http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf..._at_prospe.html
Soccer parents wince at prospect of guns at games
by MONICA VON DOBENECK, Of Our Lebanon County Bureau
Friday October 17, 2008, 10:48 PM
JIM ZENGERLE, The Lebanon Daily News
Isabella Hain, 5, gives her mother, Meleanie Hain, a hug before heading onto the soccer field on Sept. 23 at Optimist Park in Lebanon. Meleanie Hain's insistance on wearing her loaded Glock 26 to the game has other parents up in arms.
Sharon Gregg-Bolognese, the president of the Central Pennsylvania Youth Soccer League, has been getting an earful from parents and coaches who are worried that people will start packing pistols to their children's soccer games.
In a case that gained national attention, a Lebanon County judge ruled Tuesday that Meleanie Hain should get back her concealed-gun permit, which the county sheriff revoked after Hain openly carried a gun to her 5-year-old daughter's soccer game.
CHRIS KNIGHT, The Patriot-News
Gun owner Meleanie Hain speaks to the media after her gun-permit hearing at the Lebanon County Courthouse in Lebanon on Tuesday.
Since then, dozens of readers have posted comments on PennLive.com either applauding or attacking the ruling and Hain's comments that she will likely continue to carry her gun at her children's soccer games. Comments on the PennLive forum use words such as "arrogant jerk," "idiot," "dufus," "cowards" and "sheepish."
Most of the comments on PennLive have come from people applauding the right to openly bear arms.
But a lot of the parents at soccer games feel differently, Gregg-Bolognese said.
"Come on, a 5-year-old's soccer game?" she said. "I mean, really. But if she was in my club and I told her she cannot carry, I would be sued."
Gregg-Bolognese said some clubs have approached her about hiring security guards. Some fathers have threatened to take a gun away from anyone who arrives at a game with one, an idea she tries to squelch. Referees have asked if they should carry guns.
She is trying to come up with a policy to deal with the situation, but it is not easy, she said.
Tom Dougherty, the president of the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association, said he has been consulting with lawyers, but he believes his hands are tied.
"We could put a rule in our books, but we can't enforce it," he said. "We're really kind of powerless."
Gregg-Bolognese suggests clubs check with their school districts and municipalities to see if there are fields where guns can be banned. Guns are generally not allowed on school district property, for instance.
She also tells them to abandon a game if they don't feel safe.
"We don't want kids at risk. Sometimes canceling the game is the only option," she said.
Many people were surprised to find that anybody who is allowed to own a gun -- which is anyone who has passed a criminal background check and is mentally stable -- can openly carry a firearm pretty much anywhere. Permits are required only for concealed weapons.
That includes grocery stores, streets and even the public areas of airports.
"The airport is a public facility like a park or any other public place," said Timothy Edwards, the executive director of Harrisburg International Airport. "You're not screened until you get to the security checkpoint."
Guns are prohibited in courtrooms, prisons and schools.
State regulations have traditionally prohibited guns in state parks, but the Legislature recently voted to overturn that rule. The change is awaiting Gov. Ed Rendell's signature.
Several municipal parks prohibit guns, among them those in Derry Twp., Lower Allen Twp. and Upper Allen Twp.
Derry Twp. administrative assistant Lisa Watford said the law has been on the books for at least 24 years, and she doesn't think guns have any place in parks.
According to Deborah Bitting, a spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities, the constitutional right to bear arms would pre-empt any local gun control laws.
Greg Rotz of Pennsylvania Open Carry said there is even some question about whether guns can be prohibited in schools. The law banning them also says guns may be used "in conjunction with a lawful supervised school activity or course or if possessed for other lawful purpose."
Rotz said the more people openly carry guns, the safer society will be. He hopes the ruling in Lebanon County will encourage more people to carry guns.
When asked what parents should do if they want gun-free soccer games, he answered, "They don't have that right."
Gregg-Bolognese said many of the parents in the central Pennsylvania clubs will not feel safer if someone is carrying a gun at the games.
"There are so many parents who will freak out at this it's not funny," she said.
Staff writer Matt Kemeny contributed to this report.
Full Version: What about citizens' right to have "freedom from" guns?
Common Ground Common Sense > Issues that Affect Our Lives > Second Amendment, Gun Safety and Gun Control
QUOTE(amy @ Dec 5 2008, 10:30 PM) 
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf..._at_prospe.html
Soccer parents wince at prospect of guns at games
by MONICA VON DOBENECK, Of Our Lebanon County Bureau
Friday October 17, 2008, 10:48 PM
JIM ZENGERLE, The Lebanon Daily News
Isabella Hain, 5, gives her mother, Meleanie Hain, a hug before heading onto the soccer field on Sept. 23 at Optimist Park in Lebanon. Meleanie Hain's insistance on wearing her loaded Glock 26 to the game has other parents up in arms.
Sharon Gregg-Bolognese, the president of the Central Pennsylvania Youth Soccer League, has been getting an earful from parents and coaches who are worried that people will start packing pistols to their children's soccer games.
In a case that gained national attention, a Lebanon County judge ruled Tuesday that Meleanie Hain should get back her concealed-gun permit, which the county sheriff revoked after Hain openly carried a gun to her 5-year-old daughter's soccer game.
CHRIS KNIGHT, The Patriot-News
Gun owner Meleanie Hain speaks to the media after her gun-permit hearing at the Lebanon County Courthouse in Lebanon on Tuesday.
Since then, dozens of readers have posted comments on PennLive.com either applauding or attacking the ruling and Hain's comments that she will likely continue to carry her gun at her children's soccer games. Comments on the PennLive forum use words such as "arrogant jerk," "idiot," "dufus," "cowards" and "sheepish."
Most of the comments on PennLive have come from people applauding the right to openly bear arms.
But a lot of the parents at soccer games feel differently, Gregg-Bolognese said.
"Come on, a 5-year-old's soccer game?" she said. "I mean, really. But if she was in my club and I told her she cannot carry, I would be sued."
Gregg-Bolognese said some clubs have approached her about hiring security guards. Some fathers have threatened to take a gun away from anyone who arrives at a game with one, an idea she tries to squelch. Referees have asked if they should carry guns.
She is trying to come up with a policy to deal with the situation, but it is not easy, she said.
Tom Dougherty, the president of the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association, said he has been consulting with lawyers, but he believes his hands are tied.
"We could put a rule in our books, but we can't enforce it," he said. "We're really kind of powerless."
Gregg-Bolognese suggests clubs check with their school districts and municipalities to see if there are fields where guns can be banned. Guns are generally not allowed on school district property, for instance.
She also tells them to abandon a game if they don't feel safe.
"We don't want kids at risk. Sometimes canceling the game is the only option," she said.
Many people were surprised to find that anybody who is allowed to own a gun -- which is anyone who has passed a criminal background check and is mentally stable -- can openly carry a firearm pretty much anywhere. Permits are required only for concealed weapons.
That includes grocery stores, streets and even the public areas of airports.
"The airport is a public facility like a park or any other public place," said Timothy Edwards, the executive director of Harrisburg International Airport. "You're not screened until you get to the security checkpoint."
Guns are prohibited in courtrooms, prisons and schools.
State regulations have traditionally prohibited guns in state parks, but the Legislature recently voted to overturn that rule. The change is awaiting Gov. Ed Rendell's signature.
Several municipal parks prohibit guns, among them those in Derry Twp., Lower Allen Twp. and Upper Allen Twp.
Derry Twp. administrative assistant Lisa Watford said the law has been on the books for at least 24 years, and she doesn't think guns have any place in parks.
According to Deborah Bitting, a spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities, the constitutional right to bear arms would pre-empt any local gun control laws.
