YOUR COMMENTS

To Doug from Alton.
That is the most ignorant comment I think anyone has ever made in the history of comments in regards to this post. Did you actually think of that all by yourself? Did you read it before you pressed the little submit button.
I'm tired of hearing native nh people telling other people to "go home" to wherever they came from. These would be the first people to complain when the same police department that issued them their concealed permit showed up to their home to collect their firearms when the laws get changed. Notice I said, "WHEN". I'm originally from Nazi Jersey, I mean New Jersey. Notice both of the state names both start with "new". Well, if you actually know how to read about history, you would know that New Jersey wasn't always the way it is. We were once able to openly carry weapons and protect our property too. Then the government decided that there were too many people there, and if they needed to come take your property (eminent domain) or your money (think 1942, when they knocked on your door and took your copper pennies) or anything else, that you would actually be able to protect yourself. So if the idea of living in a society where you have no PERSONAL freedom OR a way to protect your freedom is appealing to you, then I would suggest that YOU pack your things and move to one of the places you're telling people to move back to. Then maybe once you experience what it's like to not have these kinds of freedoms, you'll understand why we fight so hard to protect YOUR freedom. If you don't believe me, just try it. Pack your stuff, move to new jersey, take a 2 x 4. At one end of the 2 x 4, take a rubber band and staple it to it. On the other end, take a roofing nail and nail a clothespin in place. Now take the rubber band, pull it back and clip it inside the clothespin. Take a kernel of corn.... that's right, a kernel of corn and insert it inside the rubber band and go to the local police station and hold it out in front of you. You don't even have to aim it at anyone. Just hold it up in the air and say, "Excuse me, is this a weapon?" You will actually be ARRESTED on the spot. ANYTHING that can launch a projectile is PROHIBITED. Is that what you want to happen here? Do you really want your child to be arrested because they shot a rubberband at their buddy in class? Or how about they get shot by a police officer because they brandished a weapon (peashooter) they bought at the local Ben Franklin? All of you ignorant people need to wake up and actually do some research before you start flapping your gums about stuff you know NOTHING about. These things are already happening here, you're just too ignorant and misinformed to know it.
- KM, Laconia

Why are there laws concerning concealed carry in the first place? If I can legally buy a handgun, why should I have to ask permission to carry it under my jacket or out of sight. It is a natural right to do so without permission, as noted in the New Hampshire constitution. You do not ask to be free, you live free.
- Tim, Keene

Rep. Welch is almost correct, VT no license required for open or concealed carry. So what is the purpose of NH requiring a license?
---

Revenue, to the tune of ~$2.50 a year from tens of thousands thousands of law-abiding gun owners across the state, perhaps?
- Michael Pelletier, Merrimack

After watching a few of the freestaters videos on YOU TUBE, I was wondering why they want to move to NH and then be arrested on tape instead of trying to fix what the think is wrong with the laws??
- Joe S, Milford

The reason some of us are negative of this group is what they have done in the past. If you believe breaking the law (ex. Lauren Canario's speeding stunt) and putting the public at risk just to prove a point, that's fine with me. But the rest of us who think there are more effective ways to change the laws, should be fine with you. I have no issues with carrying guns nor do I care if they pick trash. Actually, I wish they were around the night the officer in Manchester got shot. Hmmm...
- Peg, Concord

To John, re schools, Amy is fine as she stated she has a NH pistol permit.

The gun free school zone act as a provision for lawful carry by those with state issued licenses. The NH pistol permit qualifies. The law subpara A and the exception subpara B section ii are below.

(A) It shall be unlawful for any individual knowingly to possess a firearm that has moved in or that otherwise affects
interstate or foreign commerce at a place that the individual knows, or has reasonable cause to believe, is a school
zone.
(B) Subparagraph (A) does not apply to the possession of a firearm—
(ii) if the individual possessing the firearm is licensed to do so by the State in which the school zone is located or a
political subdivision of the State, and the law of the State or political subdivision requires that, before an
individual obtains such a license, the law enforcement authorities of the State or political subdivision verify
hat the individual is qualified under law to receive the license;
- Tom O, Merrimack

Just one question....

Amy...are you sure thats legal, wouldnt want to see you get in trouble.

I carry 95% of the time but I thought that school grounds were off limits...

