Armed Protesters Lurking Outside Obama Speech Locations

The incident reported today in Arizona is not the first time that legally armed citizens have turned up at President Obama's speeches and rallies to voice their displeasure with some of the new president's policies. At least one armed man was present outside of a recent Obama appearance in New Hampshire, where he held a sign stating, "It is time to water the tree of liberty". That is a indirect reference to bloodshed and an ominous signal that the hardcore gun contingent is getting upset with Obama's policies.

That same man in New Hampshire told the Boston Globe, "It's a political statement. If you don't use your rights, then you lose your rights." Obviously, it's far more than a political statement. It's also an intimidation tactic by someone who understands that most of the people who support Obama are not going to come to his speeches armed.

The secret service was quick to point out that the armed citizens were possessing their weapons legally and that they are not allowed inside the venues. But authorities also note the increased risk for tragedy when people are openly armed amidst other groups who have sharply different political or cultural views.

It would seem to be only a matter of time before some sort of violence erupts, at which point gun rights advocates will point to the failures of law enforcement to prevent such tragedies. Anti-gun people will point to the people carrying weapons or the weapons themselves as the problem. And the circle of political debate will roll on.