MARTINSBURG, WV -
Hundreds of locals are reacting to gun control, especially when it
comes to West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin's support of proposed
legislation like magazine limits.
"The message is
clear, or it should be to Senator Manchin, that he messed up this time;
that it's clear he is against the Second Amendment," says Art Thomm,
Vice President of the WV Citizens Defense League.
People old and young attended in hopes to protect the right to bear arms.
"Thirty-two
thousand eight hundred eighty-five people are killed by auto accidents,
a hammer kills more than guns do," says Veta Hall, who opposes gun
control.
Yet the groups weren't divided by political party.
"It
is an American issue. People feel that they need guns for protection,
that is everybody's right. We have nothing against the Second Amendment.
We would just like to ensure that the guns are appropriate," adds Anita
Schumacher, who supports gun control and part of the group, Concerned
Citizens for Gun Safety.
Gun control advocates say they support the Second Amendment, but believe some restrictions are warranted.
"We're
not anti-gun. It's not to take anything away from anybody, that's
constitutionally illegal, that's not what we're asking for. It's just a
way to keep our kids and our communities safer," says Heather Marshall,
President of the Berkeley County Women's Democratic Club.
Delegate Michael Folk still says control violates our basic rights.
"The
strongest gun control laws also have the highest violent crime rates,
murder rates: Chicago, New York, DC are examples. It doesn't work; all
it does is criminalize law-abiding citizens," says Delegate Michael
Folk, a Republican representing the 63rd District in West Virginia.
It's a heated issue, with plenty of ammo on both sides.
Comments
guns dont kill people who use them that are not resposible users of guns kill
dave h.
January 20, 2013 at 7:27 pm
guns dont kill who use them that are not resposible users of guns kill
dave h.
January 20, 2013 at 7:27 pm
I was there yesterday, you gave the best coverage. It was accurate and you demonstrated an understanding of the issues.
I was somewhat amused at your featuring Heather Marshall as a spokesperson for the %u201CMom%u201D group. He step kids got to a private boarding school in Maryland, and, have lots of armed security. Just another case of %u201Carmed guards for me%u201D and %u201Cgun-free zones%u201D for thee! I guess the elitist hypocrisy knows no bounds!
Samson W.
January 20, 2013 at 3:06 pm
