Politics & Government

Gun Owners Expected to Rally for Jan. 19 'Gun Appreciation Day'

"On 01/19/13 go to your local gun store, gun range or gun show with your Constitution, American flags and your 'Hands Off My Guns' sign to send a loud and clear message to Congress and President Barack Obama," says coalition website.

A conservative group is hoping that tens of thousands turn out to show their support for gun ownership with their pocketbooks and picket signs the day before President Barack Obama is sworn in for a second term.

The group, a coalition brought together for the event, declared Jan. 19 "Gun Appreciation Day." The hope is that Americans nationwide will show their support for gun ownership by turning out en masse at gun stores, ranges and shows from coast to coast.

“The Obama administration has shown that it is more than willing to trample the Constitution to impose its dictates upon the American people,” said Gun Appreciation Day chairman Larry Ward in a press release. 

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The day comes as the gun control debate becomes more divisive. This past week, two PA lawmakers released statements about sponsoring legislation that would allow teachers to carry guns in schools, in response to December's mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, CT.

In the past year, several high-profile mass shootings -- including one in a Colorado movie theater and one at a Wisconsin Sikh Temple -- sparked the gun control debate. According to a New York Times article, Obama called for Vice President Joe Biden to head a gun control task force. 

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The "Appreciation Day" is modeled after this past summer's " the answer to a boycott of the fast food chain after CEO Dan Cathy declared his support of what he termed "traditional marriage." According to ABC News, Chick-Fil-A posted record-setting sales during the "Appreciation Day."

Gun Appreciation Day is scheduled the day before Obama's second inauguration. 

The planned event currently includes the following coalition members:

  • Second Amendment Foundation
  • Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms
  • Special Operations Speaks
  • Revolution PAC
  • Citizens and Country
  • Social Security Institute
  • Committee to Draft Judge Andrew Napolitano
  • Conservative Action Alerts
  • Women Warriors PAC
  • Conservative Action Fund
  • Political Media, Inc.


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