President Reagan Packed

[JM44-40]

http://www.ontheissues.org/Celeb/Ronald_Reagan_Gun_Control.htm


Always wondered what the Secret Service would say if the president said, "I'm going to pack."

As Commander in Chief I guess he could carry what and when he wanted. I knew Teddy Roosevelt did, but didn't know about Reagan.

I know Lincoln engaged in shooting on the south lawn of the White House testing new breech loading and repeating rifles. Of course they didn't have Secret Service then, but when the military guards came running down to see what was going on and Lincoln stood up they just backed away.

As far as I can tell from John Hay's diary this occured in 1863.

William Stoddard was a crack shot and with Lincoln when they went shooting. He said Lincoln knelt down one hundred paces from a wood pile and fired at a board until it splintered and was quite a good shot.

Personally, if it was me, I'd have a range installed in the basement of the White House and "work out" with the Secret Service. Probably could get all the free ammo you wanted. What a great way to relieve stress.

Wonder what Reagan carried -- my guess would be a snub?

 

[tweetr]

Interesting article. I don't know how accurate it is, though.

I like this quote: "Another agent noticed that he was wearing a pistol and asked what that was for. 'Well, just in case you guys can't do the job, I can help out,' Reagan replied." What the pistol was for? What the eff do you think it's for? I would be tempted to give a smart-assed answer like, "It's a back-scratcher. I have this itch that's juuust out of reach!" I'm afraid I would doubt the professional competency of a Secret Service agent who has to ask what a pistol is for!

On the other hand, though, the article quotes Reagan as supporting the Brady bill! Even granting that he was shot in the same incident as Brady I'm afraid I would have to spank the President on his understanding of the Second Amendment.