Any legal backup anybody?
- John, Manchester

I bet a certain park in Milford would have a lot less gang activity and no more threatening of innocent park-goers if there were a few people walknig around with a weapon. Since we cant rely on the police to do it, we must protect ourselves.
Not that the "gang" members will read this, but consider this punks... If you ask someone to turn out their pockets...someday they may pull out a .38!
- John, Milford

Be happy you live in New Hampshire and not under the heel of the government in New Jersey. Anything that can launch a projectile is either regulated (all new or antique firearms) or prohibited (slingshots) here. Mere posession of a magazine holding more than 15 rounds or a hollow point bullet is a felony. What a place for a law abiding gun owner to live. Keep exercising your right or they will surely disappear.
- Jim B, Ramsey, New Jersey

May I suggest reading this - On Sheep, Wolves, and Sheepdogs.

Do a search on the web for this title.

Keep up the good work Dave!
- JR, Manchester

Steve in Auburn: "This "in your face" attitude is only going to cause people to try to change a perfectly good law..."

With all due respect, Steve, you've got it backwards. Silence and apathy will be the catalyst that spurs on the next assault on our gun laws. And the one after that, and the one after that.

The Democrats in Concords have already tried twice to chip away at these freedoms, and have failed, not because we all just threw up our hands in surrender. It was because of people like myself and Mr. Ridley, and the great work done by local gun rights groups, who made our voices heard and stopped them.

Make no mistake. THEY WILL NOT STOP. EVER.

NEITHER WILL WE.

You people who are complaining about Mr. Ridley being some kind of carpetbagger looking to mess with your precious NH way of life are REALLY focusing on the wrong strain of NH transplants.

In the category of "miising the mark" these complaints go up to 11.
- Bruce M., Brentwood

Bradley, I was referring to Ms. Canario breaking the law.
- Peg, Concord

Well, Peg, its a sad state of affairs when a citizen of our state thinks exercising ones constitutional rights is a "crazy" idea.
- Bradley Jardis, Hooksett, NH

I have had my "Pistol/Revolver License" for 23 years and have carried concealed since. I have always felt apprehensive about carrying a firearm openly. One reason why is there are always people that are going to be afraid of it and there are always people that will challenge it, neither which a responsible pistol carrier wants to deal with. Only my closest friends and relatives even know I carry a gun. I personally view it like a life insurance policy, I hope I don't need it but I have peace of mind knowing it's there if I do. There are real dangers out there that we need to protect ourselves against. This "in your face" attitude is only going to cause people to try to change a perfectly good law, then the responsible gun owners who have lived here all of their lives won't have the peace of mind they've always known.
- Steve, Auburn

I think a modern spaghetti western is in the making...

Is this why the Marshall would come to town and say "he was cleaning up?"
- Bill, Manchester

This "go back home" stuff is nonsense. I was born and raised in NH and have lived here all my life. I fully support this mans' actions especially after viewing his videos.

I would suggest everyone watch them for yourself and then make a judgment. He is respectful and relaxed when he talks to police. Watch the video of him in Concord talking to a police officer in his native language.

First of all he has both the state and federal Constitutions on his side. That is not some minor point to be glossed over. I am a big fan of the entire document and don't cherry pick the parts I like.

His lawful demonstration is just that, a demonstration. He points out in one of his videos that he doesn't open carry when he is alone. He is making a point and exercising his rights. Take a right that you are partial to and then think about people telling you that you're a "nut". Free speech? Don't be crazy...only lunatics like free speech.

I assume he carries concealed the rest of the time. If you were a would be criminal, would you assume he was armed or unarmed when alone?

I only carry concealed because as Rick O points out, criminals gladly hide their weapons.
- John R, Keene

Adam in Northwood: "When the guns are concealed under permit, it means the local police chief has no problem as he issued a license to that person."

Wrong.

What you are describing is Massachusetts' system of discretionary licensing, where the police chief has total control over who does and doesn't get to carry concealed firearms.

I do have a problem with that.

Under that system, the wealthy and politically-connected folks get to enjoy their constitutional rights, while the poor, lower class citizens living in the shadow of their brownstones have their rights systematically denied.

Sorry, but I don't prefer that.

And, it's not just about gun rights. The Democrat majority that took control of the State house is well on their way to implementing their nanny state, big government policies that threaten the very basic freedoms you so-called "real new Hampshire people" claim to treasure so dearly.

Smoking bans.
Sales tax.
Income tax.
Cigarette tax hikes.
Candy tax.
Seat belt laws.
Helmet laws.
Gun laws.

If you sit back and do nothing, smug in your confidence that your way of life will be preserved for all of eternity without any effort made on your part to do anything about it, you will wake up one day to find it gone.