Greg Rotz of Pennsylvania Open Carry said there is even some question about whether guns can be prohibited in schools. The law banning them also says guns may be used "in conjunction with a lawful supervised school activity or course or if possessed for other lawful purpose."
Rotz said the more people openly carry guns, the safer society will be. He hopes the ruling in Lebanon County will encourage more people to carry guns.
When asked what parents should do if they want gun-free soccer games, he answered, "They don't have that right."
Gregg-Bolognese said many of the parents in the central Pennsylvania clubs will not feel safer if someone is carrying a gun at the games.
"There are so many parents who will freak out at this it's not funny," she said.
Staff writer Matt Kemeny contributed to this report.
Soccer parents wince at prospect of guns at games
by MONICA VON DOBENECK, Of Our Lebanon County Bureau
Friday October 17, 2008, 10:48 PM
JIM ZENGERLE, The Lebanon Daily News
Isabella Hain, 5, gives her mother, Meleanie Hain, a hug before heading onto the soccer field on Sept. 23 at Optimist Park in Lebanon. Meleanie Hain's insistance on wearing her loaded Glock 26 to the game has other parents up in arms.
Sharon Gregg-Bolognese, the president of the Central Pennsylvania Youth Soccer League, has been getting an earful from parents and coaches who are worried that people will start packing pistols to their children's soccer games.
In a case that gained national attention, a Lebanon County judge ruled Tuesday that Meleanie Hain should get back her concealed-gun permit, which the county sheriff revoked after Hain openly carried a gun to her 5-year-old daughter's soccer game.
CHRIS KNIGHT, The Patriot-News
Gun owner Meleanie Hain speaks to the media after her gun-permit hearing at the Lebanon County Courthouse in Lebanon on Tuesday.
Since then, dozens of readers have posted comments on PennLive.com either applauding or attacking the ruling and Hain's comments that she will likely continue to carry her gun at her children's soccer games. Comments on the PennLive forum use words such as "arrogant jerk," "idiot," "dufus," "cowards" and "sheepish."
Most of the comments on PennLive have come from people applauding the right to openly bear arms.
But a lot of the parents at soccer games feel differently, Gregg-Bolognese said.
"Come on, a 5-year-old's soccer game?" she said. "I mean, really. But if she was in my club and I told her she cannot carry, I would be sued."
Gregg-Bolognese said some clubs have approached her about hiring security guards. Some fathers have threatened to take a gun away from anyone who arrives at a game with one, an idea she tries to squelch. Referees have asked if they should carry guns.
She is trying to come up with a policy to deal with the situation, but it is not easy, she said.
Tom Dougherty, the president of the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association, said he has been consulting with lawyers, but he believes his hands are tied.
"We could put a rule in our books, but we can't enforce it," he said. "We're really kind of powerless."
Gregg-Bolognese suggests clubs check with their school districts and municipalities to see if there are fields where guns can be banned. Guns are generally not allowed on school district property, for instance.
She also tells them to abandon a game if they don't feel safe.
"We don't want kids at risk. Sometimes canceling the game is the only option," she said.
Many people were surprised to find that anybody who is allowed to own a gun -- which is anyone who has passed a criminal background check and is mentally stable -- can openly carry a firearm pretty much anywhere. Permits are required only for concealed weapons.
That includes grocery stores, streets and even the public areas of airports.
"The airport is a public facility like a park or any other public place," said Timothy Edwards, the executive director of Harrisburg International Airport. "You're not screened until you get to the security checkpoint."
Guns are prohibited in courtrooms, prisons and schools.
State regulations have traditionally prohibited guns in state parks, but the Legislature recently voted to overturn that rule. The change is awaiting Gov. Ed Rendell's signature.
Several municipal parks prohibit guns, among them those in Derry Twp., Lower Allen Twp. and Upper Allen Twp.
Derry Twp. administrative assistant Lisa Watford said the law has been on the books for at least 24 years, and she doesn't think guns have any place in parks.
According to Deborah Bitting, a spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities, the constitutional right to bear arms would pre-empt any local gun control laws.
Greg Rotz of Pennsylvania Open Carry said there is even some question about whether guns can be prohibited in schools. The law banning them also says guns may be used "in conjunction with a lawful supervised school activity or course or if possessed for other lawful purpose."
Rotz said the more people openly carry guns, the safer society will be. He hopes the ruling in Lebanon County will encourage more people to carry guns.
When asked what parents should do if they want gun-free soccer games, he answered, "They don't have that right."
Gregg-Bolognese said many of the parents in the central Pennsylvania clubs will not feel safer if someone is carrying a gun at the games.
"There are so many parents who will freak out at this it's not funny," she said.
Staff writer Matt Kemeny contributed to this report.
I personally would not carry openly. No reason to upset people unnecessarily.
QUOTE(Frenchy @ Dec 6 2008, 10:35 AM)
QUOTE(amy @ Dec 5 2008, 10:30 PM)
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf..._at_prospe.html
Soccer parents wince at prospect of guns at games
by MONICA VON DOBENECK, Of Our Lebanon County Bureau
Friday October 17, 2008, 10:48 PM
JIM ZENGERLE, The Lebanon Daily News
Isabella Hain, 5, gives her mother, Meleanie Hain, a hug before heading onto the soccer field on Sept. 23 at Optimist Park in Lebanon. Meleanie Hain's insistance on wearing her loaded Glock 26 to the game has other parents up in arms.
Sharon Gregg-Bolognese, the president of the Central Pennsylvania Youth Soccer League, has been getting an earful from parents and coaches who are worried that people will start packing pistols to their children's soccer games.
In a case that gained national attention, a Lebanon County judge ruled Tuesday that Meleanie Hain should get back her concealed-gun permit, which the county sheriff revoked after Hain openly carried a gun to her 5-year-old daughter's soccer game.
CHRIS KNIGHT, The Patriot-News
Gun owner Meleanie Hain speaks to the media after her gun-permit hearing at the Lebanon County Courthouse in Lebanon on Tuesday.
Since then, dozens of readers have posted comments on PennLive.com either applauding or attacking the ruling and Hain's comments that she will likely continue to carry her gun at her children's soccer games. Comments on the PennLive forum use words such as "arrogant jerk," "idiot," "dufus," "cowards" and "sheepish."
Most of the comments on PennLive have come from people applauding the right to openly bear arms.
But a lot of the parents at soccer games feel differently, Gregg-Bolognese said.
"Come on, a 5-year-old's soccer game?" she said. "I mean, really. But if she was in my club and I told her she cannot carry, I would be sued."
Gregg-Bolognese said some clubs have approached her about hiring security guards. Some fathers have threatened to take a gun away from anyone who arrives at a game with one, an idea she tries to squelch. Referees have asked if they should carry guns.
She is trying to come up with a policy to deal with the situation, but it is not easy, she said.
Tom Dougherty, the president of the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association, said he has been consulting with lawyers, but he believes his hands are tied.
"We could put a rule in our books, but we can't enforce it," he said. "We're really kind of powerless."
Gregg-Bolognese suggests clubs check with their school districts and municipalities to see if there are fields where guns can be banned. Guns are generally not allowed on school district property, for instance.
She also tells them to abandon a game if they don't feel safe.
"We don't want kids at risk. Sometimes canceling the game is the only option," she said.
Many people were surprised to find that anybody who is allowed to own a gun -- which is anyone who has passed a criminal background check and is mentally stable -- can openly carry a firearm pretty much anywhere. Permits are required only for concealed weapons.
That includes grocery stores, streets and even the public areas of airports.
