Today I joined some of my colleagues from southern Maryland, some Episcopal clergy, for a trip to Annapolis. We attended the Rally For Gun Safety, a Rally in support of the reform that Governor O'Malley has proposed for Maryland.
The Lawyer's Mall in Annapolis was packed with clergy, laity, and secular folks, including gun owners, all gathered to support reform. I saw United Methodists from around Maryland as well as Sikhs, Jews, Unitarian/Universalists, senior citizens, children, and everyone in between.
It was a great rally. There were many good arguments in support of the reform - including one speaker who comes from not only a long line of hunters, but also a family who owned a gun store for a few generations. His biggest argument was that any civilian who needs 10 rounds at a time obviously needs to learn how to shoot. (This was not just a joke, but also a reminder that training in firearms/hunting is also included in the legislation for a reason).
The crowds that were there were actually less than I expected. I thought this was a hugely controversial issue. I thought a number of people cared about it passionately on both sides. There were many people in Annapolis today, but to me, the crowds didn't seem as big as the hype. I think my view of political action is tainted by my experience growing up in Vermont. There were no more people at the rally today that you would find at a typical New England Town Meeting. There were less people than I remember being at the Vermont state house in 1999 when gay marriage / civil unions were being discussed and debated. And, there seemed to be much less emotion and passion on each side. Maybe that's because this debate was about "taking away" something (the right to own any kind of gun you want, no questions asked) instead of fighting to add something (marriage equality). Maybe as humans we fight much harder when we see inequality. I pray that's what it is. I pray that we continue to fight whenever we see injustice and inequality. I also pray for those on all sides of this firearm safety (aka gun control) debate. It's a tough issue, but many lives depend upon it.
The Lawyer's Mall in Annapolis was packed with clergy, laity, and secular folks, including gun owners, all gathered to support reform. I saw United Methodists from around Maryland as well as Sikhs, Jews, Unitarian/Universalists, senior citizens, children, and everyone in between.
It was a great rally. There were many good arguments in support of the reform - including one speaker who comes from not only a long line of hunters, but also a family who owned a gun store for a few generations. His biggest argument was that any civilian who needs 10 rounds at a time obviously needs to learn how to shoot. (This was not just a joke, but also a reminder that training in firearms/hunting is also included in the legislation for a reason).
Annapolis was packed today. This morning the house was talking about the death penalty repeal - large crowds were expected for that... but from what I could tell, were no where near those that came for the gun control debate. The crowd at the pro-reform rally were not alone. There were plenty of people there to advocate for NOT passing any reform as well. From what I could tell all of them were gun owners. Many are testifying now. So are the advocates for reform. They began the joint hearing shortly after noon and expect to continue hearing testimony until around 1am tomorrow (at which point, even if they're not done, they will call it a night). Our group decided we would let the testifying be left to the big-wigs (the Episcopal Bishop was asked to testify, and I'm fairly certain there was someone from the UMC asked as well), so we headed home after the rally.
The crowds that were there were actually less than I expected. I thought this was a hugely controversial issue. I thought a number of people cared about it passionately on both sides. There were many people in Annapolis today, but to me, the crowds didn't seem as big as the hype. I think my view of political action is tainted by my experience growing up in Vermont. There were no more people at the rally today that you would find at a typical New England Town Meeting. There were less people than I remember being at the Vermont state house in 1999 when gay marriage / civil unions were being discussed and debated. And, there seemed to be much less emotion and passion on each side. Maybe that's because this debate was about "taking away" something (the right to own any kind of gun you want, no questions asked) instead of fighting to add something (marriage equality). Maybe as humans we fight much harder when we see inequality. I pray that's what it is. I pray that we continue to fight whenever we see injustice and inequality. I also pray for those on all sides of this firearm safety (aka gun control) debate. It's a tough issue, but many lives depend upon it.
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