is it appropriate even if legal to carry a firearm to a public forum?

What's funny is that Bush used to have "free speech zones" half a mile away from his speeches where they would contain all the protesters. He didn't even allow protesters to be on the same city block as him and the "conservatives" defended that action to the end...

Such hypocrites.

As others have mentioned, flying an airplane is NOT a right guaranteed under the Constitution of the United States; whereas bearing arms IS! The article I read regarding the matter you speak of (at least I think it’s the same protest) showed nothing but the integrity of law abiding gun owners. How many arrests were made regarding people who were peacefully protesting while carrying a fire arm? ZERO! With all those firearms, how many attempts of the President’s life were made? ZERO! People do not automatically become criminals because they are within range of certain politicians. If you have the legal right to carry a firearm (concealed or not) in your own home and hometown, why should this right be revoked the moment you step into a bank, federal building, or within a mile the President of the United States of America? If our freedoms can be taken away on a temporary basis, then what more action would be required to take away certain freedoms PERMANENTLY? Who are YOU to decide when and where I (as a law abiding citizen) am allowed to lawfully carry firearm? I am a member of the National Rifle Association and Veteran of US Military just so you know, and will give up my gun when they pull it from my cold dead hand.

In America, we are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Suspending a constitutional right with the assumption of guilt is going down a very troubling path.

Public assembly on public property is a right. Flying in an aircraft is not a right. Private property can restrict carrying firearms, public can not.

I wonder if during the founding of our country, they did not allow firearms to be carried to town hall meetings.

If the people carrying the firearms threaten or use the firearm in a threatening way, then throw the book at them. Until they commit a violation of the law, then they have the right to do what they will. What is next, not carrying a firearm on sidewalks, freeways, public lands, national parks?...where should it end and who will decide.

Well, if one carries it everywhere else then I see no reason to not carry it to the public forums, one would simply be exercising the right.

If someone doesn't normally carry their gun and just feels the need to bring it to the public forums for the reason of intimidating those of a different opinion, then indeed it is inappropriate.

Hi

I am against violence and gun culture.

but, The appropriateness or not is relative and subjective

Depends on the person profile and the place profile.

You might have to carry one in the night if you visit or cross over a place of potential mugging and life threat. certainly you can't leave it in car.

High profile person who is fearing his life, whose life is under threat needs a gun for security.

VLV

Lawful? Usually, yes. Appropriate? That depends on who you ask. Personally, I see no reason for it. However, there are some that do and it is within their legal right to do so.

Why would you assume armed citizens would make a public forum MORE dangerous?

Don't you think that a "rogue shooter" would think twice if he knew that the second he pulls out a gun and aims it at the stage, he'd have 40 guys around him drawing down on him?

I agree fully. I have a concealed carry license and believe in private gun ownership, but agree that you must have common sense in certain situations. You just leave it in the car.

I believe the unthinkers were just trying to illustrate a point and not seriously thinking they would need protection.

A bigger shame that because of obama thugs beating up old men at these meeting you have to carry a gun for protection. Sorry dude, they are not in Chicago and those mafia thugs don't work. Want my gun to stay home, tell your thugs to keep their hands to themselves. Funny how the thugs are hiding while people like you whine. Where was your fake outrage when they beat a old black man handing out flags? Nowhere obviously, I guess you liberals support old black men getting beaten. Racist, shame on you

"I as a legal gun owner, would have no problem with temporary restrictions being placed on laws or rights concerning .."

-This kind of thinking makes me so ashamed.

Yes it is appropriate.