"The airport is a public facility like a park or any other public place," said Timothy Edwards, the executive director of Harrisburg International Airport. "You're not screened until you get to the security checkpoint."
Guns are prohibited in courtrooms, prisons and schools.
State regulations have traditionally prohibited guns in state parks, but the Legislature recently voted to overturn that rule. The change is awaiting Gov. Ed Rendell's signature.
Several municipal parks prohibit guns, among them those in Derry Twp., Lower Allen Twp. and Upper Allen Twp.
Derry Twp. administrative assistant Lisa Watford said the law has been on the books for at least 24 years, and she doesn't think guns have any place in parks.
According to Deborah Bitting, a spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities, the constitutional right to bear arms would pre-empt any local gun control laws.
Greg Rotz of Pennsylvania Open Carry said there is even some question about whether guns can be prohibited in schools. The law banning them also says guns may be used "in conjunction with a lawful supervised school activity or course or if possessed for other lawful purpose."
Rotz said the more people openly carry guns, the safer society will be. He hopes the ruling in Lebanon County will encourage more people to carry guns.
When asked what parents should do if they want gun-free soccer games, he answered, "They don't have that right."
Gregg-Bolognese said many of the parents in the central Pennsylvania clubs will not feel safer if someone is carrying a gun at the games.
"There are so many parents who will freak out at this it's not funny," she said.
Staff writer Matt Kemeny contributed to this report.
Soccer parents wince at prospect of guns at games
by MONICA VON DOBENECK, Of Our Lebanon County Bureau
Friday October 17, 2008, 10:48 PM
JIM ZENGERLE, The Lebanon Daily News
Isabella Hain, 5, gives her mother, Meleanie Hain, a hug before heading onto the soccer field on Sept. 23 at Optimist Park in Lebanon. Meleanie Hain's insistance on wearing her loaded Glock 26 to the game has other parents up in arms.
Sharon Gregg-Bolognese, the president of the Central Pennsylvania Youth Soccer League, has been getting an earful from parents and coaches who are worried that people will start packing pistols to their children's soccer games.
In a case that gained national attention, a Lebanon County judge ruled Tuesday that Meleanie Hain should get back her concealed-gun permit, which the county sheriff revoked after Hain openly carried a gun to her 5-year-old daughter's soccer game.
CHRIS KNIGHT, The Patriot-News
Gun owner Meleanie Hain speaks to the media after her gun-permit hearing at the Lebanon County Courthouse in Lebanon on Tuesday.
Since then, dozens of readers have posted comments on PennLive.com either applauding or attacking the ruling and Hain's comments that she will likely continue to carry her gun at her children's soccer games. Comments on the PennLive forum use words such as "arrogant jerk," "idiot," "dufus," "cowards" and "sheepish."
Most of the comments on PennLive have come from people applauding the right to openly bear arms.
But a lot of the parents at soccer games feel differently, Gregg-Bolognese said.
"Come on, a 5-year-old's soccer game?" she said. "I mean, really. But if she was in my club and I told her she cannot carry, I would be sued."
Gregg-Bolognese said some clubs have approached her about hiring security guards. Some fathers have threatened to take a gun away from anyone who arrives at a game with one, an idea she tries to squelch. Referees have asked if they should carry guns.
She is trying to come up with a policy to deal with the situation, but it is not easy, she said.
Tom Dougherty, the president of the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association, said he has been consulting with lawyers, but he believes his hands are tied.
"We could put a rule in our books, but we can't enforce it," he said. "We're really kind of powerless."
Gregg-Bolognese suggests clubs check with their school districts and municipalities to see if there are fields where guns can be banned. Guns are generally not allowed on school district property, for instance.
She also tells them to abandon a game if they don't feel safe.
"We don't want kids at risk. Sometimes canceling the game is the only option," she said.
Many people were surprised to find that anybody who is allowed to own a gun -- which is anyone who has passed a criminal background check and is mentally stable -- can openly carry a firearm pretty much anywhere. Permits are required only for concealed weapons.
That includes grocery stores, streets and even the public areas of airports.
"The airport is a public facility like a park or any other public place," said Timothy Edwards, the executive director of Harrisburg International Airport. "You're not screened until you get to the security checkpoint."
Guns are prohibited in courtrooms, prisons and schools.
State regulations have traditionally prohibited guns in state parks, but the Legislature recently voted to overturn that rule. The change is awaiting Gov. Ed Rendell's signature.
Several municipal parks prohibit guns, among them those in Derry Twp., Lower Allen Twp. and Upper Allen Twp.
Derry Twp. administrative assistant Lisa Watford said the law has been on the books for at least 24 years, and she doesn't think guns have any place in parks.
According to Deborah Bitting, a spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities, the constitutional right to bear arms would pre-empt any local gun control laws.
Greg Rotz of Pennsylvania Open Carry said there is even some question about whether guns can be prohibited in schools. The law banning them also says guns may be used "in conjunction with a lawful supervised school activity or course or if possessed for other lawful purpose."
Rotz said the more people openly carry guns, the safer society will be. He hopes the ruling in Lebanon County will encourage more people to carry guns.
When asked what parents should do if they want gun-free soccer games, he answered, "They don't have that right."
Gregg-Bolognese said many of the parents in the central Pennsylvania clubs will not feel safer if someone is carrying a gun at the games.
"There are so many parents who will freak out at this it's not funny," she said.
Staff writer Matt Kemeny contributed to this report.
I personally would not carry openly. No reason to upset people unnecessarily.
A lot of "idiots" have the right to carry in PA. I guess this woman wanted to display her weapon to deter an attack by a crazed soccer ball or by a threatening 5 year old soccer player. I prefer "idiots" not be allowed to be armed at soccer games or any other such event.
QUOTE(amy @ Dec 6 2008, 10:21 AM)
QUOTE(Frenchy @ Dec 6 2008, 10:35 AM)
QUOTE(amy @ Dec 5 2008, 10:30 PM)
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf..._at_prospe.html
Soccer parents wince at prospect of guns at games
by MONICA VON DOBENECK, Of Our Lebanon County Bureau
Friday October 17, 2008, 10:48 PM
JIM ZENGERLE, The Lebanon Daily News
Isabella Hain, 5, gives her mother, Meleanie Hain, a hug before heading onto the soccer field on Sept. 23 at Optimist Park in Lebanon. Meleanie Hain's insistance on wearing her loaded Glock 26 to the game has other parents up in arms.
Sharon Gregg-Bolognese, the president of the Central Pennsylvania Youth Soccer League, has been getting an earful from parents and coaches who are worried that people will start packing pistols to their children's soccer games.
In a case that gained national attention, a Lebanon County judge ruled Tuesday that Meleanie Hain should get back her concealed-gun permit, which the county sheriff revoked after Hain openly carried a gun to her 5-year-old daughter's soccer game.
CHRIS KNIGHT, The Patriot-News
Gun owner Meleanie Hain speaks to the media after her gun-permit hearing at the Lebanon County Courthouse in Lebanon on Tuesday.
Since then, dozens of readers have posted comments on PennLive.com either applauding or attacking the ruling and Hain's comments that she will likely continue to carry her gun at her children's soccer games. Comments on the PennLive forum use words such as "arrogant jerk," "idiot," "dufus," "cowards" and "sheepish."
Most of the comments on PennLive have come from people applauding the right to openly bear arms.
But a lot of the parents at soccer games feel differently, Gregg-Bolognese said.
"Come on, a 5-year-old's soccer game?" she said. "I mean, really. But if she was in my club and I told her she cannot carry, I would be sued."
Gregg-Bolognese said some clubs have approached her about hiring security guards. Some fathers have threatened to take a gun away from anyone who arrives at a game with one, an idea she tries to squelch. Referees have asked if they should carry guns.
