Friday, July 10, 2009
Sports Bikes and Guns
Posted by Eli Sanders on Fri, Jul 10, 2009 at 1:04 PM
Received today from a man who assumes we aren't going to consider this a great idea:
Tomorrow I intend to complete the Seattle to Portland bicycle ride while openly carrying a loaded pistol. I've carefully reviewed the relevant laws of Washington and Oregon with which I shall comply. I'm willing to submit to an interview on this subject and thought you'd be interested, given your doubts about the subject.I've served in the Navy aboard submarines, qualifying with and carrying a semiautomatic pistol thereon. I'm a member of the Washington Progressive Alliance, registered as a democrat and will admit to bisexuality and Athiesm. I've ridden bicycles as a means of commuting for many years but only in the past few have I started to ride long distances; I finished the STP in two days last year... this time I'm planning to finish in one. Could there be a better person to dispel the myth that all gun owners are bible thumping, politically regressive fundamentalists? Maybe, but you go to press with the references you have, not those you might want.
I'm planning to be back in Seattle on Sunday, give me a call any time. Also, I'll be twittering away throughout the ride as @sleepylemur on #bikeSTP.
Kind regards,
Lee Colleton
Suggested questions for the packing-while-riding Mr. Colleton?
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4
It's not the idea that all gun owners are "bible thumping, politically regressive fundamentalists" that worries us. It's the fear that they are all impulsive morons. This "press release" does absolutely nothing to dispel that fear.
5
Agreed with #4, this guy sounds like everyone I've ever met with something to prove (who then buys a gun).
I guess I'd like you to ask him just how tiny his dick is.
I guess I'd like you to ask him just how tiny his dick is.
6
Ask him to tape it to his head so the barrel points straight down! That would make my day. I'm not saying I want him to die or anything, or even that he deserves to; I just like humorous yet horribly dumb stuff.
7
Yeah, gurldoggie, all gun owners are 'impulsive morons'.... Yep, that's right, that's shore 'nuff right....
I suppose you agree with Dan Savage that anyone who owns a gun is, by definition, a 'gun nut'...
Wow....
I suppose you agree with Dan Savage that anyone who owns a gun is, by definition, a 'gun nut'...
Wow....
11
I dunno dude, twittering while riding a bicycle is a kinda dangerous, don't you think? Seriously. Bicycling while texting is worse than bicycling drunk. And I speak from experience here.
If bicycles are truly to be held to car standards --(and no, I don't think they should be, they aren't cars after all)-- you might get cited for a moving violation. ESPECIALLY if the cops think you're taunting them by carrying a loaded pistol.
Anyway, everyone knows you can't fight off bears with a pistol. You need a bullwhip, and a gimp to distract them.
If bicycles are truly to be held to car standards --(and no, I don't think they should be, they aren't cars after all)-- you might get cited for a moving violation. ESPECIALLY if the cops think you're taunting them by carrying a loaded pistol.
Anyway, everyone knows you can't fight off bears with a pistol. You need a bullwhip, and a gimp to distract them.
12
I would like to ask him why on earth he is doing this? Or better yet, why he thinks that someone riding a bike is going to “dispel the myth that all gun owners are bible thumping, politically regressive fundamentalists” (if there even is such a myth to begin with)?
14
so. . . um. . . ever fired the pistol while riding a bike?
Last time i fired a weapon. . . the recoil isn't non-existent like they show in the movies. Good luck keeping your balance.
Last time i fired a weapon. . . the recoil isn't non-existent like they show in the movies. Good luck keeping your balance.
15
Is a semi automatic the best defense from a 3,200 lb vehicle that might side swipe you? You might need something with more stopping power, no?
16
If every bisexual atheist bicyclist started packing, I wonder how soon the NRA would start pushing for gun control laws.
17
@15 in fairness to Mr Colleton, we don't know the caliber of said pistol, but I do not imagine even a 45 would be much of a match for a GMC Yukon.
18
Yes, Merry @ 7, that is correct. If you carry a gun around I know you are dangerous and I assume you are crazy. Please stay far far away from me and my family. Thanks.
