How can we "insure domestic tranquility," with gun toting thugs scaring the public?

Actual people have been left out of the gun toting craze in red states nationwide. It’s like we don’t really exist, or have the same constitutional expectations that have something to do with…let me see…oh, yea, “insure domestic Tranquility.”

Remember?

AP: The men were carrying AR-15 assault rifles legally near the market on Sept. 7. Police detained them at gunpoint and handcuffed them before eventually releasing them without tickets.

How can you even talk about “tranquility” when your family is faced with armed strangers in the streets, at shopping centers, at the movies, in elementary schools, or even at your state Capitol? 

There’s nothing tranquil about it, more scary...frightening. These armed losers aren't like normal people protecting their homes. These thugs had to flaunt it in public, and probably got a thrill out of people’s reactions, and dared anyone to object.

And I’m not the only one who thinks so. People are starting to get pissed. Through a freedom of information request, we found out the mayor of Appleton got a bunch of email from angry and frightened citizens. Was he hiding them so no one would know there’s a big problem bubbling up from under the surface:

AP: Concerned residents sent a flurry of emails to Appleton Mayor Tim Hanna last month after two men showed up armed with assault rifles near the city's farmers market, according to a new analysis.A few emails supported the men's Second Amendment rights, but most were from residents who threatened to stay away from future public events if firearms could be present, the Post Crescent Media reported (http://post.cr/1gQB9JO ).

"As long as there are people with guns walking around this city, my family will not be," wrote Adam Fredrick, of Appleton.

"If these idiots are this paranoid perhaps they should stay home and protect their fortress and not wander around on the streets," Mary Rutten, of Appleton, wrote of the men. "I do not want to live like this where people feel they have to carry guns to protect themselves at a public and/or family event."

Other writers were worried about how the incident might affect the city's reputation. Some asked Hanna to figure out creative ways to keep the city safe for families without violating state law. Hanna noted that he'd like to see the state law changed, but acknowledged that the chances of that happening are remote.

Alderwoman Sarah Garb said state law allows for gun rules to be established for special events as long as there are designated entrances or admission fees. She suggested charging a $1 entrance fee to the farmers' market or setting up a rope line to constitute an entrance. "It's a situation that calls for creative problem-solving, not throwing up our hands," Garb said.