She is trying to come up with a policy to deal with the situation, but it is not easy, she said.
Tom Dougherty, the president of the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association, said he has been consulting with lawyers, but he believes his hands are tied.
"We could put a rule in our books, but we can't enforce it," he said. "We're really kind of powerless."
Gregg-Bolognese suggests clubs check with their school districts and municipalities to see if there are fields where guns can be banned. Guns are generally not allowed on school district property, for instance.
She also tells them to abandon a game if they don't feel safe.
"We don't want kids at risk. Sometimes canceling the game is the only option," she said.
Many people were surprised to find that anybody who is allowed to own a gun -- which is anyone who has passed a criminal background check and is mentally stable -- can openly carry a firearm pretty much anywhere. Permits are required only for concealed weapons.
That includes grocery stores, streets and even the public areas of airports.
"The airport is a public facility like a park or any other public place," said Timothy Edwards, the executive director of Harrisburg International Airport. "You're not screened until you get to the security checkpoint."
Guns are prohibited in courtrooms, prisons and schools.
State regulations have traditionally prohibited guns in state parks, but the Legislature recently voted to overturn that rule. The change is awaiting Gov. Ed Rendell's signature.
Several municipal parks prohibit guns, among them those in Derry Twp., Lower Allen Twp. and Upper Allen Twp.
Derry Twp. administrative assistant Lisa Watford said the law has been on the books for at least 24 years, and she doesn't think guns have any place in parks.
According to Deborah Bitting, a spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities, the constitutional right to bear arms would pre-empt any local gun control laws.
Greg Rotz of Pennsylvania Open Carry said there is even some question about whether guns can be prohibited in schools. The law banning them also says guns may be used "in conjunction with a lawful supervised school activity or course or if possessed for other lawful purpose."
Rotz said the more people openly carry guns, the safer society will be. He hopes the ruling in Lebanon County will encourage more people to carry guns.
When asked what parents should do if they want gun-free soccer games, he answered, "They don't have that right."
Gregg-Bolognese said many of the parents in the central Pennsylvania clubs will not feel safer if someone is carrying a gun at the games.
"There are so many parents who will freak out at this it's not funny," she said.
Staff writer Matt Kemeny contributed to this report.
Soccer parents wince at prospect of guns at games
by MONICA VON DOBENECK, Of Our Lebanon County Bureau
Friday October 17, 2008, 10:48 PM
JIM ZENGERLE, The Lebanon Daily News
Isabella Hain, 5, gives her mother, Meleanie Hain, a hug before heading onto the soccer field on Sept. 23 at Optimist Park in Lebanon. Meleanie Hain's insistance on wearing her loaded Glock 26 to the game has other parents up in arms.
Sharon Gregg-Bolognese, the president of the Central Pennsylvania Youth Soccer League, has been getting an earful from parents and coaches who are worried that people will start packing pistols to their children's soccer games.
In a case that gained national attention, a Lebanon County judge ruled Tuesday that Meleanie Hain should get back her concealed-gun permit, which the county sheriff revoked after Hain openly carried a gun to her 5-year-old daughter's soccer game.
CHRIS KNIGHT, The Patriot-News
Gun owner Meleanie Hain speaks to the media after her gun-permit hearing at the Lebanon County Courthouse in Lebanon on Tuesday.
Since then, dozens of readers have posted comments on PennLive.com either applauding or attacking the ruling and Hain's comments that she will likely continue to carry her gun at her children's soccer games. Comments on the PennLive forum use words such as "arrogant jerk," "idiot," "dufus," "cowards" and "sheepish."
Most of the comments on PennLive have come from people applauding the right to openly bear arms.
But a lot of the parents at soccer games feel differently, Gregg-Bolognese said.
"Come on, a 5-year-old's soccer game?" she said. "I mean, really. But if she was in my club and I told her she cannot carry, I would be sued."
Gregg-Bolognese said some clubs have approached her about hiring security guards. Some fathers have threatened to take a gun away from anyone who arrives at a game with one, an idea she tries to squelch. Referees have asked if they should carry guns.
She is trying to come up with a policy to deal with the situation, but it is not easy, she said.
Tom Dougherty, the president of the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association, said he has been consulting with lawyers, but he believes his hands are tied.
"We could put a rule in our books, but we can't enforce it," he said. "We're really kind of powerless."
Gregg-Bolognese suggests clubs check with their school districts and municipalities to see if there are fields where guns can be banned. Guns are generally not allowed on school district property, for instance.
She also tells them to abandon a game if they don't feel safe.
"We don't want kids at risk. Sometimes canceling the game is the only option," she said.
Many people were surprised to find that anybody who is allowed to own a gun -- which is anyone who has passed a criminal background check and is mentally stable -- can openly carry a firearm pretty much anywhere. Permits are required only for concealed weapons.
That includes grocery stores, streets and even the public areas of airports.
"The airport is a public facility like a park or any other public place," said Timothy Edwards, the executive director of Harrisburg International Airport. "You're not screened until you get to the security checkpoint."
Guns are prohibited in courtrooms, prisons and schools.
State regulations have traditionally prohibited guns in state parks, but the Legislature recently voted to overturn that rule. The change is awaiting Gov. Ed Rendell's signature.
Several municipal parks prohibit guns, among them those in Derry Twp., Lower Allen Twp. and Upper Allen Twp.
Derry Twp. administrative assistant Lisa Watford said the law has been on the books for at least 24 years, and she doesn't think guns have any place in parks.
According to Deborah Bitting, a spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities, the constitutional right to bear arms would pre-empt any local gun control laws.
Greg Rotz of Pennsylvania Open Carry said there is even some question about whether guns can be prohibited in schools. The law banning them also says guns may be used "in conjunction with a lawful supervised school activity or course or if possessed for other lawful purpose."
Rotz said the more people openly carry guns, the safer society will be. He hopes the ruling in Lebanon County will encourage more people to carry guns.
When asked what parents should do if they want gun-free soccer games, he answered, "They don't have that right."
Gregg-Bolognese said many of the parents in the central Pennsylvania clubs will not feel safer if someone is carrying a gun at the games.
"There are so many parents who will freak out at this it's not funny," she said.
Staff writer Matt Kemeny contributed to this report.
I personally would not carry openly. No reason to upset people unnecessarily.
A lot of "idiots" have the right to carry in PA. I guess this woman wanted to display her weapon to deter an attack by a crazed soccer ball or by a threatening 5 year old soccer player. I prefer "idiots" not be allowed to be armed at soccer games or any other such event.
Has there been a jump in crime because of this?
QUOTE(Frenchy @ Dec 6 2008, 11:27 AM)
QUOTE(amy @ Dec 6 2008, 10:21 AM)
QUOTE(Frenchy @ Dec 6 2008, 10:35 AM)
QUOTE(amy @ Dec 5 2008, 10:30 PM)
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf..._at_prospe.html
Soccer parents wince at prospect of guns at games
by MONICA VON DOBENECK, Of Our Lebanon County Bureau
Friday October 17, 2008, 10:48 PM
JIM ZENGERLE, The Lebanon Daily News
Isabella Hain, 5, gives her mother, Meleanie Hain, a hug before heading onto the soccer field on Sept. 23 at Optimist Park in Lebanon. Meleanie Hain's insistance on wearing her loaded Glock 26 to the game has other parents up in arms.
Sharon Gregg-Bolognese, the president of the Central Pennsylvania Youth Soccer League, has been getting an earful from parents and coaches who are worried that people will start packing pistols to their children's soccer games.
