Lack of "Open Carry" Law Makes Protest in Arizona Interesting

The state of Arizona does not have an "open carry"was taking place in the state of Arizona, the police of
gun law. Thus, any person in Arizona can carry a gunArizona were not in control. Places where a President
in any public area, like a sidewalk and parks. Untilspeaks are temporarily controlled by the federal
recently this was not a very well known fact, but itgovernment, and the federal government does not
was highlighted by a man carrying an assault rifle atallow unauthorized people to carry guns. In other
an organized protest outside a building wherewords, the federal government does have an "open
President Obama was speaking about healthcare.carry" law and any unauthorized person carrying an
According to the police and the Secret Service theassault rifle would have been arrested.
President was never in danger.Some people argue that the federal law violates the
Police were informed of the man carrying the gun,Right to Bear Arms guaranteed in Amendment 2 of
but could not bring him in for private air conditioningthe Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights is the first ten
Phoenix style. Although some protesters wereamendments to the Constitution. The Right to Bear
concerned, the man was allowed to keep his weaponArms is historically rooted to Colonial Times when the
slung over his shoulder throughout the protest. ThisBritish denied the Colonists' right to have guns.
may sound concerning because the man was with aDevelopment of assault weapons and automatic guns
large group of people and near the President, butin the 1970s caused many to demand for gun control
police really believe everyone was safe, including thelaws. The man carrying the assault rifle truly
President.highlighted this debate in the same way air
Had the man tried to enter the building where theconditioning Mesa highlights the need for reforming
President was speaking he would not have enjoyedour nation's energy consumption.
the Arizona AC for very long. Although the speech