And, sorry, but I never voted for Ron Paul. Nor do I live in my parents' basement.
- Bruce M., Brentwood

I have worn a firearm openly on occasion (mostly in hot weather) when I retrieve my children from their elementary school. I also volunteer in the school a few times a week- though my firearm is always concealed. (I do have a Concealed Carry license.)

Most of the parents who regularly pick their children up at this school know me pretty well, and many have expressed to me their relief in knowing I will most likely have a firearm on me should there be an "incident" at the school when I am present.

FWIW, I am a PTO/PTA member. I am a law-abiding citizen. I am a taxpayer in Manchester. I have two young children.

So, like many readers and commenters here, I have a lot to protect. But unlike a lot of you, I am actually doing something about our growing crime rate- whether it comes from out-of-state places like Lowell, Lawrence & Methuen, MA or from Manchester. This PASSIVE exhibition of our right to bear arms in NH really does register with those who would come up here from crap towns in MA to target us for their crimes.

Letting all possible thugs know that I have a firearm and that they WILL meet with armed resistance, should they choose to target my "group," will effectively narrow their pool of prey.

I think Mr. Ridley and his friends are performing a huge benefit for our Queen City. Would that more NH residents actually exercised their right to openly carry a firearm.
- Amy, Manchester

Might be a good idea for Manchester residents to have a firearm handy. Don't call your police chief. He is in Bedford mowing his lawn.
- Bill H., Exeter

They're baaack. Here we go again. FreeStaters using goody two shoes tactics to convince poor soles of their crazy ideas. It doesn't work for Lauren Canario, it didn't work for the Browns, but it appears it does work for the Union Leader. I'm ashamed to live in a state where so many people allow the wool to be pulled over their eyes. This isn't about concealment, it's an attempt to convince the public that these trash- picking people are looking to change society into their own twisted fairy tale.
- Peg, Concord

This is an awesome idea, and I hope all the news channels send up crews to cover it. Welch doesn't get. Some people get nervous around drunk drivers, or child molesters too.
- Kenneth, Salmon Falls

Guns on the hip don't represent anything but the psychology of dominance. They are entertainment objects, that is they feed the egos of their owners like a big car and make them feel powerful. Of course with a gun you ARE indeed powerful, so it is no joke, you dominate those around you.

As they just about never get used for any sort of protection, I wish the owners would stop with the Constitutional yak and claims of need. Just admit you are a hobbyist and like to show your gun. I have no problem with it, just with the lame and phony representation of what is largely a noisy hobby.

Btw any person who has bad intent, or is up to no good, can also freely wear their firearm in plain view. This is why, when all is said and done, it is a losing idea to encourage it. When the guns are concealed under permit, it means the local police chief has no problem as he issued a license to that person, I prefer that.
- Adam Michaels, Northwood

We had good gun freedoms before this bunch of crazy carpetbaggers came into town. This in your face posturing is not the New England way, and this bunch of carpetbaggers would do well to remember that. Here, we keep to ourselves as good neighbors, but we don't show off our guns, we just keep quiet about them as a given freedom.

They should go home. Back to Texas, back to wherever, before one of them has an accident and gets gun laws tightened. They're not wanted here. And what are they trying to solve?
- David Goss, Manchester

I find this in bad taste, but if you have to make a political statement to pick up litter, then do it. I'm pleased with New Hampshire's current gun laws not because I believe such a liberal stance on gun purchase and use to be an absolute right but because our state has maintained, somehow, a society in which gun crime is very low. I'm glad we don't need to be considering tight gun controls right now and I hope it stays that way forever. But it's not exactly a right that needs to be celebrated or exercised so overtly like this, it seems only to tell people (especially immigrants from more left wing states) about how open our gun laws are and set them into an unnecessary unease about the situation.
Maybe accompanying information about how our recent murder and armed robbery rate is as low as it's been in 50+ years despite very few changes to the gun laws is appropriate, to remind people that gun crime and indeed crime in general is a consequence of societal influences and not open/closed laws.
- Matthew, Whitefield

Oh, for god's sake. These "Free state" would-be-Weathermen idiots are an embarassment to New Hampshire, and to responsible gun owners as well. They need to go home to their basements and Ron Paul web forums!

RESPONSIBLE gun owners carry concealed. These are people who never grew up, never stopped playing cowboy. Children! With guns. Bad combination!

I hope nothing happens as a result of these idiots! Did people forget that three of them are now going to federal prison as a result of weapons charges for helping the browns? Did we all forget that?
- Mike R., Bedford

John in Raymond:

Just who's being threatened? Who's making threats?

