PATRIOTS: Guns aren't only ID

Wow! What a sight! All the Patriots assembled Saturday with all the flags and all the guns. I sure am glad none of them have mental problems. After all, self-proclaimed Patriots are always sane. I must say, for some reason, I do not feel any safer seeing all the Patriot show(s) Saturday.

And three cheers to Jerry Shriner (1/20 letters) who points out a serious flaw in J.D. Gaines’ “My Turn” column of 1/12/13. I was also “concerned” about Mr. Gaines describing every comment made by Sholeh by saying “I take offense” at her OPINIONS regarding the 2nd amendment.

“I take offense” — what is that all about? It is about the craziness of our wonderful country these days. Where is simple discourse? Take offense? In my day that was reserved for someone invading our property of making disparaging remarks about our mother.

Lastly, I would like to know how the folks seen at the gun rallies define those of us who do not have to wear and show our guns and the flag everywhere we go? Are we NOT Patriots because we are different than you? Most of us have more than one firearm with plenty of extra rounds. Are we Patriots? Or are we Traitors because we do not jump on your crazy fear-filled bandwagon?

How I long for the days of three-plus decades past. People with different opinions could communicate with each other and have respect for each other. Where has that gone? And why?

RICK HARLOW

Cataldo