YOUR COMMENTS

Mr. Olberman often proves himself a fool, so pffft to him. I am, however, dismayed that so many of our elected officials have so little regard for their constituents. Not surprised, just dismayed.

Yes, with great power comes great responsibility. Given the exceedingly low rate of crime and accidents using firearms in New Hampshire, with its many, many armed citizens and excellent gun laws, I'd say we're doing pretty well at that.

Please keep a copy of this article and remember it when elections roll around again.
- Evelyn Logan, Rochester

Guns are not evil for heaven's sake. Had my father not taught me about firearm safety and handling from an early age, on two occasions, in 2 different cities, when someone attempted to break into my home while I was alone, had I not had a loaded handgun, I may have been raped or worse.
Ignorance breeds fear..you complainers need to show up and learn proper firearm safety from professionals and maybe you won't be afraid of guns anymore; in fact, you may just find yourself going out and buying a firearm yourself. Our entire family has spent many great days target shooting, hunting, etc. We taught our children from an early age about firearms and that's why they're not afraid of guns like some of you uneducated fools. Gee, none of us
has shot anyone nor are we criminals. But if someone breaks into my home again, I still will be able to defend myself. I sleep fine at night.
- Judy Paris, Bradford, NH

When the 2nd Amendment was written, the word "regulate" meant: adjust to a standard; to ensure accuracy of operation; to put in good order, and when referring to troops - proficient and disciplined. "Militia" under current US code is defined as all able-bodied males 17 - 45 and female members of the National Guard.
Sounds like this event will be a great introduction for folks in the area who are, were, or will be part of the militia and never knew it.
- Al Z, Amesbury,MA

The best thing about this event is that it will definitely let the people in attendance know the right choices to make when they are in the polling booth at election time. Good luck and keep them in the 10 ring!
- Lawrence A. Warner, Grand Rapids, MI

Note the quote... "With rising crime rates, we shouldn't be the party that's out there shooting machine guns," Levasseur said.


From FBI Crime Stats:

Violent crime rates remained virtually unchanged in the Northeast, the FBI reported in its Preliminary Annual Uniform Crime Report for 2006, which is based on data from more than 11,000 law enforcement agencies.
Property crime decreased 2.9 percent from 2005 to 2006, the FBI said.
The FBI said the largest increase in murder offenses -- 6.7 percent -- occurred in cities with populations of 1 million or more. Murders decreased 11.9 percent in non-metropolitan counties.
Forcible rapes decrease 1.9 percent. Aggravated assaults decreased 0.7 percent.
Motor vehicle thefts dropped 4.7 percent nationally, the FBI said.

Hmmmm... wonder if he is as well informed on any other issues???
- Ed Knights, Boerne, TX

Let us all understand that arms are part of our civil rights, and just as important as free speech and all the rest.

To the doubters: go to the fundraiser and see firsthand what a safe and fun activity shooting can be. Bring eye and ear protection and enjoy.

I am not a member of any political party, but will probably attend this just for fun. It is not every day that one has an opportunity like this.
- Bob M., Hanson, MA

State rep Jane Beaulieu ("If we're trying to fight crime, why is it there's a fundraiser where they're focusing on playing with guns?") apparently doesn't understand that guns in the hands of responsible private citizens fight crime. If John Lott (author of "More Guns, Less Crime") and FBI statistics are to be believed guns are used over a million times a year by private citizens to thwart criminals. I'm not a republican, but I support this event.
- Chris LeGros, Manchester

""It doesn't make any sense," one candidate, state Rep. Jane Beaulieu, said yesterday. "If we're trying to fight crime, why is it there's a fundraiser where they're focusing on playing with guns?"


