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News & ArtsThursday, July 15, 2010
Politics Which Congressional Candidate Brought a Gun to The Stranger Yesterday? Let's Go to the Videotape.
Posted by Eli Sanders on Thu, Jul 15, 2010 at 9:20 AM
That's right, it was David Hedrick—proud Tea Party member and proud possessor of a concealed weapons permit—who brought his Kahr PM 9 to an endorsement interview at The Stranger offices yesterday morning.
In addition to his statements in the video above, Hedrick went on to say of his concealed weapon: "You never know when you're gonna need it."
Then, as an example, he told this story:
David Hedrick: I was at a movie once, actually. It was a child's movie, The Chronicles of Narnia actually—you wouldn't expect to need a weapon, ever. But, at the end of the movie a gentleman stood up about four rows in front of me and started screaming profanities, saying he was going to kill me. In my direction. Never seen him in my life, don't know if he was off his medication, don't know who he was. So, this is a great example. He was a huge guy, we're talking 350 pounds, this guy could have been a football player. Not a guy that I want to exchange blows with. And, this guy could have caused serious bodily harm. I don't know what his deal was, but that was a real threat. And that taught me a lesson there that day. I almost didn't carry my weapon on me because I thought, 'Hey, I'm going to a kids' movie, what are the odds?'
Eli Sanders: So did you pull out your concealed weapon at The Chronicles of Narnia?Hedrick: No, I did not. I didn't have to. He actually had friends that were holding him, dragging him back, trying to stop him as he was coming in my direction. If he would have gotten to me I would have had no choice. This just gives you an example of—you never know. It's one of those situations where law abiding citizens have to be able to defend themselves because criminals could be—you know, it could potentially happen anywhere, even in a kids' movie.
There's already been a great debate today on Slog about concealed weapons and how people should feel about them. This change anyone's mind?
Originally posted Wednesday evening.
1
Hey SECB, why do you hate the CONSTITUTION?
What if he needed to form a militia right there...at the endorsement meeting...in his pants...or something.
What if he needed to form a militia right there...at the endorsement meeting...in his pants...or something.
2
Yep, we could've had a real shoot-out right there in the movie palace with all those kids around, if this dude's friends hadn't kept him down. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy; how about you??
3
So, he DIDN'T actually need his weapon then, did he?
Who else thinks the unspoken prelude to this charming story involved him muttering "goddamn jigaboo" not-quite under his breath?
Who else thinks the unspoken prelude to this charming story involved him muttering "goddamn jigaboo" not-quite under his breath?
4
He was a Marine and he can't fistfight a drunken football player? I'd rather see a man get punched in the face than let bullets fly at a Narnia screening. (And you don't carry a concealed weapon so you can pull it out and scare people with it. Even Tea Partiers aren't that stupid).
6
Is it mostly people who don't live in cities of population 250000 or greater who carry handguns?* I've lived in cities most of my life and don't remember any neighbors or acquaintances going on about gun rights and gun ownership or needing to feel protected at school yards or church or the veterinarian's office or espresso bars, nor any relatives who carried outside of military duty.
7
Good to know he was willing to pull out a gun and start firing... in the middle of a theater full of kids. Using a weapon with a 2" barrel, giving it an accuracy out to maybe 6' or so.
What could possibly have gone wrong?
What could possibly have gone wrong?
8
There are plenty of other choices besides opening fire in this situation, starting with getting up and leaving.
And unless the guy actually attacked him, David would be in a long and costly battle against murder chargers if he actually shot him. Multiple counts plus a civil suits if he hit a bystander. That's if he wasn't killed himself by the other guy's friends.
Generally speaking, gun ownership is far more likely to backfire than to get you out of a jam.
And unless the guy actually attacked him, David would be in a long and costly battle against murder chargers if he actually shot him. Multiple counts plus a civil suits if he hit a bystander. That's if he wasn't killed himself by the other guy's friends.
Generally speaking, gun ownership is far more likely to backfire than to get you out of a jam.
10
That story is total BS, plain and simple. It is exactly the kind of obviously contrived tall tale these morons use to justify their hard on for guns. It had all the elements it needed, random unprovoked threatening act, CHECK, in a place you just wouldn't ever expect it, CHECK, from a person you had no possible way of protecting yourself from without firepower, CHECK. I hope somebody in your office had the courage to laugh in this guys face when he fed you that canard.