19
Not sure why LGBT peeps don't "pack heat" more. (and by packing heat I mean owning / carrying guns. . . settle)
I mean, being trans and all, I'm the one more likely to need to protect myself, no?
Isn't the mark of a healthy society one where EVERYONE carries a loaded weapon?
I mean, being trans and all, I'm the one more likely to need to protect myself, no?
Isn't the mark of a healthy society one where EVERYONE carries a loaded weapon?
20
Ask him Dan's question: How come the only civil right you guys are willing to fight to defend is the 2nd Amendment?
24
One purpose of stricter gun control laws would be to prevent their appearance in situations that are inappropriate. Aside from making your "statement," what could possibly be appropriate about wearing a loaded gun on the STP?
If there is nothing - which I believe - the only thing you will accomplish is bringing attention to yourself. Congratulations! That's just what loaded handguns are for!
If there is nothing - which I believe - the only thing you will accomplish is bringing attention to yourself. Congratulations! That's just what loaded handguns are for!
25
Is he wearing the standard bicycling spandex? If so, where's he going to stash his gun? Or is he going to brandish it throughout the entire trip?
26
If he falls off his bike while twittering and his gun goes off and shoots a cyclist, or a nearby cow, he's not going to be very popular.
I say we trade him back to the bible-thumping politically regressive fundamentalists for some prospects.
I say we trade him back to the bible-thumping politically regressive fundamentalists for some prospects.
29
Keshmeshi, if you're watching the http://dottypinhole.wordpress.com/2008/0…">Tour de France, I'm sure you've noticed that those riders are packing plenty of heat in the usual place. He could stuff it down there.
30
Ask him what he means by saying he "will admit" to bisexuality and atheism, as though those were crimes or interesting personality traits or something.
31
@19: I can think of lots of societies where everyone carries a loaded weapon (Somali, Afghanistan...) but none that I would consider healthy.
34
@32
If by "gun owners" you mean douchebags that think its a good idea to ride the STP with a semi-automatic? Then yes, color me prejudiced.
If by "gun owners" you mean douchebags that think its a good idea to ride the STP with a semi-automatic? Then yes, color me prejudiced.
35
Ask him if he knows what kind of pen Lance Armstong uses to sign autographs?
(a Uni-ball)
then ask him if he'll twitter about it in detail for us when he blows his own nads off.
(a Uni-ball)
then ask him if he'll twitter about it in detail for us when he blows his own nads off.
37
You Sloggers are usually a fairly reasonable bunch, you really are... But if there is one issue that glaringly highlights your citified-insularity, it's guns...
Yeah, living in the city you don't come into contact with guns very much.. You see no real reason to own one yourself, since the city comes stocked with police (and they are there in seconds to help you whenever you need them, right? right??).. so you can just foist off your responsibility to them, they get paid for it, right? (That 'responsibility' I mean is your own self-defense. That's for the police to do, right?)
By your hysterical knee-jerk anti-gun posts you display, among other things, your lack of knowledge of or experience with any kind of rural existence. (People who live outside of The City don't count in any meaningful way, do they?) This, of course, also points up your sadly provincial urbanism here in The Emerald City, where no crazy person ever attacks and kills a man leaving Safeco Field with his family, and no crazy person ever attacks a man in broad daylight in Westlake Center (that man survived, he was 'packing'), and no crazy person ever runs up and stabs a woman to death on New Year's Eve.
Oh, wait...........
Yeah, living in the city you don't come into contact with guns very much.. You see no real reason to own one yourself, since the city comes stocked with police (and they are there in seconds to help you whenever you need them, right? right??).. so you can just foist off your responsibility to them, they get paid for it, right? (That 'responsibility' I mean is your own self-defense. That's for the police to do, right?)
