NORWICH – Gun enthusiasts and supporters of the Constitution and the Second Ammendment in particular will gather from noon to 3 p.m. in East Park Saturday to rally in protest of recent changes to New York State gun legislation following the Newtown, Conn. Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.
Signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo on Jan. 15, the controversial New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act of 2013 (SAFE) strengthens the state’s existing assault weapons ban; limits the number of bullets allowed in a magazine; and fortifies rules that govern the mentally ill, which includes a requirement to report potentially harmful behavior, according to governor.ny.gov.
John and Jen Ballard, who organized Saturday’s rally, said they were disappointed when they could not attend a recent pro-gun rally in Albany, and thought it would be a good idea to hold a similar event here in Chenango County, to “take a stance here in our hometown.” The pair have posted more than 50 flyers across the county, as well as handing out copies to local businesses. John Ballard, who works for Precision Bluing in Greene, said he’s expecting a large turnout. The group’s Facebook events posting, Second Ammendment Protest (linked to the Support Our 2nd Ammendment Don’t Let Them Take It From Us Facebook page), boasts 224 people who are expected to attend. The rally will feature several guest speakers, including Assemblyman Clifford Crouch; Dave Francis, owner of Heading Due North; and Gilda Ward, of the Norwich Tea Party Patriots.
Any other individuals who wish to speak will also have an opportunity, said Ballard, who added that Senator Tom Libous had sent a letter of support for the rally. Local guitarist Jason Wicks will provide the entertainment, and Ballard wished to thank Boynton Pro Audio for its donation of a PA system for the day.
“Every day, average citizens feel like criminals now and the reason they feel threatened is that non-gun owners kind of see gun owners as violent. They’re always asking why we need guns, which is to protect our families in case of an emergency or a home invasion. And some people feel very strongly about the government stepping in and taking their guns,” stated Ballard. “We’re expecting a large turnout and anyone who wants to speak, they’re more than welcome.”
That’s not to say the Ballards are against gun safety in away way, they added. Both John and Jen are gun enthusiasts and said they believe gun safety should be taught from an early age. Guns should be stored responsibly (ammunition separately), and kept under lock, if children are in the home. As for required background checks and re-registration of firearms, both disagreed with the recent changes to the state’s gun legislation.
“We’ve talked to a lot of people, law-abiding citizens and gun owners, and we feel it’s going to be more of a hassle. It’s going to be more of a headache,” stated Ballard. “Criminals don’t follow the law. I don’t believe that everyone is going to follow the new law and there will still be loopholes. Criminals don’t care about background checks. I don’t think the new law will prevent or protect anyone from gun violence.”