In a case that gained national attention, a Lebanon County judge ruled Tuesday that Meleanie Hain should get back her concealed-gun permit, which the county sheriff revoked after Hain openly carried a gun to her 5-year-old daughter's soccer game.
CHRIS KNIGHT, The Patriot-News
Gun owner Meleanie Hain speaks to the media after her gun-permit hearing at the Lebanon County Courthouse in Lebanon on Tuesday.
Since then, dozens of readers have posted comments on PennLive.com either applauding or attacking the ruling and Hain's comments that she will likely continue to carry her gun at her children's soccer games. Comments on the PennLive forum use words such as "arrogant jerk," "idiot," "dufus," "cowards" and "sheepish."
Most of the comments on PennLive have come from people applauding the right to openly bear arms.
But a lot of the parents at soccer games feel differently, Gregg-Bolognese said.
"Come on, a 5-year-old's soccer game?" she said. "I mean, really. But if she was in my club and I told her she cannot carry, I would be sued."
Gregg-Bolognese said some clubs have approached her about hiring security guards. Some fathers have threatened to take a gun away from anyone who arrives at a game with one, an idea she tries to squelch. Referees have asked if they should carry guns.
She is trying to come up with a policy to deal with the situation, but it is not easy, she said.
Tom Dougherty, the president of the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association, said he has been consulting with lawyers, but he believes his hands are tied.
"We could put a rule in our books, but we can't enforce it," he said. "We're really kind of powerless."
Gregg-Bolognese suggests clubs check with their school districts and municipalities to see if there are fields where guns can be banned. Guns are generally not allowed on school district property, for instance.
She also tells them to abandon a game if they don't feel safe.
"We don't want kids at risk. Sometimes canceling the game is the only option," she said.
Many people were surprised to find that anybody who is allowed to own a gun -- which is anyone who has passed a criminal background check and is mentally stable -- can openly carry a firearm pretty much anywhere. Permits are required only for concealed weapons.
That includes grocery stores, streets and even the public areas of airports.
"The airport is a public facility like a park or any other public place," said Timothy Edwards, the executive director of Harrisburg International Airport. "You're not screened until you get to the security checkpoint."
Guns are prohibited in courtrooms, prisons and schools.
State regulations have traditionally prohibited guns in state parks, but the Legislature recently voted to overturn that rule. The change is awaiting Gov. Ed Rendell's signature.
Several municipal parks prohibit guns, among them those in Derry Twp., Lower Allen Twp. and Upper Allen Twp.
Derry Twp. administrative assistant Lisa Watford said the law has been on the books for at least 24 years, and she doesn't think guns have any place in parks.
According to Deborah Bitting, a spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities, the constitutional right to bear arms would pre-empt any local gun control laws.
Greg Rotz of Pennsylvania Open Carry said there is even some question about whether guns can be prohibited in schools. The law banning them also says guns may be used "in conjunction with a lawful supervised school activity or course or if possessed for other lawful purpose."
Rotz said the more people openly carry guns, the safer society will be. He hopes the ruling in Lebanon County will encourage more people to carry guns.
When asked what parents should do if they want gun-free soccer games, he answered, "They don't have that right."
Gregg-Bolognese said many of the parents in the central Pennsylvania clubs will not feel safer if someone is carrying a gun at the games.
"There are so many parents who will freak out at this it's not funny," she said.
Staff writer Matt Kemeny contributed to this report.
Soccer parents wince at prospect of guns at games
by MONICA VON DOBENECK, Of Our Lebanon County Bureau
Friday October 17, 2008, 10:48 PM
JIM ZENGERLE, The Lebanon Daily News
Isabella Hain, 5, gives her mother, Meleanie Hain, a hug before heading onto the soccer field on Sept. 23 at Optimist Park in Lebanon. Meleanie Hain's insistance on wearing her loaded Glock 26 to the game has other parents up in arms.
Sharon Gregg-Bolognese, the president of the Central Pennsylvania Youth Soccer League, has been getting an earful from parents and coaches who are worried that people will start packing pistols to their children's soccer games.
In a case that gained national attention, a Lebanon County judge ruled Tuesday that Meleanie Hain should get back her concealed-gun permit, which the county sheriff revoked after Hain openly carried a gun to her 5-year-old daughter's soccer game.
CHRIS KNIGHT, The Patriot-News
Gun owner Meleanie Hain speaks to the media after her gun-permit hearing at the Lebanon County Courthouse in Lebanon on Tuesday.
Since then, dozens of readers have posted comments on PennLive.com either applauding or attacking the ruling and Hain's comments that she will likely continue to carry her gun at her children's soccer games. Comments on the PennLive forum use words such as "arrogant jerk," "idiot," "dufus," "cowards" and "sheepish."
Most of the comments on PennLive have come from people applauding the right to openly bear arms.
But a lot of the parents at soccer games feel differently, Gregg-Bolognese said.
"Come on, a 5-year-old's soccer game?" she said. "I mean, really. But if she was in my club and I told her she cannot carry, I would be sued."
Gregg-Bolognese said some clubs have approached her about hiring security guards. Some fathers have threatened to take a gun away from anyone who arrives at a game with one, an idea she tries to squelch. Referees have asked if they should carry guns.
She is trying to come up with a policy to deal with the situation, but it is not easy, she said.
Tom Dougherty, the president of the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association, said he has been consulting with lawyers, but he believes his hands are tied.
"We could put a rule in our books, but we can't enforce it," he said. "We're really kind of powerless."
Gregg-Bolognese suggests clubs check with their school districts and municipalities to see if there are fields where guns can be banned. Guns are generally not allowed on school district property, for instance.
She also tells them to abandon a game if they don't feel safe.
"We don't want kids at risk. Sometimes canceling the game is the only option," she said.
Many people were surprised to find that anybody who is allowed to own a gun -- which is anyone who has passed a criminal background check and is mentally stable -- can openly carry a firearm pretty much anywhere. Permits are required only for concealed weapons.
That includes grocery stores, streets and even the public areas of airports.
"The airport is a public facility like a park or any other public place," said Timothy Edwards, the executive director of Harrisburg International Airport. "You're not screened until you get to the security checkpoint."
Guns are prohibited in courtrooms, prisons and schools.
State regulations have traditionally prohibited guns in state parks, but the Legislature recently voted to overturn that rule. The change is awaiting Gov. Ed Rendell's signature.
Several municipal parks prohibit guns, among them those in Derry Twp., Lower Allen Twp. and Upper Allen Twp.
Derry Twp. administrative assistant Lisa Watford said the law has been on the books for at least 24 years, and she doesn't think guns have any place in parks.
According to Deborah Bitting, a spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities, the constitutional right to bear arms would pre-empt any local gun control laws.
Greg Rotz of Pennsylvania Open Carry said there is even some question about whether guns can be prohibited in schools. The law banning them also says guns may be used "in conjunction with a lawful supervised school activity or course or if possessed for other lawful purpose."
Rotz said the more people openly carry guns, the safer society will be. He hopes the ruling in Lebanon County will encourage more people to carry guns.
When asked what parents should do if they want gun-free soccer games, he answered, "They don't have that right."
Gregg-Bolognese said many of the parents in the central Pennsylvania clubs will not feel safer if someone is carrying a gun at the games.
"There are so many parents who will freak out at this it's not funny," she said.
Staff writer Matt Kemeny contributed to this report.
I personally would not carry openly. No reason to upset people unnecessarily.
A lot of "idiots" have the right to carry in PA. I guess this woman wanted to display her weapon to deter an attack by a crazed soccer ball or by a threatening 5 year old soccer player. I prefer "idiots" not be allowed to be armed at soccer games or any other such event.
