Times article about Sharron Angle at a Reno gun show examines the general atmosphere at the gun show as well as how Angle ( Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in Nevada) relates so easily to the folks in attendance. The reporter notes: " Prohibited items: loaded firearms, loose ammunition, black powder and “items glorifying Nazism,” according to the Crossroads website. “Laser scopes may only be operated by vendors and only pointed at the ceiling.”"

Hmmm. I know people who go to gun shows. They have certainly seen Nazi paraphernalia so maybe this is not true of all gun shows. And regarding tea party rallies, there will be a "Restoring Honor" rally  on August 28th at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial. This one will feature Sarah Palin, Glenn Beck and representatives of the NRA. I'm sure I've blogged about this before. Here is what is not allowed ( from the website): " As a security precaution, the following items will be prohibited from the event sites:

• NO signs (political or otherwise) as they may deter from the peaceful message we are bringing to Washington.
• Firearms (either real or simulated)
• Ammunition
• Explosives of any kind (including fireworks)
• Knives, blades, or sharp objects (of any length)
• Mace and/or pepper spray
• Helium balloons
• Sticks or poles
• Pocket or hand tools, such as "leatherman"
• Packages
• Large bags (anything larger than a backpack)
• Duffle bags
• Suitcases
• Weapons of any kind
• Aerosols
• Laser pointers
• Animals other than service/guide dogs
• Structures (i.e tents)
• Alcoholic beverages 

• Other items that may pose a threat to the security of the event" 

Well. There we have it. An event co-sponsored by the NRA does not want loaded guns and anything that resembles a weapon at their rally. Why not? Is it generally recognized that guns can be dangerous in places where a lot of people come together full of passion? Oh, that's right, it's on the Washington Mall. These things are not allowed there. Or are they now that the amendment on the Credit Card Bill allowed for guns in National Parks ( see link below)?

Will people attending the rally complain about these restrictions? Probably not. Just as I haven't seen anyone complain about having to go through a metal detector at all of the Federal buildings in Washington D.C. and in Duluth, for that matter. No guns in the halls of Congress? If guns make us safer, why not? If Congress doesn't want guns where they work and play, I wonder why it's O.K. for the rest of us to have loaded guns in some work places ( at least in parking lots) and where we play- National Parks, local and state parks, playgrounds, soccer fields, etc.? A conundrum.

If guns can be packed just anywhere, we wouldn't need all those troublesome prohibitions and signs. How about the White House? It's a part of the National Park system which now allows guns after the passing of the Credit Card bill ( seriously). It seems there are obvious places where we don't want loaded guns. The White House, Federal Buildings, schools and churches for example. No, wait, some states now allow guns in churches. Oh well. But gun shows? No loaded guns.