A Tale of Two Guns At Obama's Town Hall
A protester on private property well outside the security perimeter established for Barack Obama's town hall meeting yesterday carried a pistol in an exposed "tactical" thigh rig hours before the President arrived in New Hampshire. He got quite a bit of attention for his rather foolish effort.
There was absolutely nothing illegal about his actions, much to the consternation of the media, but it was still a pointless bit of provocation. In addition to being armed, he was holding a sign that said "It's time to water the tree of Liberty," an obvious reference to the famous Thomas Jefferson quote, "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time, with the blood of patriots and tyrants."So who and what is William Kostric? The sign itself provides the first clue about what kind of person Kostric is and who he associates with, with the URL to restoretherepublic.com printed prominently at the bottom. The site clearly identifies itself as part of the fringe "free state" movement, and actively promotes various conspiracy theories... and of course, Ron Paul. A left-wing blog claims to have found his MySpace page, and it appears to confirm that Kostric is—well,—what most of us would call nuts. All that aside, like Gaius, I'm curious...
Posted by: Confederate Yankee at 12:33 PM
Comments
1
when did American patriots; conspiracy recognitionists, American constitutionalists, people who quote Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, George Washington and others, people who believe that the second amendment is the original homeland security, anyone who supports the cause of individual liberty and personal freedoms, anyone who believes the position of Ron Paul is of value, anyone who does not believe in the Obama dream of American socialism and marxist philosophy, or who denounce the communist left movement become radical?
Posted by: David at August 12, 2009 01:56 PM (B9QvW)
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He may be nuts but he did what we all should do. Declare our rights. Make a point. Isn't a major part of a demonstration to provoke, if not a physical response, some sort of emotional one, positive or negative?
Posted by: pacific_waters at August 12, 2009 02:05 PM (jettP)
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I wonder how the search of the vehicle will hold up in court?
He had a pocket knife in the building, right? Does that give a strong case of probable cause to search his vehicle - which it would seem he was far away from at the time???
If he were strapped with bombs about his person, OK. If he was smuggling in an AK-47, OK.
Even if he were arrested for having the pocket knife, OK --- once you are arrested, processing your vehicle is routine: they don't just leave the vehicle at the scene, and since they are in effect taking it into custody, they will inventory the contents as a matter of record keeping at least. Whatever they find illegal as they go through its contents is fair game in court.
But, searching his car without arresting him for having a pocket knife? I don't know about that one....I'd think a good lawyer in a liberal-friendly court might get that one tossed...
He had a pocket knife in the building, right? Does that give a strong case of probable cause to search his vehicle - which it would seem he was far away from at the time???
If he were strapped with bombs about his person, OK. If he was smuggling in an AK-47, OK.
Even if he were arrested for having the pocket knife, OK --- once you are arrested, processing your vehicle is routine: they don't just leave the vehicle at the scene, and since they are in effect taking it into custody, they will inventory the contents as a matter of record keeping at least. Whatever they find illegal as they go through its contents is fair game in court.
But, searching his car without arresting him for having a pocket knife? I don't know about that one....I'd think a good lawyer in a liberal-friendly court might get that one tossed...
Posted by: usinkorea at August 12, 2009 02:09 PM (gf7Fp)
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He's nuts because he believes very strongly in the same ideals and values of the founders of our nation?
Yours is exactly the attitude that allowed a Marxist celebrity to become the president.
You insinuate that words on a sign and the fact that he had a gun indicate that he favors killing the leaders of our government in some maniacal coup. The quotation his sign refers to warns us simply that if we want to retain the liberties we've been given, we must be willing to fight for them.
Yours is exactly the attitude that allowed a Marxist celebrity to become the president.
You insinuate that words on a sign and the fact that he had a gun indicate that he favors killing the leaders of our government in some maniacal coup. The quotation his sign refers to warns us simply that if we want to retain the liberties we've been given, we must be willing to fight for them.
Posted by: jq2122 at August 12, 2009 02:16 PM (SVZnQ)
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Apparently there are a lot of nuts out there. How many States have passed resolutions lately declaring independence from federal mandates under the 10th Amendment?
The man may be a nut but he had every right to be there with the sign he was carrying.