Has there been a jump in crime because of this?
You mean a jump in crime at youth soccer games? I don't think there have been any lethal crimes.... kids walking off with someone else's soccer ball....parents screaming obscenities at refs.....coaches screaming at refs....
Also, apparently in some areas of the U.S. crime has diminished with citizens being armed and in other areas crimes have escalated....so....
I had a friend who was shot and said to be dead on the news. One day I got on the bus and there was my friend who said ______ you look like you've seen a ghost. May I tell you the reports of my death were greatly exaggerated.
He explained that he was pronounced dead when found but was still alive and hospital saved his life.
He explained that he was pronounced dead when found but was still alive and hospital saved his life.
QUOTE(cutecat @ Dec 6 2008, 01:26 PM)
I had a friend who was shot and said to be dead on the news. One day I got on the bus and there was my friend who said ______ you look like you've seen a ghost. May I tell you the reports of my death were greatly exaggerated.
He explained that he was pronounced dead when found but was still alive and hospital saved his life.
He explained that he was pronounced dead when found but was still alive and hospital saved his life.
Never trust the news...
No I feel not only reporting errors but more anxious to produce story at no concern of cost or bias cost to public.
You can imagine my heart and mind when I saw him.
Stories presented in excited dangerous attitude with no follow up sets biases and discrimination.
If the only stories we get are citizens being shot by illegally armed people or that illegally armed people do all the shooting.
Good citizens are responsible gun owners? bad people do all the shooting?
I argue all the people I know shot were innocent at the time they were shot but so many were by families or accidents.
Guns are stolen or sold on streets are licensed or registered guns stolen or sold illegally.
Guns and gun owner ship is a pro and con situation. Like a natural disaster wiping out populations Guns are a un natural disaster wiping out populations.
Gun activist and anti gun activist are opposite but neither comes off responsible. One does not allow for a legitimate need and the other does not allow for control, regulation to protect those who do not feel need or trust those with guns.
The middle allows exception and always looks at the possibility of danger. The manufacture and sales of gun is point one on the remedy list.l
Tobacco industries produce cigarettes and markets addiction yet the smoker is legislated against to protect the non smoker. Same argument but different perspective.
You can imagine my heart and mind when I saw him.
Stories presented in excited dangerous attitude with no follow up sets biases and discrimination.
If the only stories we get are citizens being shot by illegally armed people or that illegally armed people do all the shooting.
Good citizens are responsible gun owners? bad people do all the shooting?
I argue all the people I know shot were innocent at the time they were shot but so many were by families or accidents.
Guns are stolen or sold on streets are licensed or registered guns stolen or sold illegally.
Guns and gun owner ship is a pro and con situation. Like a natural disaster wiping out populations Guns are a un natural disaster wiping out populations.
Gun activist and anti gun activist are opposite but neither comes off responsible. One does not allow for a legitimate need and the other does not allow for control, regulation to protect those who do not feel need or trust those with guns.
The middle allows exception and always looks at the possibility of danger. The manufacture and sales of gun is point one on the remedy list.l
Tobacco industries produce cigarettes and markets addiction yet the smoker is legislated against to protect the non smoker. Same argument but different perspective.
It is not a black and white issue.
QUOTE(amy @ Dec 6 2008, 11:21 AM)
QUOTE(Frenchy @ Dec 6 2008, 10:35 AM)
QUOTE(amy @ Dec 5 2008, 10:30 PM)
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf..._at_prospe.html
Soccer parents wince at prospect of guns at games
by MONICA VON DOBENECK, Of Our Lebanon County Bureau
Friday October 17, 2008, 10:48 PM
JIM ZENGERLE, The Lebanon Daily News
Isabella Hain, 5, gives her mother, Meleanie Hain, a hug before heading onto the soccer field on Sept. 23 at Optimist Park in Lebanon. Meleanie Hain's insistance on wearing her loaded Glock 26 to the game has other parents up in arms.
Sharon Gregg-Bolognese, the president of the Central Pennsylvania Youth Soccer League, has been getting an earful from parents and coaches who are worried that people will start packing pistols to their children's soccer games.
In a case that gained national attention, a Lebanon County judge ruled Tuesday that Meleanie Hain should get back her concealed-gun permit, which the county sheriff revoked after Hain openly carried a gun to her 5-year-old daughter's soccer game.
CHRIS KNIGHT, The Patriot-News
Gun owner Meleanie Hain speaks to the media after her gun-permit hearing at the Lebanon County Courthouse in Lebanon on Tuesday.
Since then, dozens of readers have posted comments on PennLive.com either applauding or attacking the ruling and Hain's comments that she will likely continue to carry her gun at her children's soccer games. Comments on the PennLive forum use words such as "arrogant jerk," "idiot," "dufus," "cowards" and "sheepish."
Most of the comments on PennLive have come from people applauding the right to openly bear arms.
But a lot of the parents at soccer games feel differently, Gregg-Bolognese said.
"Come on, a 5-year-old's soccer game?" she said. "I mean, really. But if she was in my club and I told her she cannot carry, I would be sued."
Gregg-Bolognese said some clubs have approached her about hiring security guards. Some fathers have threatened to take a gun away from anyone who arrives at a game with one, an idea she tries to squelch. Referees have asked if they should carry guns.
She is trying to come up with a policy to deal with the situation, but it is not easy, she said.
Tom Dougherty, the president of the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association, said he has been consulting with lawyers, but he believes his hands are tied.
"We could put a rule in our books, but we can't enforce it," he said. "We're really kind of powerless."
Gregg-Bolognese suggests clubs check with their school districts and municipalities to see if there are fields where guns can be banned. Guns are generally not allowed on school district property, for instance.
She also tells them to abandon a game if they don't feel safe.
"We don't want kids at risk. Sometimes canceling the game is the only option," she said.
Many people were surprised to find that anybody who is allowed to own a gun -- which is anyone who has passed a criminal background check and is mentally stable -- can openly carry a firearm pretty much anywhere. Permits are required only for concealed weapons.
That includes grocery stores, streets and even the public areas of airports.
"The airport is a public facility like a park or any other public place," said Timothy Edwards, the executive director of Harrisburg International Airport. "You're not screened until you get to the security checkpoint."
Guns are prohibited in courtrooms, prisons and schools.
State regulations have traditionally prohibited guns in state parks, but the Legislature recently voted to overturn that rule. The change is awaiting Gov. Ed Rendell's signature.
Several municipal parks prohibit guns, among them those in Derry Twp., Lower Allen Twp. and Upper Allen Twp.
Derry Twp. administrative assistant Lisa Watford said the law has been on the books for at least 24 years, and she doesn't think guns have any place in parks.
According to Deborah Bitting, a spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities, the constitutional right to bear arms would pre-empt any local gun control laws.
Greg Rotz of Pennsylvania Open Carry said there is even some question about whether guns can be prohibited in schools. The law banning them also says guns may be used "in conjunction with a lawful supervised school activity or course or if possessed for other lawful purpose."
Rotz said the more people openly carry guns, the safer society will be. He hopes the ruling in Lebanon County will encourage more people to carry guns.
When asked what parents should do if they want gun-free soccer games, he answered, "They don't have that right."
Gregg-Bolognese said many of the parents in the central Pennsylvania clubs will not feel safer if someone is carrying a gun at the games.
"There are so many parents who will freak out at this it's not funny," she said.
Staff writer Matt Kemeny contributed to this report.