By your hysterical knee-jerk anti-gun posts you display, among other things, your lack of knowledge of or experience with any kind of rural existence. (People who live outside of The City don't count in any meaningful way, do they?) This, of course, also points up your sadly provincial urbanism here in The Emerald City, where no crazy person ever attacks and kills a man leaving Safeco Field with his family, and no crazy person ever attacks a man in broad daylight in Westlake Center (that man survived, he was 'packing'), and no crazy person ever runs up and stabs a woman to death on New Year's Eve.
Oh, wait...........
38
@29,
I did consider that, but perhaps falsely assumed that he's not interested in winning a Darwin award.
I did consider that, but perhaps falsely assumed that he's not interested in winning a Darwin award.
40
I don't think one even needs to have a negative opinion about guns to conclude that packing a pistol on a popular days-long bike ride is stupid.
Fnarf and pragmatic's baseball repartee "for the win" (wince).
Fnarf and pragmatic's baseball repartee "for the win" (wince).
41
Until today, I couldn't decide what was worse: a gun-loving hardass or a bike-loving hardass. I never thought to combine the two. Thanks, Lee.
43
Advice? Bring a lawyer and bail money? Oh...and make sure your last will and testament is up to date. Because I wouldn't trust too terribly much in the cool, calm, sensible nerves of whatever policeperson it is that happens to see you peddling down the road with that gun strapped to your side. They will stop you, and they will have their guns drawn.
44
The escalation in purse snatchings and drive bys all over WA make firearms the de rigeur accessory.
The NW is descending back to its frontier roots. Everyman for himself.
Snowboards with lo jacks and gated expresso stands are the new norm.
Unarmed in Seattle? Not if you value your life!
The NW is descending back to its frontier roots. Everyman for himself.
Snowboards with lo jacks and gated expresso stands are the new norm.
Unarmed in Seattle? Not if you value your life!
45
I did the ride last year, I'm black and I had some hicks in their pick-up trucks scream "nigger" at me near St. Helen's Oregon. That's the NICEST thing they could've done considering that I didn't have any other cyclist that very close to me for that part of the ride. They could easily ran me down in their truck if they wanted and sped away w/o getting their license plate read by anyone. So I don't think a gun would be necessary but I'm just giving you once case where someone might've liked to have a gun to scare some dumb country Pac NW hicks.
46
@37 okay I'll bite:
"By your hysterical knee-jerk anti-gun posts you display, among other things, your lack of knowledge of or experience with any kind of rural existence."
I grew-up in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. I was shooting since i was Five. I owned a high powered rife when I was ten. I shot and killed a black bear when I was thirteen. . . out hunting by myself.
(I am also a MTF trans person. . . all the "man-ing-up" didn't take I guess, but I digress)
Eff you.
Carrying a weapon on the STP is stupid.
"By your hysterical knee-jerk anti-gun posts you display, among other things, your lack of knowledge of or experience with any kind of rural existence."
I grew-up in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. I was shooting since i was Five. I owned a high powered rife when I was ten. I shot and killed a black bear when I was thirteen. . . out hunting by myself.
(I am also a MTF trans person. . . all the "man-ing-up" didn't take I guess, but I digress)
Eff you.
Carrying a weapon on the STP is stupid.
47
I'm a liberal. I have guns. Many guns. I love firing them. But living in the city doesn't afford me the opportunity very often. This guy sounds like he believes he has something to prove. I respond to his challenge with extreme ennui.
48
You know, I just met this guy last week, and he seemed pretty cool. That said, it seems we disagree on a very fundamental issue: never ever talk to the Stranger. (Unless it's (pseudo-)anonymously through Slog comments, of course).
49
Y'know Merry, if you consider us reasonable on most subjects, and we are so clearly in opposition to you on this one, maybe it's time to re-examine your own views?
And just 'cause I know you gun-lovin' lunatics avoid looking at facts, I lined up a few for you. According to the CDC National Center for Health Statistics mortality report of 2009, gun violence killed 3,218 American children and teens ages 19 and under in 2006, an increase of 6.3% from the nationwide 2005 total. The total of children killed in 2006 included 2,225 homicides, 763 suicides, 154 unintentional, 34 legal intervention, and 42 undetermined intent. This means that an average of 9 young people are killed each day by guns in the U.S, the highest such average in the world.