I truly believe that one day the people will have to rise up and take their government back or they will lose all the freedoms guaranteed by God and our founders. It may not be in my lifetime but it will happen.
The man may be a nut but he had every right to be there with the sign he was carrying.
I truly believe that one day the people will have to rise up and take their government back or they will lose all the freedoms guaranteed by God and our founders. It may not be in my lifetime but it will happen.
Posted by: TNHunter at August 12, 2009 03:12 PM (zSsxP)
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Pacific_Waters seems to have forgotten how the President won the election. It was the state by state caucuses where people got together to (god forbid) discuss the situation, make themselves heard, and (beyond all reason) come to a conclusion. Hillary, you will recall, didn't get it.
The purpose is not to "provoke an emotional response." This is the act of a bully, the act of one who is not interested in participation, regardless of whatever civic duty calls them to do so.
The purpose is to convince your fellow citizens the justness of your cause, and gather support.
But it appears you would rather do it at gunpoint.
The purpose is not to "provoke an emotional response." This is the act of a bully, the act of one who is not interested in participation, regardless of whatever civic duty calls them to do so.
The purpose is to convince your fellow citizens the justness of your cause, and gather support.
But it appears you would rather do it at gunpoint.
Posted by: James at August 12, 2009 03:36 PM (gS7nN)
Posted by: Steve at August 12, 2009 04:25 PM (yOpUh)
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I would love to hear which conspiracies David recognizes. I haven't had my daily dose of crazy today. Also, how much you want to bet that jq2122, didn't vote for McCain, but threw his/her vote away on a fringe lunatic candidate or didn't vote at all because his PATRIOTIC candidate received less than 6% of the vote in the primary?
Posted by: BohicaTwentyTwo at August 12, 2009 04:33 PM (oC8nQ)
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If our government accuses the people at these town halls rebels and un American just because they disagree with political policy it is a sad day in America. It is American to voice your opinion, only when our elected representatives refuse to listen to the people by supressing free speach and verbally attacking them, the people have little alternative than to go underground or become violent. Heaven forbit! But our elected representatives force decent by ignoring the people that voted them into their lush life of money and power they will do anything to keep.
Stick to the Consititution for enlightenment fellow Americans. Yes We Can
Stick to the Consititution for enlightenment fellow Americans. Yes We Can
Posted by: Chuck at August 12, 2009 04:35 PM (T3Lqh)
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What conspiracy? People are mad at what is happening in DC. Our government is spending money on stupid projects and killing our future economy. Certainly there is some response to the economy. But in the long haul the moves that our government is making will kill us. Consider the cap and trade, health care, and on and on. All taxes at a time when we can't have tax hikes. The answer is a new government.
Posted by: David at August 12, 2009 05:35 PM (JlB2o)
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RE: The guy with the pistol in his [car] actually it was his truck. He owns a Masonry Co. and carries a gun all the time. Which is legal if it is not concealed, but his was (it was in a bag).
The reason he was searched inside the High School is that he supposedly entered the building without going through "security".
If he gave permission to have his truck searched is not stated in any news article. The local Sheriff recommended that he be released on his own recognizance.
One of his employees stated that he is just forgetful and made a mistake.
RE: Pistol Packing Patriot. He most likely had to buy another ear piece for his [whatever] because the one that came with it was a piece of crap and had to be replaced with a good one.
He was on private property with permission from the owners [a Church]. Did he want to make a statement? Evidently he is an "Open Carry" advocate, and there are thousands of them. They intend to make the public aware of their rights by demonstrating those rights. This is nothing new to many that live in states that allow open carry. In some states the weapon must be unloaded, and the authorities have the right to ask to verify that it is unloaded. But other than that, there is no problems with open carry in those states. Other states the pistol does not have to be unloaded, in some the pistol has to be registered or licensed.
It can be very confusing. Always know your state law and local laws. Some cities have their own rules and regs.
I know a few Ron Paul supporters and none of them are nuts or dangerous unless you screw with them.
Where I live it is not uncommon to see guns on people or in their vehicles. But be aware there are many more that you don't see, because they have concealed carry permits and yes that includes many, many women.
We take our rights seriously around here, but that doesn't make us radicals, it just makes us Texans.
And needless to say, we are proud of it.