Soccer parents wince at prospect of guns at games
by MONICA VON DOBENECK, Of Our Lebanon County Bureau
Friday October 17, 2008, 10:48 PM
JIM ZENGERLE, The Lebanon Daily News
Isabella Hain, 5, gives her mother, Meleanie Hain, a hug before heading onto the soccer field on Sept. 23 at Optimist Park in Lebanon. Meleanie Hain's insistance on wearing her loaded Glock 26 to the game has other parents up in arms.
Sharon Gregg-Bolognese, the president of the Central Pennsylvania Youth Soccer League, has been getting an earful from parents and coaches who are worried that people will start packing pistols to their children's soccer games.
In a case that gained national attention, a Lebanon County judge ruled Tuesday that Meleanie Hain should get back her concealed-gun permit, which the county sheriff revoked after Hain openly carried a gun to her 5-year-old daughter's soccer game.
CHRIS KNIGHT, The Patriot-News
Gun owner Meleanie Hain speaks to the media after her gun-permit hearing at the Lebanon County Courthouse in Lebanon on Tuesday.
Since then, dozens of readers have posted comments on PennLive.com either applauding or attacking the ruling and Hain's comments that she will likely continue to carry her gun at her children's soccer games. Comments on the PennLive forum use words such as "arrogant jerk," "idiot," "dufus," "cowards" and "sheepish."
Most of the comments on PennLive have come from people applauding the right to openly bear arms.
But a lot of the parents at soccer games feel differently, Gregg-Bolognese said.
"Come on, a 5-year-old's soccer game?" she said. "I mean, really. But if she was in my club and I told her she cannot carry, I would be sued."
Gregg-Bolognese said some clubs have approached her about hiring security guards. Some fathers have threatened to take a gun away from anyone who arrives at a game with one, an idea she tries to squelch. Referees have asked if they should carry guns.
She is trying to come up with a policy to deal with the situation, but it is not easy, she said.
Tom Dougherty, the president of the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association, said he has been consulting with lawyers, but he believes his hands are tied.
"We could put a rule in our books, but we can't enforce it," he said. "We're really kind of powerless."
Gregg-Bolognese suggests clubs check with their school districts and municipalities to see if there are fields where guns can be banned. Guns are generally not allowed on school district property, for instance.
She also tells them to abandon a game if they don't feel safe.
"We don't want kids at risk. Sometimes canceling the game is the only option," she said.
Many people were surprised to find that anybody who is allowed to own a gun -- which is anyone who has passed a criminal background check and is mentally stable -- can openly carry a firearm pretty much anywhere. Permits are required only for concealed weapons.
That includes grocery stores, streets and even the public areas of airports.
"The airport is a public facility like a park or any other public place," said Timothy Edwards, the executive director of Harrisburg International Airport. "You're not screened until you get to the security checkpoint."
Guns are prohibited in courtrooms, prisons and schools.
State regulations have traditionally prohibited guns in state parks, but the Legislature recently voted to overturn that rule. The change is awaiting Gov. Ed Rendell's signature.
Several municipal parks prohibit guns, among them those in Derry Twp., Lower Allen Twp. and Upper Allen Twp.
Derry Twp. administrative assistant Lisa Watford said the law has been on the books for at least 24 years, and she doesn't think guns have any place in parks.
According to Deborah Bitting, a spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities, the constitutional right to bear arms would pre-empt any local gun control laws.
Greg Rotz of Pennsylvania Open Carry said there is even some question about whether guns can be prohibited in schools. The law banning them also says guns may be used "in conjunction with a lawful supervised school activity or course or if possessed for other lawful purpose."
Rotz said the more people openly carry guns, the safer society will be. He hopes the ruling in Lebanon County will encourage more people to carry guns.
When asked what parents should do if they want gun-free soccer games, he answered, "They don't have that right."
Gregg-Bolognese said many of the parents in the central Pennsylvania clubs will not feel safer if someone is carrying a gun at the games.
"There are so many parents who will freak out at this it's not funny," she said.
Staff writer Matt Kemeny contributed to this report.
I personally would not carry openly. No reason to upset people unnecessarily.
A lot of "idiots" have the right to carry in PA. I guess this woman wanted to display her weapon to deter an attack by a crazed soccer ball or by a threatening 5 year old soccer player. I prefer "idiots" not be allowed to be armed at soccer games or any other such event.
This woman, who openly carried a handgun to her young daughter's soccer game was shot dead....her husband is dead.....their children are now orphans....sad.....
Gun-Toting Soccer Mom, Husband Shot Dead in Apparent Murder-Suicide
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,562102...test=latestnews
QUOTE(amy @ Nov 19 2009, 07:38 AM)
QUOTE(amy @ Dec 6 2008, 11:21 AM)
QUOTE(Frenchy @ Dec 6 2008, 10:35 AM)
QUOTE(amy @ Dec 5 2008, 10:30 PM)
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf..._at_prospe.html
Soccer parents wince at prospect of guns at games
by MONICA VON DOBENECK, Of Our Lebanon County Bureau
Friday October 17, 2008, 10:48 PM
JIM ZENGERLE, The Lebanon Daily News
Isabella Hain, 5, gives her mother, Meleanie Hain, a hug before heading onto the soccer field on Sept. 23 at Optimist Park in Lebanon. Meleanie Hain's insistance on wearing her loaded Glock 26 to the game has other parents up in arms.
Sharon Gregg-Bolognese, the president of the Central Pennsylvania Youth Soccer League, has been getting an earful from parents and coaches who are worried that people will start packing pistols to their children's soccer games.
In a case that gained national attention, a Lebanon County judge ruled Tuesday that Meleanie Hain should get back her concealed-gun permit, which the county sheriff revoked after Hain openly carried a gun to her 5-year-old daughter's soccer game.
CHRIS KNIGHT, The Patriot-News
Gun owner Meleanie Hain speaks to the media after her gun-permit hearing at the Lebanon County Courthouse in Lebanon on Tuesday.
Since then, dozens of readers have posted comments on PennLive.com either applauding or attacking the ruling and Hain's comments that she will likely continue to carry her gun at her children's soccer games. Comments on the PennLive forum use words such as "arrogant jerk," "idiot," "dufus," "cowards" and "sheepish."
Most of the comments on PennLive have come from people applauding the right to openly bear arms.
But a lot of the parents at soccer games feel differently, Gregg-Bolognese said.
"Come on, a 5-year-old's soccer game?" she said. "I mean, really. But if she was in my club and I told her she cannot carry, I would be sued."
Gregg-Bolognese said some clubs have approached her about hiring security guards. Some fathers have threatened to take a gun away from anyone who arrives at a game with one, an idea she tries to squelch. Referees have asked if they should carry guns.
She is trying to come up with a policy to deal with the situation, but it is not easy, she said.
Tom Dougherty, the president of the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association, said he has been consulting with lawyers, but he believes his hands are tied.
"We could put a rule in our books, but we can't enforce it," he said. "We're really kind of powerless."
Gregg-Bolognese suggests clubs check with their school districts and municipalities to see if there are fields where guns can be banned. Guns are generally not allowed on school district property, for instance.
She also tells them to abandon a game if they don't feel safe.
"We don't want kids at risk. Sometimes canceling the game is the only option," she said.
Many people were surprised to find that anybody who is allowed to own a gun -- which is anyone who has passed a criminal background check and is mentally stable -- can openly carry a firearm pretty much anywhere. Permits are required only for concealed weapons.
That includes grocery stores, streets and even the public areas of airports.
"The airport is a public facility like a park or any other public place," said Timothy Edwards, the executive director of Harrisburg International Airport. "You're not screened until you get to the security checkpoint."
Guns are prohibited in courtrooms, prisons and schools.
State regulations have traditionally prohibited guns in state parks, but the Legislature recently voted to overturn that rule. The change is awaiting Gov. Ed Rendell's signature.
