What makes a man...carry an assault rifle at a health care reform rally?

Earlier this week, a man was spotted carrying an assault rifle outside President Obama's health care reform rally in Phoenix, Arizona. Although it was later reported that the interview with the man was staged to make a "statement," it left many wondering, including me, what exactly that statement was. Was it that he and every American has the right to bear arms...that seems too simple and obvious. Perhaps that we must hold on to our guns with a vise-like grip, ever fearful of a government that is intent on passing legislation to increase its own power with one hand while using the other hand to deprive us of yet another liberty...that seems a little paranoid. Maybe it was simply for protection...hopefully not.

What does it say about the safety of our streets and our faith in the common man when a loaded firearm is needed to provide us sufficient solace to walk amongst our neighbors? It says that we no longer believe people are inherently good. It says that the average person walking down the street is untrustworthy. It says that when we step outside our homes we must be ever fearful of fellow Americans. This is no way to live.

Let us exercise our 2nd amendment right for hunting and sport, not as a display of distrust while walking among God's children.