Papa Ray
West Texas
The reason he was searched inside the High School is that he supposedly entered the building without going through "security".
If he gave permission to have his truck searched is not stated in any news article. The local Sheriff recommended that he be released on his own recognizance.
One of his employees stated that he is just forgetful and made a mistake.
RE: Pistol Packing Patriot. He most likely had to buy another ear piece for his [whatever] because the one that came with it was a piece of crap and had to be replaced with a good one.
He was on private property with permission from the owners [a Church]. Did he want to make a statement? Evidently he is an "Open Carry" advocate, and there are thousands of them. They intend to make the public aware of their rights by demonstrating those rights. This is nothing new to many that live in states that allow open carry. In some states the weapon must be unloaded, and the authorities have the right to ask to verify that it is unloaded. But other than that, there is no problems with open carry in those states. Other states the pistol does not have to be unloaded, in some the pistol has to be registered or licensed.
It can be very confusing. Always know your state law and local laws. Some cities have their own rules and regs.
I know a few Ron Paul supporters and none of them are nuts or dangerous unless you screw with them.
Where I live it is not uncommon to see guns on people or in their vehicles. But be aware there are many more that you don't see, because they have concealed carry permits and yes that includes many, many women.
We take our rights seriously around here, but that doesn't make us radicals, it just makes us Texans.
And needless to say, we are proud of it.
Papa Ray
West Texas
Posted by: Papa Ray at August 12, 2009 07:54 PM (JpVJn)
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Wow! I thought this was a website for thoughtful, informed people with common sense. I guess I was wrong. I am a huge advocate for the right to bear arms in any circumstance but there is such a thing as good judgement. I have been speaking of a million gun owner march on Washington but I have been very adamant about the carrying of weapons and military gear. If you want to impress the masses with your power don't do stupid things especially when the other side is just waiting for you.
Most of you seem to have forgotten Michelle's comment about the ear piece. It doesn't look like any ear piece for a MP3 player. It looks like something a Secret Service person would wear. I think it is a very good question like who is on the other end of Obamas Blackberry. Who else was on the earpiece? Friend of foe? Was this a set up? He seems the type that could easily be duped into a provocative act by others.
Most of you seem to have forgotten Michelle's comment about the ear piece. It doesn't look like any ear piece for a MP3 player. It looks like something a Secret Service person would wear. I think it is a very good question like who is on the other end of Obamas Blackberry. Who else was on the earpiece? Friend of foe? Was this a set up? He seems the type that could easily be duped into a provocative act by others.
Posted by: Calvin at August 12, 2009 08:52 PM (f1SnB)
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The ear piece could just be a blue tooth thingy.
Posted by: Lipiwitz at August 13, 2009 12:55 AM (bhNGz)
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If he was some sort of Obama plant as the paranoid loonies seem to think, he probably wouldn't have gone on Hardball yesterday. I mean, the guy is actually quite an intelligent man. If Obama was trying to have a "plant" than he probably would've come off as being more extreme and radical and paranoid but instead, he was quite rational. Stupid but rational.
Posted by: Lipiwitz at August 13, 2009 12:58 AM (bhNGz)
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I'm with Calvin and CY on this one.
I'm about as mad as I can get with the how the media and leading Dems are demonizing the protesters, and I'm not against gun rights, but the guy was ignorant for doing what he did. He'll do more to harm his cause than help it.
As for the sign, he was clearly hinting at the need to wet some people to defend democracy every once in awhile, and since he brought and displayed the tool to carry out such an action, the Secret Service would have been brain dead not to respond to the guy.
We're not talking about an everyday situation here - regardless of who the president is and how much I disagree with him.
I'm about as mad as I can get with the how the media and leading Dems are demonizing the protesters, and I'm not against gun rights, but the guy was ignorant for doing what he did. He'll do more to harm his cause than help it.
As for the sign, he was clearly hinting at the need to wet some people to defend democracy every once in awhile, and since he brought and displayed the tool to carry out such an action, the Secret Service would have been brain dead not to respond to the guy.
We're not talking about an everyday situation here - regardless of who the president is and how much I disagree with him.
Posted by: usinkorea at August 13, 2009 02:39 AM (7VLo4)
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"...it appears you would rather do it at gunpoint."