Several municipal parks prohibit guns, among them those in Derry Twp., Lower Allen Twp. and Upper Allen Twp.
Derry Twp. administrative assistant Lisa Watford said the law has been on the books for at least 24 years, and she doesn't think guns have any place in parks.
According to Deborah Bitting, a spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities, the constitutional right to bear arms would pre-empt any local gun control laws.
Greg Rotz of Pennsylvania Open Carry said there is even some question about whether guns can be prohibited in schools. The law banning them also says guns may be used "in conjunction with a lawful supervised school activity or course or if possessed for other lawful purpose."
Rotz said the more people openly carry guns, the safer society will be. He hopes the ruling in Lebanon County will encourage more people to carry guns.
When asked what parents should do if they want gun-free soccer games, he answered, "They don't have that right."
Gregg-Bolognese said many of the parents in the central Pennsylvania clubs will not feel safer if someone is carrying a gun at the games.
"There are so many parents who will freak out at this it's not funny," she said.
Staff writer Matt Kemeny contributed to this report.
Soccer parents wince at prospect of guns at games
by MONICA VON DOBENECK, Of Our Lebanon County Bureau
Friday October 17, 2008, 10:48 PM
JIM ZENGERLE, The Lebanon Daily News
Isabella Hain, 5, gives her mother, Meleanie Hain, a hug before heading onto the soccer field on Sept. 23 at Optimist Park in Lebanon. Meleanie Hain's insistance on wearing her loaded Glock 26 to the game has other parents up in arms.
Sharon Gregg-Bolognese, the president of the Central Pennsylvania Youth Soccer League, has been getting an earful from parents and coaches who are worried that people will start packing pistols to their children's soccer games.
In a case that gained national attention, a Lebanon County judge ruled Tuesday that Meleanie Hain should get back her concealed-gun permit, which the county sheriff revoked after Hain openly carried a gun to her 5-year-old daughter's soccer game.
CHRIS KNIGHT, The Patriot-News
Gun owner Meleanie Hain speaks to the media after her gun-permit hearing at the Lebanon County Courthouse in Lebanon on Tuesday.
Since then, dozens of readers have posted comments on PennLive.com either applauding or attacking the ruling and Hain's comments that she will likely continue to carry her gun at her children's soccer games. Comments on the PennLive forum use words such as "arrogant jerk," "idiot," "dufus," "cowards" and "sheepish."
Most of the comments on PennLive have come from people applauding the right to openly bear arms.
But a lot of the parents at soccer games feel differently, Gregg-Bolognese said.
"Come on, a 5-year-old's soccer game?" she said. "I mean, really. But if she was in my club and I told her she cannot carry, I would be sued."
Gregg-Bolognese said some clubs have approached her about hiring security guards. Some fathers have threatened to take a gun away from anyone who arrives at a game with one, an idea she tries to squelch. Referees have asked if they should carry guns.
She is trying to come up with a policy to deal with the situation, but it is not easy, she said.
Tom Dougherty, the president of the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association, said he has been consulting with lawyers, but he believes his hands are tied.
"We could put a rule in our books, but we can't enforce it," he said. "We're really kind of powerless."
Gregg-Bolognese suggests clubs check with their school districts and municipalities to see if there are fields where guns can be banned. Guns are generally not allowed on school district property, for instance.
She also tells them to abandon a game if they don't feel safe.
"We don't want kids at risk. Sometimes canceling the game is the only option," she said.
Many people were surprised to find that anybody who is allowed to own a gun -- which is anyone who has passed a criminal background check and is mentally stable -- can openly carry a firearm pretty much anywhere. Permits are required only for concealed weapons.
That includes grocery stores, streets and even the public areas of airports.
"The airport is a public facility like a park or any other public place," said Timothy Edwards, the executive director of Harrisburg International Airport. "You're not screened until you get to the security checkpoint."
Guns are prohibited in courtrooms, prisons and schools.
State regulations have traditionally prohibited guns in state parks, but the Legislature recently voted to overturn that rule. The change is awaiting Gov. Ed Rendell's signature.
Several municipal parks prohibit guns, among them those in Derry Twp., Lower Allen Twp. and Upper Allen Twp.
Derry Twp. administrative assistant Lisa Watford said the law has been on the books for at least 24 years, and she doesn't think guns have any place in parks.
According to Deborah Bitting, a spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities, the constitutional right to bear arms would pre-empt any local gun control laws.
Greg Rotz of Pennsylvania Open Carry said there is even some question about whether guns can be prohibited in schools. The law banning them also says guns may be used "in conjunction with a lawful supervised school activity or course or if possessed for other lawful purpose."
Rotz said the more people openly carry guns, the safer society will be. He hopes the ruling in Lebanon County will encourage more people to carry guns.
When asked what parents should do if they want gun-free soccer games, he answered, "They don't have that right."
Gregg-Bolognese said many of the parents in the central Pennsylvania clubs will not feel safer if someone is carrying a gun at the games.
"There are so many parents who will freak out at this it's not funny," she said.
Staff writer Matt Kemeny contributed to this report.
I personally would not carry openly. No reason to upset people unnecessarily.
A lot of "idiots" have the right to carry in PA. I guess this woman wanted to display her weapon to deter an attack by a crazed soccer ball or by a threatening 5 year old soccer player. I prefer "idiots" not be allowed to be armed at soccer games or any other such event.
This woman, who openly carried a handgun to her young daughter's soccer game was shot dead....her husband is dead.....their children are now orphans....sad.....
Gun-Toting Soccer Mom, Husband Shot Dead in Apparent Murder-Suicide
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,562102...test=latestnews
Yes!...I'm familiar with the sad end of this story.
you know if someone asks me
this bogus line the NRA and other gunderbaters use about being there to stop a columbine
If you ask me, in the madpanic afterward, I betcha the gunderbaters would kill innocents
Much like Pat Tillman was killed
Much like for all we know, 4 or 5 the other day were from friendly fire
give people guns and they kill
a girl screams on the street
a gunderbater pulls out his gun
and shoots dead Kanye West
the girl was just screaming because she saw the superstar she loves
guns kill
people with guns kill
bullets kill
What do we live in the Wild Wild West?
(it is too bad though that that nice Professor in Mass. didn't blow away the racist cop though...gun lovers would've applauded...right?
its as easy as bxw
this bogus line the NRA and other gunderbaters use about being there to stop a columbine
If you ask me, in the madpanic afterward, I betcha the gunderbaters would kill innocents
Much like Pat Tillman was killed
Much like for all we know, 4 or 5 the other day were from friendly fire
give people guns and they kill
a girl screams on the street
a gunderbater pulls out his gun
and shoots dead Kanye West
the girl was just screaming because she saw the superstar she loves
guns kill
people with guns kill
bullets kill
What do we live in the Wild Wild West?
(it is too bad though that that nice Professor in Mass. didn't blow away the racist cop though...gun lovers would've applauded...right?
its as easy as bxw
QUOTE(amy @ Dec 6 2008, 10:21 AM)
A lot of "idiots" have the right to carry in PA. I guess this woman wanted to display her weapon to deter an attack by a crazed soccer ball or by a threatening 5 year old soccer player. I prefer "idiots" not be allowed to be armed at soccer games or any other such event.
In interesting compliment.
I hope when you need the help of an "idiot", they realize who/what you are and ignore you.
Don't worry, that probably won't happen.
Every gun owner I know is much more responsible with their entire life than "most" of the anti-gun people I have run across.
If you are in trouble, they would probably defend you from an attack.
That is, unless you suceed in disarming them
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