In all honesty, I'm not even necessarily opposed to permitting concealed weapons, i just know BS when I smell it.
In all honesty, I'm not even necessarily opposed to permitting concealed weapons, i just know BS when I smell it.
11
Agree with Fnarf. He didn't actually need his weapon in this scenario, so why would this change anybody's mind?
I've lived in small, medium, and large cities, and have been racking my brain to try to come up with a time when carrying a gun would have prevented injury or loss of property. I got nothing. A few times I can think of a gun might have made me feel safer, but I didn't actually need it...
I've lived in small, medium, and large cities, and have been racking my brain to try to come up with a time when carrying a gun would have prevented injury or loss of property. I got nothing. A few times I can think of a gun might have made me feel safer, but I didn't actually need it...
12
It sounds like he carries a gun because there was a dude with Tourette's at Chronicles of Narnia.
14
Except for those helpful friends, I imagine the headline would have been less "Bold Constitution lover saves Narnia" and more "350lb maniac wrests gun from quivering bystander, shoots 15 children."
That is, if the story wasn't already fictional to begin with.
That is, if the story wasn't already fictional to begin with.
15
Um, no, David Hedrick, the correct course of action when you are threatened by a guy who's twice your size is NOT to pull out your gun, it's to grab your kids and RUN AWAY.
16
@15 - Pretty sure his response to that would be something like, "But i failed to mention he was also an Olympic sprinter."
See how that works?
See how that works?
17
#13 - your comment intrigues me. You seem to be implying that you automatically assume all Hispanic candidates to be good choices. Why is that?
20
hey thanks for the reminder meanie, I love that site. This one seems especially relevant........
http://www.seattlecrime.com/2010/07/14/p…
http://www.seattlecrime.com/2010/07/14/p…
22
oh yeah, he's that nutter from the Baird town hall thing, the tough talking "patriotic" ex-marine spewing jingoistic nonsense & whipping the teabagger crowd into a frenzy, such a poor scared little man... of course he is packin'.
23
To be fair I don't really think a ton of people with concealed carry permits are out committing crimes with them
25
wow. apparently fuckwad DIDN'T need his gun in that instance... but you never know!
like hedrick couldn't outwalk a 350 pound sloth? hedrick needs to exercise more than his 2nd amendment rights, apparently.
fuck the tea baggers. lame ass hypocritical, racist bitches.
like hedrick couldn't outwalk a 350 pound sloth? hedrick needs to exercise more than his 2nd amendment rights, apparently.
fuck the tea baggers. lame ass hypocritical, racist bitches.
26
Maybe the 350 pound crazy guy also had a concealed weapon. His story doesn't seem to entertain that possibility.
27
Assuming this story is true, which I highly doubt, it seems that there are some missing pieces.
Why was this guy threatening to kill *him* specifically? Had be been heckling the poor fattie or making lude comments to his wife? I've been to a lot of movie theaters, probably more then the average bear, and seen a lot of bad behavior but nothing like that *ever*. What did he do to provoke said maniac?
Why was this guy threatening to kill *him* specifically? Had be been heckling the poor fattie or making lude comments to his wife? I've been to a lot of movie theaters, probably more then the average bear, and seen a lot of bad behavior but nothing like that *ever*. What did he do to provoke said maniac?
28
@26, oh yeah, that's even better. Two guys with guns shooting at each other in a theater crowded with kids.
What could possibly go wrong with that?
I feel so much safer.
What could possibly go wrong with that?
I feel so much safer.
30
You know, I've been in situations where I've been scared, like of other people and stuff, and even run into maniacs, including some guy who was poking me in the chest, and you know what happened? Nothing. I kept my cool and nothing happened. Zippo.
Oh, perhaps I should mention, I've never owned a gun. And I live in the big, bad, scary city.
Oh, perhaps I should mention, I've never owned a gun. And I live in the big, bad, scary city.
31
One more comment...
I knew some people who got mugged on city streets. The typical scenario is they got grabbed by surprise from behind by one or two people at the same time as someone else showed them a knife or gun in front. Then, they search the victim for stuff to take, going through pockets and whatnot.