If you believe a holstered handgun constitutes a "threat", then you must be terrified of police officers.
- Kevin, Lancaster

This Ridley guy is a nut job who seems to be so full of himself He just loves the attention. There are a lot bigger issues going on in the world than open carry in NH.
- Ray H., Manchester

It’s unfortunate these jamokes come to NH to try to change our way of life. The current open carry and concealed carry laws are perfectly fine and unless one has severe problems, they are issued the concealed carry permits. I have no problems with officers inquiring about why a person may have a gun in the open, especially in Manchester. With a gun comes responsibility and common sense. This group has no common sense and would do us all a favor if they went back to Texas. From what I hear these free staters are not welcome here.
- M. Ahmed, Manchester

John in Raymond: "The more we threaten people, the more respect we will get."

Can you be more clueless? Who's "threatening" anyone? Answer: nobody. If citizens exercising their constitutionally-protected rights "threatens" you, I suggest you relocate to somewhere more accommodating to your belief system. Cuba and Venezuela come to mind.

Wake up. Then rejoin the debate when you have something intelligent to offer.
- Bruce M., Brentwood

Those who suggest that gun owners should hide themselves away for fear of offending some non-gun owners have learned nothing from the gay community.

Hiding in a closet won't protect 2nd amendment civil rights. Being out and proud as a gun owner will.

Gun owners must learn the lessons of the gay rights movement and use similar tactics to educate and build a powerful and enduring political coalition that will protect our rights in perpetuity.

Silence = Death for Gays and for Gun Owners.

Down in Taxachusetts, gun owners are the new gays and are mocked, derided and spit on by the political majority there. We cannot afford to let that happen in New Hampshire. We must take action now to protect our rights.
- Frank Jennings, Laconia

Rep. Welch is missing the point. My guess is he's never had the displeasure of living as a Massachusetts gun owner.

These open carry events should be a weekly occurrence. We gun owners are in a constant war, not of our choosing, to preserve our rights. You don't win your wars by hiding.

We need to forget about that portion of the population so entrenched in their hatred of guns and the freedom they represent. They're hopeless. These events can and must be used to soften the image of gun owners, and to make the fence-sitters comfortable with the idea of heavily-armed neighbors.

Apathy on our part can ONLY lead to undesirable ends.
- Bruce M., Brentwood

The visibility of good natured, friendly neighbors who also happen to be armed is a natural crime deterrent.

More firearm ownership restrictions come up nearly every legislative session, so if our rights aren't openly and vigilantly exercised, they most assuredly will disappear.
- Ryan Marvin, Manchester

"Rep. Welch is almost correct, VT no license required for open or concealed carry."

Wrong. Alaska has the best system. It is unrestricted and shall-issue, meaning you don't need a permit to carry, but you may obtain one so that you can enjoy reciprocity with states that require it.
- Jonathan, Bedford

What a great idea!! I hear that there is a Loooong highway back in Texas that has quite a bit of litter on it. Holster up, and get going cowboy.
- Joseph Mama, Manchester

Speaking of guns, why hasn't the UL reported that the incident the other night in Concord involving the four officers has come out with a little more info. After the shot was fired. It was not immediately reported back to central and there was no bus (ambulance) that was ever called in. They eventually all went back to the station. I am far from being any type of "cop basher", but there is definitely something that stinks here. Did deeper UL, you'll eventually get to the bottom of this.
- John, Manchester

Outstanding idea. My guess is that between 2 and 4 today in that area that, the low life trouble makers will keep there distance. "Live Free of Die".
- John S., Manchester

A committed gun control advocate once told me that, as part of their campaign to disarm the American people, they were actively trying to make gun ownership socially unacceptable. I think that we gun owners have been on the defensive in this aspect of the culture war for too long.

Does anyone know where on Central Street this event is gathering? The article didn't say, other than that it would be near the site of Michael Briggs murder.
- Dave Geyer, Merrimack

It's the criminals are going to be far less likely to carry openly and people should not over react when they simply see a gun.

Plus their picking up litter at the same time.
- Steve, Manchester

But, Steve, the amount of people carrying in the neighborhoods this group will be in, might make an impact on the criminal minds in the area. Hopefully
- Randy Cobleigh, Manchester

The last thing gun owners in NH need is a gun-toting Texan carrying their message down Central Street. Mr. Ridley would do more favor to NH gun owners by going back to Texas and letting NH natives handle their own gun legislation.
- Jamie, Chichester

There is nothing new or novel about NH's lack of restrictions on open carry. I yawn at the concept.