You want to ignore these numbers and tell us how guns keep us all safe? Go ahead. But don't expect us City Slickers to swallow such obvious bullshit.
And just 'cause I know you gun-lovin' lunatics avoid looking at facts, I lined up a few for you. According to the CDC National Center for Health Statistics mortality report of 2009, gun violence killed 3,218 American children and teens ages 19 and under in 2006, an increase of 6.3% from the nationwide 2005 total. The total of children killed in 2006 included 2,225 homicides, 763 suicides, 154 unintentional, 34 legal intervention, and 42 undetermined intent. This means that an average of 9 young people are killed each day by guns in the U.S, the highest such average in the world.
You want to ignore these numbers and tell us how guns keep us all safe? Go ahead. But don't expect us City Slickers to swallow such obvious bullshit.
50
This guy is ridiculous and irresponsible. Way to underline the fact that you're a nutbar. Don't you think the best way to change the perception of how people who own guns are viewed is to not play into the whole "crazy" factor? Just sayin'.
51
..."if there is one issue that glaringly highlights your citified-insularity, it's guns.."
Put me down as one gun owner who thinks that guy is nuts. But then the babbling nut quotient of the NRA crowd is a source of wonderment and frustration for me. Dan Savage is right about this much: they seem to think the bill of rights starts and ends with amendment 2.
Put me down as one gun owner who thinks that guy is nuts. But then the babbling nut quotient of the NRA crowd is a source of wonderment and frustration for me. Dan Savage is right about this much: they seem to think the bill of rights starts and ends with amendment 2.
52
@37, thank you. I am also disappointed by the anti-gun-owner sentiment here, though I'm not surprised.
53
@37:
I wouldn't say ALL rural dwellers fit the profile of the stereotypical moronic gun owner, but based on my personal experience, let's just say I wouldn't want to be around any of my "country cousins", when they're pounding fifths of Canadian Club, chased by can after can of buckhorn (or Schmidt, or whatever happens to be cheapest that week) beer, and blasting away at the empties out behind the garage.
I wouldn't say ALL rural dwellers fit the profile of the stereotypical moronic gun owner, but based on my personal experience, let's just say I wouldn't want to be around any of my "country cousins", when they're pounding fifths of Canadian Club, chased by can after can of buckhorn (or Schmidt, or whatever happens to be cheapest that week) beer, and blasting away at the empties out behind the garage.
54
@51, too true. I'm less concerned with gun owners than I am with NRA leadership and its most vocal members.
55
Any chance we can get his beeper to go off and set off his firearm, thus qualifying him for a Darwin Award?
Talk about stupidity.
Talk about stupidity.
56
(and as to the farcical idea of using a pistol to ward off a bear ... man, seriously, how dense do you have to be?)
57
@37 ... So you're saying that he's carrying a gun to fight off the rural people who already have guns? Won't he be out-gunned pretty easily? I mean.. just a pistol... come on.
Otherwise I'm basically with Juris @42 ... a pistol is way too much heat to pack when jockeying for position in the STP. The tried-and-true "bike pump through the front spokes" attack is more than sufficient.
Otherwise I'm basically with Juris @42 ... a pistol is way too much heat to pack when jockeying for position in the STP. The tried-and-true "bike pump through the front spokes" attack is more than sufficient.
58
I am a big city lib that believes in and practices my first as well as second amendment rights. Nonetheless, I do not see much point in packing for a bike ride to Portland. I am a little puzzled how he plans to conceal a weapon in bike spandex. Is that a Smith and Wesson in your spandex or are you just happy to see somebody?
60
Well at least he'll admit to his bisexuality. That's more than some columnists in the blogosphere.
63
What could possibly go wrong?
I mean, other than hitting a bump and blowing off your face? Or private parts?
I mean, other than hitting a bump and blowing off your face? Or private parts?
