Gun-control opponents rally in Harrisburg


Monday, April 07, 2008


By Tom Barnes, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette


HARRISBURG -- Republican talk show host Alan Keyes didn't do too well when he ran for president in 1996 and 2000, or when he ran against Democrat Barack Obama for U.S. senator from Illinois in 2004.


But he was clearly the star of a boisterous gun-rights rally held in the Capitol rotunda this morning, as several hundred gun owners, target shooters, hunters and sportsmen from around Pennsylvania sent a clear message to state legislators -- don't interfere with a person's Second Amendment right to bear arms.


"I know the gun-control people say they are about the preservation of human life,'' Mr. Keyes said in a thunderous voice. "But you cannot defend life if you give up the means of that defense,'' meaning having a weapon for self-protection in your house.


"I speak in defense of human life,'' he said. "You have the right to stand in defense of your families, your children and your home."


The rally was led by state Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, R-Cranberry, with several dozen lawmakers standing in support behind him. Most were Republicans, but Rep. Marc Gergely, D-White Oak, also gave strong support for "law-abiding firearms owners.''


Last week the House soundly defeated a measure that would have required handgun owners to report to police within 72 hours after discovering a handgun was lost or stolen. There would have been penalties for owners who failed to report.


Gun advocates said such a law would turn many law-abiding gun owners into people with a police record simply for forgetting where they put their gun.


Another gun-related bill, sponsored by Mr. Metcalfe, was approved last week by the House. It would provide potential victims of domestic abuse with an emergency 90-day license to carry a oncealed firearm, enough time to apply for and get a permanent license.


First published on April 7, 2008 at 12:13 pm