Unfortunately, Ms Beaulieu really doesn't get it. Studies have shown time and again that:

MORE gun control = MORE crime

LESS gun control = LESS crime
- Bob P, Georgetown

It is heartening to see how many people from Massachusetts have chimed in on this side of the issue. It is comforting to know that the overwhelming, left wing liberal anti-gun constituency is not as pervasive as I perceive. My hats off to you folks and I am truly sorry about your gun laws there...Thanks for supporting our event and we look forward to seeing you there
- Rick Olson, Manchester

It seems the NH democrats expect the rest of NH to quietly accept gay marriage, wasted tax dollars at the behest of the NEA, and abortion, I mean killing of the un-born, with out the parents notification, which are not protected in the Federal or the great State of NH's Constitutions, while the shrill of intolerance and emotional vomiting that occurs by all Democrats in this state is to be tolerated, no, wait, it is there First Amendment right and we all should listen and act promptly, now! It is time to save this almost formerly great state by voting out the massachuestts liberal cabal that we are now suffering under!
Thank you for having a great family oriented gun event in NH. A question for all you liberals if guns kill why didn't anyone get shot to death at the last gun show in NH?
- Bill, Rye

It is quite disconcerting to hear the misguided equating of crime with gun ownership. Statistically, gun owners-especially machine gun owners- are certainly more law abiding, and generally, are better educated, better compensated, and more communtity minded than any other single segment of the population. This segment (gun owners) are responsible for ending more crime nationwide than our police forces. And yet some persist in teaching our children a fear rather than a respect for these implements, no different than a kitchen knife. How ridiculous would it be to teach the same shrill behavior in reaction to that same knife. You would be thought crazy, no doubt. So why treat any other potentially dangerous implement any other way. Sheer ignorance is what produces this mindset. Wake up and grow up. Take the time to cure your ignorance and go to the shoot. I guarantee, you will not meet a more polite and helpful group of people. Tell someone you've never touched a gun. See how many are willing to educate you about them.
- Paul McCarthy, Warren, MA

For all of those who keep saying that the 2nd only applies to "militias" or the national guard, I don't think you realize that the national guard wasn't even formed for many years after the Constitiution was signed! The "militia" the 2nd is referring to every able bodied man capable of firing a rifle. Yes, it is an individual right.
- Matt Lutynski, Sandisfield, MA

Casey Bessette we can keep and bear arms in case we need to form a militia. You don't need to be in one to ensure your right to keep a gun. I don't have a gun and honestly I don't feel a strong need for it. I am not a hunter and have never shot a live animal. I grew up around guns, was taught to respect them, but strongly believe in them as an integral part of society. As I sit and type my front door is unlocked. If an intruder comes I am left to dial 911. If the intruder is armed I am now sitting here waiting about 10 minutes for the 1st cop to appear. During that time I have become a hostage along with my now sleeping 2 year old daughter. God willing we both are released by this sympathetic intruder (not quite what happened in Cheshire CT on Monday). Worst case is this is the last thing I ever type on the UnionLeader posting. I ask you this: If I was armed, had a concealed weapons permit, was trained in firearms; What do you think the outcome would be? If more people had guns for protection, then more criminals would lose the eenie-meenie-mighty-moe game of attacking innocent people. This in my view is the only real crime deterrent that exists in society. Hence my feelings about the 'need' for guns. You don't hear about many bankrobberies in Texas do you? The simple reason is a lot of people grew up with/around guns there. Its also a good way to lower taxes quite simply: More armed citizens=less police=less taxes=less prisons built=less criminal acts committed. Any questions?
- Michael Bourne, Boston, MA

Having attended and worked at several Machine Gun Shoots (where citizens pay to shoot machine guns, under strict guidance) I can attest to the fact that nobody has ever lost a kid or two.
The concept is ridiculous and offensive.

If you have never shot a machine gun, you are missing out on fun. Range Officers (not "range officers") have passed testing by both the NRA and training by their respective clubs. At every shoot I have attended, they have maintained order and safety.