64
Will, you've never even touched a gun have you? You sound like like a 9 year old kid saying to his 16 year old brother ......"but if you drive that car you will hit a guard rail! ZOMG"
66
This guy is an idiot. He won't make it five blocks before he's jumped by police. Want to own a gun? Great! Want to carry a gun in public? Get a concealed carry permit. While it's technically legal to carry a gun in public places, the police can arrest you if it looks like you're threatening people with it. Who gets to decide if you're displaying your gun in a threatening manner? The police!
This isn't about gun rights, it's about showing some common courtesy to your fellow citizens by not scaring the shit out of them with a loaded pistol.
This isn't about gun rights, it's about showing some common courtesy to your fellow citizens by not scaring the shit out of them with a loaded pistol.
67
I'll be taking... water.
I thought about taking my cell, but you know, why would I need that?
Hauling a gun with you, why?
I hope you don't use it, Mr. Colleton.
I thought about taking my cell, but you know, why would I need that?
Hauling a gun with you, why?
I hope you don't use it, Mr. Colleton.
68
I'll tell you what can go wrong:
It's not blowing your nads off or accidentally discharging a deadly weapon. That's pretty unlikely, and something tells me the carrier in question is a super-dweeb with high-end holster and gear, etc etc.
I've seen uniformed cops riding these rides before, it's great. It's not their job, but it's something they do to involve themselves with the community, etc etc. And the uniform and bat-belt were at least appropriate or in-costume for a LEO.
No, what can go wrong is a civilian looking like King Dork in the middle of an otherwise relaxed, family oriented bicycle ride because you've got something to prove.
It's not blowing your nads off or accidentally discharging a deadly weapon. That's pretty unlikely, and something tells me the carrier in question is a super-dweeb with high-end holster and gear, etc etc.
I've seen uniformed cops riding these rides before, it's great. It's not their job, but it's something they do to involve themselves with the community, etc etc. And the uniform and bat-belt were at least appropriate or in-costume for a LEO.
No, what can go wrong is a civilian looking like King Dork in the middle of an otherwise relaxed, family oriented bicycle ride because you've got something to prove.
70
@ 46, 49, 51, 53, 57 - If you'll read my posts in this thread, you'll notice that I haven't even mentioned Mr STP-Packin' guy... That's because, no, I don't think he'll actually "need" his gun on the ride.. @ 45, thanks for your input regarding a scenario where he actually MIGHT need it...
This guy is doing this to prove a point, and what point is that? It's the very one that (most of) you are making in this thread: Ooooo, guns are Bad, Wicked, and Scary! Only idjits have guns! No sane person would allow a gun to come near them, therefore = people who own guns are, by definition, "gun nuts"!!
He's doing this little stunt, and he told The Stranger about it, BECAUSE of these attitudes! I even agree, it's not the wisest choice for a number of reasons, but he's doing it BECAUSE you guys are a hysterical bunch of nellies when it comes to firearms!!
This guy is doing this to prove a point, and what point is that? It's the very one that (most of) you are making in this thread: Ooooo, guns are Bad, Wicked, and Scary! Only idjits have guns! No sane person would allow a gun to come near them, therefore = people who own guns are, by definition, "gun nuts"!!
He's doing this little stunt, and he told The Stranger about it, BECAUSE of these attitudes! I even agree, it's not the wisest choice for a number of reasons, but he's doing it BECAUSE you guys are a hysterical bunch of nellies when it comes to firearms!!
71
I've changed my mind.
This would be a good idea.
Why?
Because it will probably end up pointing out why all Americans need a single payer national health care option.
After the guy accidentally shoots himself or some innocent five year old walking by the side of the highway.
This would be a good idea.
Why?
Because it will probably end up pointing out why all Americans need a single payer national health care option.
After the guy accidentally shoots himself or some innocent five year old walking by the side of the highway.
72
Lee, why endanger other people? Some nut jobs could take the loaded gun away from you and do some damage. Or what if you wipe out? You're not Superman. I believe in working to break stereotypes in general, but I don't think endangering others is worth making a point about the wide range of personalities who own guns. Frankly I see the point being more how inane our un/concealed carry laws are if one can openly pack while biking the STP.
