Hundreds of Bucks County (PA) Little League players have unwittingly been caught in the midst of the national gun-rights debate. Williamson Park in Morrisville, in Bucks County: the town's Little League, league officials, at the urging of state police, are moving, rescheduling, or canceling more than 20 games to avoid any potential conflict that might erupt over the emotional issue.
The matter is of particular urgency, since supporters of gun rights say they plan to legally carry guns as part of their rally.
Months ago, a rally was planned to protest gun violence by the Coalition for Peace Action, in suburban Philly. Ed Rendell and other local politicians.
Of course there has to be a counterrally, because such a fucking affront to freedom!
The counterrally, by supporters of the Pennsylvania Firearms Owners Association (PAFOA), Concerned Guns Owners of Bucks County, and other groups, will be held along the banks of the Delaware River next to the park. Philip Kline, a lawyer and PAFOA supporter, said some attendees would likely be carrying firearms.
Individuals do not need a permit to carry guns openly in Pennsylvania as long as they are purchased legally.
“It's going to be kind of reactive," he said, adding, "There's no reason to think that there's going to be any violent conflict."
The president of the local Little League said he was called by State Police and told it was better to cancel the weekend’s games.
"They're concerned that we're going to get caught up in the middle of it," he said.
Of course it is no small feat to reschedule games for over 500 kids, but both sides are dug in, with the Coalition for Peace Action claiming this has been in the planning and in the works for months, and has cost money and permits, etc.
Concerned Gun Owners of Bucks County took issue with the coalition's insisting on holding the rally, saying in a news release Tuesday that the group should postpone the event to allow the Little Leaguers to play.
"Our rally in response," the release read, "was specifically planned along the river and away from the ball fields to avoid disruption of the kids day at the park playing baseball, which is as American as apple pie and firearms. 'Peace Coalition,' the ball is in your court."
Typically snide self-righteous covering of the ass with the flag.
Sorry if I am not around to respond. I have to feed the corporate machine and be a good productive human resource. Plus, my internet is down at my usual workstation.