Portraying gun owners and enthusiasts as unsafe hooligans, waving rifles willy-nilly, is unjust. Maybe these politicians, and other naysayers should actually TASTE their food before spitting it out. It only shows their ignorance, and their willingness to propagate stereotypes.
- Jennifer S., Somerville, MA

"After reading through everyone’s comments, it is my impression that some of you don’t quite understand the Constitution, particularly the second amendment; let’s clear this up. " Your analysis misses the key point that the text reads 'the right of the people', not 'the right of the militia'. If you're interested in learning about the 2nd Amendment and what it means, I would suggest starting with the opinion issued by the United States Department of Justice on August 24, 2004. It can be found at http://www.usdoj.gov/olc/secondamendment2.pdf and concludes that 'The Second Amendment secures a right of inviduals generally, not a right of States or a right restricted to persons serving in militias'.
- Adam Wells, Manchester

I see where the story says that Mr. Garrity is "one of two Republican aldermen in Manchester". It looks like maybe there won't be any Republican aldermen unless some of them suddenly grow a spine. That would include Mr. Levasseur who apparently couldn't buy a clue with a credit card. I have never been so disgusted with the New Hampshire Republicans as I am after reading this story.
- Lester Bradley, Thornton, NH

The 2nd Ammendment is something that needs to be protected and not taken away from the law abiding citizen.

We HAVE THE RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS and the criminal DOES NOT!!! So why is it that certain polititians constantly try to make the Law abiding citizen stripped of their Gun rights while the criminal continues to use Illiegal guns for crimes with no regard for any gun laws. Your barking up the wrong tree.
Going to a bona fide range shooting any weapons (target rifles, handguns and or Machine Guns) in a safety concious enviroment as a hobbie is a POSITIVE thing especially for kids acompanied by a trained adult. By taking away the curiousity of guns and allowing the individual to learn about the weapon the correct way there is no more taboo so to speak. It it taught the right way and no longer a question of what it would be like to fire a weapon.
As a Machine Gun collector myself I am appauled that certain people have a problem with a 2nd ammendment right to safely train and learn and fire Machine Guns legally for a fundraiser. This is very much a good idea not a bad one and as long as the right people who are trained to handle the weapons are there, it would be a fun, learning activity for all who attend.
Criminals use guns for crime, Law abiding citizens use guns for "LEGAL" hobbie target shooting purposes and that is one of the things certain so called Americans need to remember and think of.
If you want to fight crime, get tough on the criminal for the crime they commit. Dont get tough of the law abiding citizen and take away our right to shoot legal weapons safely.
- Robert Johnson, Northfield, Ma

http://youtube.com/watch?v=k2utcuURGXw.... this should clear things up a bit
- Jason Merges, Bow

After reading through everyone’s comments, it is my impression that some of you don’t quite understand the Constitution, particularly the second amendment; let’s clear this up. The exact words written by James Madison and our other founding fathers are “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a Free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” As far as I know, the people attending this event are not all registered minute men and our free state is not under attack.
- Casey Bessette, Bow

Thank you all for your comments. In my opinion Mr. Thibodeau would have been better off labeling this fundraiser as: "Pelham Shootout for Sportsman and Enthusiast" and would have been better responded to. Adding the word "Family-Friendly" is what bothers me the most. My father was in the Navy as a sailor and my mother in the Army as a nurse. Owning guns or collecting them is not the problem with me. It was the fact that labeling this with words as mentioned above sends a wrong message when police (the law) are teaching the kids in school one way and others are teaching them another. Find a way to educate, motivate and teach responsibility with gun ownership from those who represent the law and those who own/collect. Thats all I am asking for in my opinion.
- Robert M Tarr, Manchester

Amazing, simply amazing. It seems as though the Commonwealth of MA should apologize to the State of NH for exporting its gun-fearing ways north of the border.

Twenty-six years ago, my sister warned me that by owning guns, I was opening myself "up to the path of violence". Strangely enough, I haven't shot anyone or even pointed a gun to anyone in all that time... and I have taught several people to safely shoot, too.

A gun is NOT the One Ring - it doesn't project an evil aura that magically turns it's owner to Evil. It's a device for propelling a projectile at high speed - nothing more. The danger lies with the CRIMINAL who uses it for evil ends... just as with the criminal who kills with a kitchen knife, baseball bat or car.

I'm already planning to attend this event... and inviting my nephew to attend with me. WE aren't afraid of a simple device... and we don't allow it to turn us to the Dark Side, either.