73
Dude, nobody's scared of the Big Scawwy Rural Gun or whatever you're trying to make out of it. You have a point, I agree. It's just that the point is not valid or hitting its mark. Guns and gun people are a bore. Dangerous, but a total bore.
Can you seriously not understand that a weapon (and political statement) is a little incongruous at a family and community oriented athletic event?
Can you seriously not understand that a weapon (and political statement) is a little incongruous at a family and community oriented athletic event?
75
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cou…
Comparatives re firearm related deaths by country: tell me again why handguns are necessary, will you?
Comparatives re firearm related deaths by country: tell me again why handguns are necessary, will you?
78
He's not planning on concealing it. He is going to open carry, probably in a holster, out in plain view. It is perfectly legal to carry a licencsed handgun in that manner.
81
@ 74 - What? You're accusing me of not reading the post? I read the post, doofus. My comments have been about the commenters, not the post, and on a long-running discussion here on the Slog about guns and city people's erroneous ideas of them.
Here, I'll make it simple for you: Until people understand that a gun is simply a tool -- a tool that can be dangerous, like other dangerous tools, and should therefore be respected and dealt with appropriately -- until that is understood, the only thing to be gained from "gun nutz iz craaazy" posts is greater finger strength from all the typing.
Here, I'll make it simple for you: Until people understand that a gun is simply a tool -- a tool that can be dangerous, like other dangerous tools, and should therefore be respected and dealt with appropriately -- until that is understood, the only thing to be gained from "gun nutz iz craaazy" posts is greater finger strength from all the typing.
82
STP begins at UW...
WAC 478-120-020(3)(f)
Specific Instances of misconduct include, but are not limited to:
Possession or use of firearms, explosives, dangerous chemicals or other dangerous weapons or instrumentalities on the university campus, except for authorized university purposes, unless prior written approval has been obtained from the university chief of police, or any other person designated by the president of the university (see WAC 478-124-020(2)(e)) (legal defense sprays are not covered by this section);
And why do I automatically become a "gun owner" if I own a gun. Can't I just be called "somebody who has a gun?" (Thanks Mitch Hedberg).
WAC 478-120-020(3)(f)
Specific Instances of misconduct include, but are not limited to:
Possession or use of firearms, explosives, dangerous chemicals or other dangerous weapons or instrumentalities on the university campus, except for authorized university purposes, unless prior written approval has been obtained from the university chief of police, or any other person designated by the president of the university (see WAC 478-124-020(2)(e)) (legal defense sprays are not covered by this section);
And why do I automatically become a "gun owner" if I own a gun. Can't I just be called "somebody who has a gun?" (Thanks Mitch Hedberg).
83
I'm a liberal urbanite, and gun owner. I'll even admit to being an Atheist, but I'm afraid I can't admit to being a bisexual. I really see both sides of this issue. Not the ride the STP with a gun issue, I mean the gun issue in general. I would feel safer and happier in this society if nobody had guns at all, with the possible exception of hunting weapons. However, that is not reality. The reality is that the majority of gun owners are conservatives, and a substantial slice of them are irresponsible lunatics that fit the country bumpkin/yahoo stereotype nicely. I'm confident that I give guns the respect they deserve, and am extremely careful with them. I own a gun personally because I've conceded that the reality of our society is different than the ideal. I own a gun because if people like me don't have guns, then only the crazy right-wingers will. So I find myself being in the position of supporting the radical tightening of gun laws. I think every gun should be registered and tracked, and inventoried by the government every year or two. I think guns designed for killing people should be extremely tightly regulated. But until the supply of guns in our society is much, much less, I'm all for the sane, sober, responsible, (and how about a few liberals) to exercise the rights we currently have under the law, and own guns.
84
Ban all firearms in the U.S. and Americans will just find a way to make nail guns more lethal.
And then there will be a black market for custom nail guns, which eventually find their way into the hands of violent criminals.
And then we'll have to ban nail guns...
So then people will move on to crossbows. Or spear guns. Or whatever.