Posted by James at August 12, 2009 03:36 PM
The gun was pointed at mother Earth-duh.
Posted by James at August 12, 2009 03:36 PM
The gun was pointed at mother Earth-duh.
Posted by: Pinandpuller at August 13, 2009 06:17 AM (aRm4V)
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I thought that NH was an unrestricted state-meaning that you can open or conceal carry without a license. But your gun has to be registered or you're going to jail? Doesn't make any sense.
I also thought that public nudity is not against the law there.
I also thought that public nudity is not against the law there.
Posted by: Pinandpuller at August 13, 2009 06:20 AM (aRm4V)
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So we have various police agencies and SS on one side with guns and this gentlemen standing out in a crowd open carrying on the other. No shots were exchanged, no guns were brandished and no violence resulted yet y'all would have us believe that the gun cause has been damaged. Please.
I'm sure the former were a lot more worried about the ones they couldn't see.
Considering how the past two Dem presidents treated their SS it's a wonder anyone wants to sign up to be a meat shield.
I'm sure the former were a lot more worried about the ones they couldn't see.
Considering how the past two Dem presidents treated their SS it's a wonder anyone wants to sign up to be a meat shield.
Posted by: Pinandpuller at August 13, 2009 06:29 AM (aRm4V)
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Could it be that the media gave it to him for the interview? I really don't know.
Posted by: Larry at August 13, 2009 11:00 AM (v9zij)
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"Pacific_Waters seems to have forgotten how the President won the election. It was the state by state caucuses where people got together to (god forbid) discuss the situation, make themselves heard, and (beyond all reason) come to a conclusion. Hillary, you will recall, didn't get it."
Not quite - After Obama won the Democratic nomination, some of the Clinton supporters outlined how he got there -the caucuses turned into "Get-in-their-faces" (Where have we heard this before) confrontations. You know - union intimidation tactics but directed at any caucus Dems not backing Obama.
Not quite - After Obama won the Democratic nomination, some of the Clinton supporters outlined how he got there -the caucuses turned into "Get-in-their-faces" (Where have we heard this before) confrontations. You know - union intimidation tactics but directed at any caucus Dems not backing Obama.
Posted by: davod at August 13, 2009 11:32 AM (GUZAT)
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Public nudity is legal there? See ya all in a few days!
Posted by: Lipiwitz at August 13, 2009 06:20 PM (OX5qU)
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...Why is Captain Conspiracy wearing an earpiece?
Do not assume that because your question is both logical and reasonable that the answer will be either, much less both.
Crazy is as crazy does and it is as likely that his earpiece was in contact with extraterrestrials as with any other potential co-conspirator(s).
Do not assume that because your question is both logical and reasonable that the answer will be either, much less both.
Crazy is as crazy does and it is as likely that his earpiece was in contact with extraterrestrials as with any other potential co-conspirator(s).
Posted by: ThomasD at August 13, 2009 09:27 PM (jVrU7)
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SCOTUS has already established that no one is entitled to exercise more than any one right granted by the Constitution at anyone time.
To do otherwise is tantamount to treason - for example, you may exercise your 'right to life' as granted in the Constitution, as much as you want. But to do so and then try on some religion, public speech, privacy, or self-protection - you are TOAST.
To do otherwise is tantamount to treason - for example, you may exercise your 'right to life' as granted in the Constitution, as much as you want. But to do so and then try on some religion, public speech, privacy, or self-protection - you are TOAST.
Posted by: Druid at August 13, 2009 11:26 PM (Gct7d)
24
Not that it really matters but to clear up a few points.
NH's motto is "Live free or Die" and we still to some degree live by that.
Open carry is legal,
you need a permit for concealed,
you don't need to register handguns.
But this is New England not the Keys, so no public nudity.
NH's motto is "Live free or Die" and we still to some degree live by that.
Open carry is legal,
you need a permit for concealed,
you don't need to register handguns.
But this is New England not the Keys, so no public nudity.
Posted by: Bill in NH at August 16, 2009 05:57 PM (MFQJZ)
25
I'd like to see Americans of every race, creed and color bring guns to any future event with George W Bush or Dick Cheney.
Posted by: TexasCowboy at August 18, 2009 04:50 PM (uDanc)
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