Anyone carrying a gun in such circumstances is not only not going to get a chance to do anything with it, they're going to guarantee that the muggers have a new weapon to use on the next victim..
I knew some people who got mugged on city streets. The typical scenario is they got grabbed by surprise from behind by one or two people at the same time as someone else showed them a knife or gun in front. Then, they search the victim for stuff to take, going through pockets and whatnot.
Anyone carrying a gun in such circumstances is not only not going to get a chance to do anything with it, they're going to guarantee that the muggers have a new weapon to use on the next victim..
37
@6--that's a pretty bold assumption to make regarding the demographics of concealed carry permits. I can't say definitively that you are incorrect, but I suspect that your reasoning is flawed. There is surprisingly little data available to make any kind of determination as to the location of the holders of permits. It's interesting that only 2 states do not issue concealed carry licenses. It's also intersting that Florida has issued almost 2 million licenses.
Minnesota and some other states allow businesses to ban firearms individually--there's usually a sign in the window right nest to the no smoking sign. I'm always curious as to what those people do with their weapons on short notice. Oh, damn, I can't bring my gun to Johnny's 2nd grade play--better put it in the glovebox?
Minnesota and some other states allow businesses to ban firearms individually--there's usually a sign in the window right nest to the no smoking sign. I'm always curious as to what those people do with their weapons on short notice. Oh, damn, I can't bring my gun to Johnny's 2nd grade play--better put it in the glovebox?
38
Sorry, but I don't get the connection of this situation warranting carrying a loaded weapon into a public place. Just as many here have already stated, there are other options for handling this scenario without needing to carry a loaded firearm. And, I come from a very Pro-gun family. Still...
40
I'm guessing that Hedrick conveniently left out the fact that he attended the movie dressed up as Jadis, the White Witch.
41
@ 21: Agreed.
Really? You would prefer to unload a gun in a movie theater showing a kid's movie rather than try and outrun a 350# guy? Really? For realz?
Really? You would prefer to unload a gun in a movie theater showing a kid's movie rather than try and outrun a 350# guy? Really? For realz?
42
This schmuck conflates a concealed weapon permit with James Bond's 'license to kill.' He would have had no legal right to use that weapon, UNLESS the big fat guy was attacking him with a GUN. Poor Hedrick would have gone to jail for murder, manslaughter, etc. I'm waiting for one of these teabaggers to make the argument that the right (which I question, BTW) to carry a weapon implies the right to use it. Oh wait, I think he just did.
43
Often times when someone wants to defend carrying a concealed weapon they bring out a story like Narnia above. I personally have never heard someone who have a concealed weapons permit say: "I just fucking ran like hell". Flight is no longer an option in an already limited list.
Another interesting thing is that "I have a permit" seems to make it okay for them to bring a loaded weapon around anyone at anytime. My husband has been "licensed" to drive for over 25 years, but that doesn't mean that he still isn't a terrible driver. From the little research I did on Google, it seems getting a permit is nothing more than turning in a piece of paper. So the only real requirement (dismissing the background check required with any gun ownership) is having a sharpened #2 pencil?
Full retard.
Another interesting thing is that "I have a permit" seems to make it okay for them to bring a loaded weapon around anyone at anytime. My husband has been "licensed" to drive for over 25 years, but that doesn't mean that he still isn't a terrible driver. From the little research I did on Google, it seems getting a permit is nothing more than turning in a piece of paper. So the only real requirement (dismissing the background check required with any gun ownership) is having a sharpened #2 pencil?
Full retard.
45
I'd like to know what the reasoning is for carrying a gun instead of, say, mace or a taser. The later two are just as effective at bringing a man down, but don't potentially kill the guy... Not to mentioned other random people, or getting the armed man thrown in jail...
I guess it's an issue of 'I can, I should, and I will'.
I guess it's an issue of 'I can, I should, and I will'.
46
There is so much hysteria here. but, I suppose that's to be expected. Yes, this man is a dipshit, but to dismiss all gun owners/people who concealed carry as stupid, paranoid or evil is unnecessary. The vast, overwhelming majority of people who apply for a CWP and carry concealed are law-abiding citizens who never reveal that they're carrying at all.
You will never know how many people you encounter everyday are packing a firearm. And I like it that way. I respect the privacy of others, as well as their right to protect themselves and others from deadly harm.