And we'll be right back where we started.
Americans are a crafty and resourceful people. They will ALWAYS find a way to kill each other.
And then there will be a black market for custom nail guns, which eventually find their way into the hands of violent criminals.
And then we'll have to ban nail guns...
So then people will move on to crossbows. Or spear guns. Or whatever.
And we'll be right back where we started.
Americans are a crafty and resourceful people. They will ALWAYS find a way to kill each other.
85
@84 That's just my personal theory as to what the Founding Fathers were thinking when they agreed to the 2nd Amendment...
86
So, let me get this straight....this guy is going to stuff a semi-automatic down his spandex drawers and twiddle with his cell phone while riding a bike? Really?
Darwin Award.
*snerk, This is going to be fucking hilarious!
Darwin Award.
*snerk, This is going to be fucking hilarious!
87
OP here. To all those commentators who made reasoned and thoughtful posts, thank you. I'll briefly address your questions:
@3 We have so much in common! I however do not doubt the existence of god, I affirm that there is no such thing. Also, I'm not the son of a bitch.
@5 Average size, not that it matters. You can fairly assume that I'm male from my submarine service.
@8 I have no knowledge of the Dirty Cowboy. Guns and sexplay seem like a very bad combination though. Always handle a firearm as if it were loaded.
@11,86 Using a mobile phone while operating a vehicle is unsafe and illegal. A bicycle is a vehicle for the purposes of this restriction.
@12,33,67 I'm doing this to celebrate my right to bear arms as protected by the Second Amendment. I'm also demonstrating that a loaded gun can be safely carried by a cyclist.
@13 Touche, it shouldn't be capitalized as I wasn't referring to a specific group of atheists.
@14,15 No, I've never fired a pistol from a bicycle or any other moving platform and hope that I never have to. I'm not carrying a firearm for defense, it's an exhibition as a celebration of my rights.
@16 I realize that I represent a tiny demographic of gun owners. I doubt that any foreseeable change will affect their lobbying efforts.
@20 I'm willing to defend all civil rights and work to see that they're applied universally. I did give six years of my life to the armed service in support of our country while sworn to protect it's Constitution.
@25 Open carry of a firearm in a holster is not brandishing.
@30 I made that statement to contrast myself from the politically conservative, religious fundamentalists Mr. Savage was complaining about in his June 25th post:
http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archive…
@35,55,64 A semiautomatic pistol will not fire unless there is a round chambered. It requires deliberate force to chamber a round, dropping the gun will not cause it to fire.
@42 Violence is not a valid means of settling disputes. Lethal force may only be used to defend a life or person from serious and immanent bodily harm.
@43 I trust the police with my life every day, especially when commuting in Seattle by bicycle. I'm perfectly willing to comply with any order given by a sworn officer of the law.
@57,73 I would not carry a firearm in this manner if the STP were a competitive race, the implicit threat would be obvious. However, it is an exhibition ride along an open course.
@72 I don't consider carrying a firearm to be a significant danger to myself or other riders. If someone wanted to do anyone harm on the ride they could easily commit vehicular manslaughter with their own car.
@80 No, I will not be imbibing alcohol or using any illegal drugs on this ride.
@82 The Student Code of Conduct (WAC 478-120-020) applies to students and faculty of the UW, not the general public. Please don't carry a gun onto the campus if this law applies to you.
For that matter, please review the law carefully for yourself before exercising your right to bear arms. Don't take this as legal advice, some restrictions may apply, void where prohibited, etc.
Namaste.
More...
@3 We have so much in common! I however do not doubt the existence of god, I affirm that there is no such thing. Also, I'm not the son of a bitch.
@5 Average size, not that it matters. You can fairly assume that I'm male from my submarine service.
@8 I have no knowledge of the Dirty Cowboy. Guns and sexplay seem like a very bad combination though. Always handle a firearm as if it were loaded.
@11,86 Using a mobile phone while operating a vehicle is unsafe and illegal. A bicycle is a vehicle for the purposes of this restriction.