What is new or novel, however is how NH culture has evolved to where an event such as this meets the "man bites dog" news value threshhold.

Firearms advocates and instructors advise people NOT to open carry because it "invites trouble and unwanted attention." Just one more manifestation of how migrants from places like the Peoples Republic of Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut come here and inject their unsolicited cultural paradigms upon us.

While Dave Welch has earned the respect of pro-gun advocates and law enforcement, he is not always correct. His aforementioned statement demonstrates his obviously inherited hypersensitivity to people who react negatively at the "mere appearance" of a firearm.

Folks who react in such a manner, are nothing more than drama queens who want to make their anti-gun views known and accomodated.

There is a certain irony in that CRIMINALS gladly accomodate their anti-gun drama in hiding and concealing their illegally possessed guns upon their persons.

If these anti-gun drama queens see a firearm strapped to the side of somebody picking up trash, getting their mail or doing some other mundane daily chore, I will lay odds 99.99% that the person packing such a firearm is a law-abiding citizen.

So to answer Dave Welch's question, "A periodic reminder manifesting in events such as this, serves a three-fold purpose: First, it requires the ignorant to look squarely at New Hampshire's Gun laws and learn something new; Second, it serves as a reminder of the breakneck pace that those who would seek to deprive others of constitutional liberties, come to this state; and, finally, such a demonstration serves to demonstrate the utter and abismal failure of so-called 2nd amendment advocates to educate people about NH's gun culture, versus how they cow-tow and make sensitivty concessions.
- Rick Olson, Manchester

Too bad the only trash they will be cleaning up is the litter type.
- DM, Hampton

This is a great idea. I feel guilty open carrying. But Dave's right. I esp. enjoyed his attempted arrest by an uninformed state trooper in Manchester for openly carrying is semi-automatic that all can view on YouTube. It was a great display of an American standing up for his rights when authority figures are laying on their uniformed weight.

Dave, you're right: use 'em or lose 'em.

BTW, the University of New Hampshire in Durham, which bans the carry of guns in seeming contradistinction to the state's constitution, would make an excellent destination for such a group as Dave's in order to attract attention that the federal and state constitutions both guarantee this personal right, as the US Supreme Court is likely to decide in Levy v. DC.

I'd be happy to participate as well in a Durham Gun Rights Freedom Vigil.

In Vermont there's no need for a permit for anyone (obviously not felons) to possess a concealed firearm, even out-of-staters. And what a Wild West it is out there, isn't it?

Thank goodness NH, unlike Massachusetts, is a "shall" issue, rather than a "may" issue state.
- Brent Anderson, Moultonborough

Rep. Welch-----I get nervous around people like you!
Here's my question. How many of these trash collectors do you think will shoot a fellow trash collector in the chest?
Here's hoping these guys are carring "well trained guns" that dont just "discharge" when ever they feel like it!
- Doug, Alton

That is a great idea! The more we threaten people, the more respect we will get. It works great in Iraq!
- John, Raymond

Excellent! The Free Staters like Ridley are a tremendous asset to New Hampshire. They are working hard to protect our state constitution, our traditions and our quality of life.

The open carry trash pickup is a great way for non-gun owners to become accustomed to guns in a way that makes them realize that gun owners are assets to their communities and to the state.

Cheers to those who are participating today in this pro-liberty and pro-environment activity. You make all of us here in NH proud. Kudos.
- Bob Hoskins, Derry

A great idea, I wish I could be there right next to men and women today... LIVE FREE OR DIE.
- Tim, Milfrod

Rep. Welch seems to be missing their point that it is completely law abiding to carry a gun openly without any sort of permit in NH. It's the criminals are going to be far less likely to carry openly and people should not over react when they simply see a gun.

Plus their picking up litter at the same time.
- Steve, Manchester

State Rep. David Welch, R-Kingston, "We've got the best gun laws in the country."

Rep. Welch is almost correct, VT no license required for open or concealed carry. So what is the purpose of NH requiring a license?
- Ken, Warner

"Gun owners in New Hampshire need a license to carry a concealed firearm, per New Hampshire state statutes, Chapter 159." This is why people will be open-carrying: No license required. "State Rep. David Welch, R-Kingston, added that some people get nervous around guns." And that's the point of the demonstration: If more peaceful, law-abiding citizens carry firearms, people will eventually become used to the sight and realize there's no need to be nervous around guns.
- Jeremy J. Olson, Manchester