Perhaps all the people who are clamoring against this event are afraid that THEY might want to commit a crime with such a device?
- Ross S., Marlborough, MA

I can't wait to go! Guns are tools,criminals are criminals,lock up the criminals,problem solved.don't sacrifice my rights for criminals!!
- john, hancock,nh

Hey Bob (Tarr)
A pencil is a 'tool'. We teach kids in school not to run with them (and scissors) because it could poke out their eyes. What is wrong with having Hunter Education in school? The students would learn proper handling of this 'tool'. Do you have any opposition to that?
- Michael Bourne, Boston, MA

Bob Tarr has once again opined with his utter ignorance about guns..Newsflash, Bob..There are homes all across this State where firearms are present...homes with children! Responsible Parents teach their children about firearms safety, familiarization, and safe handling and storage. Any responsible firearm owner has proper storage for their firearms, instead of just chucking them in the back of their closet. Personally, I have a double-walled safe and the key is kept on me all the time. As for what the Police teaches...their lessons presume there are no firearms in homes. Second, fear is taught not respect. Perpetuation of fear is only one component for building an anti-gun constituency. I also have to say how deeply disappointed I am in Joe Levasseur and Mike Garrity. Here are a couple of guys who are well known for their independence, yet, they are following follow the mamby-pambys on this issue...just disappointing...
- Rick Olson, Manchester

This is an excellent opportunity for Republicans to take note of which politicians, including some Republicans, equate legal guns and legal gun owners with crime problems. Such a false correlation indicates a level of bad judgement, ignorance, or dishonesty that should easily disqualify that person from public office.
- Bob Stewart, Wilton, NH

I think this fund raiser is a great idea and I will probably attend. It should be a fun time for folks and their kids.

I'm embarrassed for the so-called "republicans" in this story who seem to think it's a bad idea and I still believe that Chris Pappas should be removed by the Democrats for his hate speech against gun owners.

It's truly unfortunate that bigots like Pappas and some of these ignorant RINOs (republicans in name only) always seem to come out of the woodwork to spew their hate at Americans who choose to exercise their 2nd amendment civil rights in a lawful, safe way.

We can only hope that at some point, the bigotry and hate directed at gun owners by these people will end. We may have to consider passing a "Gun Owner's Bill of Rights" in the legislature that will help hold people like Pappas accountable for their hate crimes.
- Jim Lynch, Wilton

I just want to thank Jerry Thibodeau for organizing this event and forcing into the light the anti-freedom, anti-second amendment republicans and even so-called libertarians. I always knew how most democrats felt, so comments by Jane Beaulieu and Chris Pppas are no suprise. It's nice to see the true feelings of people like Joe Levasseur and Steve Vaillancourt though. It will be remembered at the polls. Really, what does law-abiding citizens going to a shooting range have to do with crime?
- Paul Chauvin, Manchester

The Second Amendment is not about hunting (Mr. Edwards and Mr. Obahma, pay attention), it is about protecting oneself and the state. I recall an historical statement attributed to Japan's Admiral Yamamoto just before the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor. He had studied and worked in the United States and understood this nation's "Gun Culture" and its unique contribution to the USA's safety. His words were along these lines:
"An armed forces land attack on the United States mainland would be met by a rifle behind every blade of grass". In effect it was the threat of resistance by an armed citizenry had cancelled the idea of a Japanese army landing on our West Coast. Time after time it has been the armed citizen who has protected his or her life, the lives of their family and neighbors as well as their property. Unarmed citizens have the label "victim in waiting" painted all over themselves. Oh, and allow me to add that I am a former police officer and deputy sherrif. I endorse the proviso that owning a gun means that the owner should be trained in its use and handling.
- L. Ierardi, Amherst, NH

As a resident of Illinois where private ownership of firearms is restricted, it is sad to see the way that the 2nd Amendment is under attack in New Hampshire, the birthplace of my Merrimack County, 18th century patriot ancestors.
- Clay Leclaire, Cook County, IL