@12,33,67 I'm doing this to celebrate my right to bear arms as protected by the Second Amendment. I'm also demonstrating that a loaded gun can be safely carried by a cyclist.
@13 Touche, it shouldn't be capitalized as I wasn't referring to a specific group of atheists.
@14,15 No, I've never fired a pistol from a bicycle or any other moving platform and hope that I never have to. I'm not carrying a firearm for defense, it's an exhibition as a celebration of my rights.
@16 I realize that I represent a tiny demographic of gun owners. I doubt that any foreseeable change will affect their lobbying efforts.
@20 I'm willing to defend all civil rights and work to see that they're applied universally. I did give six years of my life to the armed service in support of our country while sworn to protect it's Constitution.
@25 Open carry of a firearm in a holster is not brandishing.
@30 I made that statement to contrast myself from the politically conservative, religious fundamentalists Mr. Savage was complaining about in his June 25th post:
http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archive…
@35,55,64 A semiautomatic pistol will not fire unless there is a round chambered. It requires deliberate force to chamber a round, dropping the gun will not cause it to fire.
@42 Violence is not a valid means of settling disputes. Lethal force may only be used to defend a life or person from serious and immanent bodily harm.
@43 I trust the police with my life every day, especially when commuting in Seattle by bicycle. I'm perfectly willing to comply with any order given by a sworn officer of the law.
@57,73 I would not carry a firearm in this manner if the STP were a competitive race, the implicit threat would be obvious. However, it is an exhibition ride along an open course.
@72 I don't consider carrying a firearm to be a significant danger to myself or other riders. If someone wanted to do anyone harm on the ride they could easily commit vehicular manslaughter with their own car.
@80 No, I will not be imbibing alcohol or using any illegal drugs on this ride.
@82 The Student Code of Conduct (WAC 478-120-020) applies to students and faculty of the UW, not the general public. Please don't carry a gun onto the campus if this law applies to you.
For that matter, please review the law carefully for yourself before exercising your right to bear arms. Don't take this as legal advice, some restrictions may apply, void where prohibited, etc.
Namaste.
88
@87 That was just fucking awesome.
I don't know if I agree with you or even care.
But I think a lot of the comments here reflect how difficult you will find it to change people's minds or perceptions on this topic.
You should simply remember a simple truth: Guns scare people.
Maybe not all people. Some more than others.
And technically "holstered" isn't "brandishing."
But walk up to the counter of a gas station with a clearly visible holstered weapon. See if that guy flinches. I bet a majority do.
So good luck with this thing that you're doing. But be cool.
I don't know if I agree with you or even care.
But I think a lot of the comments here reflect how difficult you will find it to change people's minds or perceptions on this topic.
You should simply remember a simple truth: Guns scare people.
Maybe not all people. Some more than others.
And technically "holstered" isn't "brandishing."
But walk up to the counter of a gas station with a clearly visible holstered weapon. See if that guy flinches. I bet a majority do.
So good luck with this thing that you're doing. But be cool.
89
@87: Hey, I live out in North Dakota. Some dude was at Wal-Mart with a holstered pistol the other day. And he was full of shit, too!
(He needed to defend himself from the craaaaaazy Blue Light Specials that day! They were so insane!)
Taking a loaded gun where a loaded gun is not necessary is stupid as hell. You seem like a reasonable guy who's got the basics on gun safety down - that's great! So why not stick a clip in your fanny pack or something, leave the gun unloaded, and maybe not use a friendly bike ride as an excuse to make stupid points nobody disagrees with?
Shoot straw man arguments, not bicyclists!
(He needed to defend himself from the craaaaaazy Blue Light Specials that day! They were so insane!)
Taking a loaded gun where a loaded gun is not necessary is stupid as hell. You seem like a reasonable guy who's got the basics on gun safety down - that's great! So why not stick a clip in your fanny pack or something, leave the gun unloaded, and maybe not use a friendly bike ride as an excuse to make stupid points nobody disagrees with?
Shoot straw man arguments, not bicyclists!
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