And no, I'm not a right-wing hawk, or a tea party enthusiast, nor am I racist, sexist, paranoid, or prone to violence and criminality.
You will never know how many people you encounter everyday are packing a firearm. And I like it that way. I respect the privacy of others, as well as their right to protect themselves and others from deadly harm.
And no, I'm not a right-wing hawk, or a tea party enthusiast, nor am I racist, sexist, paranoid, or prone to violence and criminality.
49
I've been harassed on any number of occasions, but they still won't let me carry a machete on city streets. I'm being oppressed!
51
At the Chronicles of Narnia?
Maybe it was those SNL guys just enjoying the show!
http://www.hulu.com/watch/1397/saturday-…
Lazy Sunday / Chronic-WHAT-cles of Narnia
Maybe it was those SNL guys just enjoying the show!
http://www.hulu.com/watch/1397/saturday-…
Lazy Sunday / Chronic-WHAT-cles of Narnia
52
The prospect of a deadly gun fight in the middle of a bunch of Narnia fans doesn't seem like something to get worked up about. Put a bunch of religious crazies with dreadful taste in movies in one place, things happen.
53
Assuming his story is true (and it sounds exaggerated at best), it is an example of a situation in which he did not need a handgun. The other theater patrons acted rationally and difused the situation with any gun violence. End of story. Imagine if he had pulled out his gun in a crowded movie theater. The irrational man gets more irrational. Kids start screaming. Everyone gets scared. The gun goes off. Someone is dead or wounded, maybe the irrational person, maybe not. Is that really a positive scenario?
Do we really need guns in movie theaters because one time one guy mouthed off at another guy? Seriously, this is his argument?
Do we really need guns in movie theaters because one time one guy mouthed off at another guy? Seriously, this is his argument?
55
@43 At least he was tested at some point. A concealed weapons permit doesn't even require a gun safety class. Even the most hardcore carrier I know says that he doesn't agree with that.
56
I'm a firm believer in gun rights. .
I assume most people firmly against guns haven't experienced significant violence. Those of us who have understand the world from a different viewpoint.
Guns are necessary for the weak who fall prey.
It took 30 seconds to find two examples of guns saving the lives of victims. Just fucking consider it on a practical level instead of an idealogical level.
http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.c…
http://www.securityworldnews.com/2010/05…
I assume most people firmly against guns haven't experienced significant violence. Those of us who have understand the world from a different viewpoint.
Guns are necessary for the weak who fall prey.
It took 30 seconds to find two examples of guns saving the lives of victims. Just fucking consider it on a practical level instead of an idealogical level.
http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.c…
http://www.securityworldnews.com/2010/05…
57
I don't carry a gun though, just a frying pan to BONK potential attackers on the noggins with...
Don't worry, I have a food handlers permit. So I'm fully licensed to carry a 9" pan in public.
Don't worry, I have a food handlers permit. So I'm fully licensed to carry a 9" pan in public.
58
@56 Neither are stories about concealed weapons.
I don't think anyone here is for banning guns - just the ridiculous notion that you need to bring one EVERYWHERE.
I don't think anyone here is for banning guns - just the ridiculous notion that you need to bring one EVERYWHERE.
59
I totally support gun ownership and the right to conceal carry but that dude's story is 100% country-fried bullshit.
60
@58
I realized that after I posted. But imagine a domestic violence victim leaving their partner and subsequently being threatened and fearing for their life. Now imagine that the perpetrator is capable of great violence and the victim is not accustomed to or able to defend themselves from violence.
Should the victim not have the right to carry a pistol to defend themselves from what they believe to be an inevitable attempt on their life?
This is a true story, and the victim I speak of is my mother. Her second husband was very dangerous and she ran thousands of miles to escape him. There was no way she could defend herself against him. Powerless, and frightened. A gun would assure at least a fighting chance...
Just think about that.
I realized that after I posted. But imagine a domestic violence victim leaving their partner and subsequently being threatened and fearing for their life. Now imagine that the perpetrator is capable of great violence and the victim is not accustomed to or able to defend themselves from violence.
Should the victim not have the right to carry a pistol to defend themselves from what they believe to be an inevitable attempt on their life?
This is a true story, and the victim I speak of is my mother. Her second husband was very dangerous and she ran thousands of miles to escape him. There was no way she could defend herself against him. Powerless, and frightened. A gun would assure at least a fighting chance...