SIRS, HAVING BEEN BORN AND BROUGHT UP IN MANCHESTER AND BEING A FORMER MEMBER OF THE 172 FIELD ARTILERY[SHARP SHOOTER WITH THE GREASE GUN] IM APPALLED AT SOMETHING LIKE THIS WOULD BE HELD WHERE ANY ONE WOULD BE ALLOWED TO FIRE A WEAPON LIKE THIS, RANGE OFFICERS OR NOT, ITS DOWNRITE DANGEROUS AND NON-SENCICLE
- VINCE BOURK, BROUSSARD LA

All I have to say on the matter Joe Levasseur and others like him are going to find that their remarks are remembered at the polls by the largest group of voters that actually cast their vote based on 2nd Amendment issues... the shooting community. I know that when it comes to me personally, any chance of his getting my vote to become our next mayor just went down the drain.
- Adam Wells, Manchester

And some of you call yourselves Republicans? I say you are RINO’s, Republicans In Name Only.
- Ken Klinedinst, Warner, NH

Mr. Tarr
I hope you don't teach children ANYTHING with quotes from movies, especially ones that depict comic book charecters The machine gun shoot has been done for years.
- M. Ehrhardt, Manchester NH

It's easy to sense the fear in the comments of this event's critics. They fear firearms because they are ignorant of them, they have never learned how to use one properly, and maybe they've never even held one. All they know is the stuff they see in movies and video games. But firearms should be respected, not feared. Fear is an irrational response that leads to crazy behavior. If we really want gun safety, an event like this which offers some exposure and good instruction is exactly what we need. It will teach people how to really be safe and not just panic when they come across a gun. Unfortunately, those critics who are living in fear will undoubtedly not be in attendance.
- Tim Walsh, Hooksett

I am sure Michael Moore will be there to document the whole event. Its actually pretty sad to think that the democrats would condemn this fundraiser. I commend the Republicans for their boldness and not succumbing to politicaly correctness. Its a unique event and fulfills a curiousity that for most of us will never be fulfilled. With gun violence in Manchester it can be argued about its 'message'. Anybody attending is obviously a responsible person and understands as always that People kill People, not guns. If it was a dart throwing competition I am certain liberal democrats would still be complaining about the violence. Insert your item of choice and the results would be the same... squirt gun, water balloon, spitballs! The good news is that people are wising up and dismissing the democrats for the whining, liberal, jihad loving, national debt raising, deceptive, tax swelling group that they are. I hope readers attend the democratic party fundraising events at an abortion clinic near you.
- Michael Bourne, Boston, Ma

I think this is a great example of how some have lost focus on the firearms vs crime and violence. There are some in politics who assume that firearms are only used to commit crimes, and they deliberately, it seems, try to paint any event involving firearms as supporting violence. There was a time when firearms where far more common and crime far less violent. There seems to be a rise in crime with the increase in "gun" control. Oddly enough the same people who demand more gun control are often the same people who try to soften the punishment for crime. My theory is that if people would attend an event like this with an open mind they would realize that much ofthe information fed them by the anti-gun people, well meaning as they may seem, is garbage. Certainly anything from the mean-spirited, closed minded Mr Obermann on the well left of center MSNBC network would fall into the putrid category. This event is an unusual fundraiser and one I hope the nay sayers become embarrassed to say they opposed. Far from supporting violence, it is raising money and at the same time pointing out certain local politicians, both R & D, are not as open minded as they would pretend.
- Jeff Swett, Goffstown

I agree you can have fundraisers that don't include an event such as this. And even a Manchester Police Officer who visits with children in Manchester schools teaches them that guns are dangerous, never pick it up and they should tell an adult if they see or find one. This fund raiser being "Family-friendly" is sending a mixed message to kids who might attend with thier parents. Who do they believe? The officer or thier parents? If your son or daughter wants to be a sportsman, thats wonderful as long as they are remembered that guns are a tool, and all tools must be handled with care always. We need to work together to teach, reach out and help children understand about guns and gun safety. "With great power comes great responsibility; quote from Spiderman Movie I".
- Robert M Tarr, Manchester