“Just Allow me to Defend Myself and My family”
There was standing room only at Greenville County Square while Senator Lee Bright and his Senate Colleagues were holding a hearing on the “open carry” bill that is making its way through the South Carolina Senate.
The walls were lined by people who could not find seats and some were sitting in the entrances and isles.
All attendees were required to remove items from their pockets and be checked with a metal detector. It was the largest contingent of law enforcement officers seen at Greenville County Square since officers stood by and allowed a group of MLK supporters led by Rev. Jesse Jackson drive Council members from their seats and occupy their chairs and meeting room overnight.
“I am amazed at how articulate and passionate most of the speakers were,” said Senator Lee Bright as he made his way through the dispersing crowd to the rain-drenched parking lot. “All we want from our government is freedom,” said one speaker. “We want the freedom to defend ourselves and our families.”
A reserve deputy sheriff said it is impossible for law enforcement officers to protect you from those who would harm you or take your property. In most instances they will arrive after you are dead or seriously injured and the criminals gone. We must be prepared to defend ourselves. It is our God-given right and duty and government should not obstruct our freedom to perform our duty.
Attending this hearing was no fun event for these folks on a cold rainy Monday evening. They cheered for the speakers, but the expressions on their faces were grim. They wanted their senators to leave with no doubt that the
Second Amendment that so many Americans have fought and died to preserve is still worth dying for.
A total of five hearings are scheduled around the state. A packed house greeted the Senators in Rock Hill last week. There remains one hearing to be conducted.
Sen. Bright was accompanied by Senators Shane Martin, Danny Verdin and Tom Corbin.