Just think about that.
61
Whenever anyone starts talking about owning guns for self defense, all I think of is this : http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.s…
62
@60, your story sounds almost reasonable until you actually place yourself in that situation. You said yourself, your mother was terrified of him. So, in that state of mind, she's going to be able to pull a pistol out of her purse and plug this guy? Shooting another person, even someone who's threatening you, at point-blank range, is HARD. Isn't this scenario more likely -- she's frightened, and shaking, and he just takes the gun away from her. Now who's being protected?
Every one of these scenario arguments I've ever heard is really about the psychic comfort that knowing you have a gun supposedly brings. But that comfort is illusory. It's not real. Men in particular like to fantasize that they're Bruce Willis, secret tough guy, protecting the weak and punishing the bad guys, but in fact THEY are the weak ones, the ones whom the bad guy can easily disarm and turn the tables on before they even know what's happening. Life is not a fantasy or a Hollywood movie.
Guns escalate trouble, they don't stop it.
Every one of these scenario arguments I've ever heard is really about the psychic comfort that knowing you have a gun supposedly brings. But that comfort is illusory. It's not real. Men in particular like to fantasize that they're Bruce Willis, secret tough guy, protecting the weak and punishing the bad guys, but in fact THEY are the weak ones, the ones whom the bad guy can easily disarm and turn the tables on before they even know what's happening. Life is not a fantasy or a Hollywood movie.
Guns escalate trouble, they don't stop it.
63
This dude brought a GUN to a KIDS' MOVIE and he somehow thinks that qualifies him to hold public office?
OMFG.
OMFG.
64
I support him 100% as he believes in his 2nd amendment right! I did some research and this Candidate is a United States Marine and sure should be qualified to use this awesome Kahr PM 9 as it is the same weapon most police officers carry off duty!
I see he never pulled it out to flash it show he showed restraint and that's awesome. But if in the same situation I would shoot anyone that would come close to harming me or my family.
He could have said nothing about having it and "Lied" about not having it and truthfully most would have lied! But then he would be like every other politician!
I see he never pulled it out to flash it show he showed restraint and that's awesome. But if in the same situation I would shoot anyone that would come close to harming me or my family.
He could have said nothing about having it and "Lied" about not having it and truthfully most would have lied! But then he would be like every other politician!
65
I only disagree with bringing a concealed weapon into any place children are an abundance. I completely agree with concealed weapons for protection. I also believe that many who are blogging on this subject have never experienced another person point his gun in their face, nor shot.
66
#60: before you ask us to "think about that", maybe you should think about why you're assuming we think this is a black and white issue.
It most certainly is not.
You do realize that your example is, to say the least, not the only reason people love to carry guns?
The fact that the vast majority, when asked why they like guns so much, simply use the constitution as their reason, should give you a hint as to their real reasons: fake empowerment.
It most certainly is not.
You do realize that your example is, to say the least, not the only reason people love to carry guns?
The fact that the vast majority, when asked why they like guns so much, simply use the constitution as their reason, should give you a hint as to their real reasons: fake empowerment.
67
#60: before we "Just think about that.", why don't you think about why you believe the folk here think this is such a black and white issue?
The justification you use would likely give your mother no better chance - that's just reality: all you need to do is look at the overall picture and things called statistics, and not cherry pick one or two examples.
And I'll state the obvious: that is not the only reason people like to carry guns. You only need to look at the main justification most right wingers use: 'because it's my right'. Not for safety, but because they can. Which isn't a reason. When you put that together with the rest of their politics, in my opinion most right wingers love guns so much simply because it gives them a false sense of empowerment. Also as symbolism of course, like the idiots who like to parade their guns at political rallies.
The justification you use would likely give your mother no better chance - that's just reality: all you need to do is look at the overall picture and things called statistics, and not cherry pick one or two examples.
And I'll state the obvious: that is not the only reason people like to carry guns. You only need to look at the main justification most right wingers use: 'because it's my right'. Not for safety, but because they can. Which isn't a reason. When you put that together with the rest of their politics, in my opinion most right wingers love guns so much simply because it gives them a false sense of empowerment. Also as symbolism of course, like the idiots who like to parade their guns at political rallies.
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