More than 700 attend Second Amendment rally at the Capitol

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Between 700 and 1,000 persons attended the rally May 5, 2001, at the Capitol in Hartford. The turnout was three to five times that of our previous rallies - showing again that we represent mainstream Connecticut. In contrast, the extremists who want to ban guns typically muster 35 to 50, including children. But they have never represented the mainstream and have never depended on mass participation. Their backing comes from an elite few who are trying to use their financial muscle to wield power over others and build political careers.

In discussion with the Capitol Police after the rally, they said the crowd was very well behaved, absolutely no trash was left, and it was the largest rally in quite a few years. Well done!

Attorney Ralph D. Sherman, Gunsafe chairman, welcomes the crowd. Sign asks why Bridgeport Mayor Joseph Ganim and State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, who brought lawsuit against legitimate gun manufacturers, haven't sued criminals instead. Lawsuit was dismissed by trial court, but Ganim and Blumenthal - with an unlimited budget of your tax dollars - have filed appeal. (Frank Butash photos)

Rep. Ron San Angelo (Naugatuck) and Rep. Art O'Neill (Southbury) speak in support of the Second Amendment. They were joined by Rep. Kevin Del Gobbo (Naugatuck), below. San Angelo is the architect of legislation establishing the Statewide Firearms Trafficking Task Force - to enforce existing gun laws - with the support of O'Neill, Del Gobbo, and other legislators who believe in real crime control instead of hassling law-abiding citizens who own firearms for self-defense and other lawful purposes. All three legislators spoke about the importance of civilian firearms ownership and respect for constitutional rights. (Frank Butash photos)

American flags dot the group at the state Capitol. Signs identified attendees as veterans, teachers, firefighters, nurses, scientists, and "soccer moms."

Other speakers included Joyce Recchia (EMT, and mom) and Lisa Akers (Connecticut Coordinator for the Second Amendment Sisters). At right, Rep. Art O'Neill, Attorney Andrew J. Buzzi (Gunsafe vice chairman), Fred Boland, Joyce Recchia, and Lisa Akers. Recchia and Akers gave women's perspective on firearms ownership and self-defense; Buzzi blasted gun-ban movement as civilian disarmament; Boland spoke from family experience with defensive gun use.

Bruce Stern (member of NRA Board of Directors and president of Coalition of Connecticut Sportsmen) and Bob Crook (executive director of Coalition of Connecticut Sportsmen) address Connecticut residents who support the Second Amendment. Stern and Crook emphasized importance of individuals making views known to legislators from their districts.

"We did it!" Sherman thanked the crowd for attending and noted how the three Gunsafe principles (webmaster@gunsafe.org) united the diverse group. (William Darcy photo)