Comment regarding _militia activity in Montana_Public Comment from Melissa KissingerFrom:Melissa Kissinger
To:Kalispell Meetings Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL] Comment regarding "militia activity in Montana"
Date:Monday, July 6, 2020 4:41:53 PM
The events that unfolded during the BLM protests were peaceful, for the most part. Who
knows what may have taken place had the Flathead patriot group not come in full force. Therewas no taunting or intimidating behaviors from the Patriots, that I witnessed, however there
was from the BLM protestors. With their signs of "love hates Trump" therefore spreading hatein the name of "peaceful protest" and many people flipped me off personally and vocalized
profanities at me for disagreeing with their agenda. That is not peacefully protesting. That isnot respecting other views. That is instigation and intimidation. These people are pushing to
regulate our second amendment rights to give them the freedom to become anarchist andchaotic. Limiting our second amendment right to bear arms opens the door wide open for
antifa or other groups to spread fear and cause destruction knowing there is no possibility ofthat the common man could protect themselves or one another. The first amendment protects
the BLM people and allows them to protest. The second protects the Patriots and allows themto protect themselves and their local businesses, etc. We cannot allow Montana to pick and
choose what constitutional rights to follow. We must respect the Constitution as a whole andallow us to protect ourselves! Yes, this particular incident ended up peaceful, without
destruction, and without violence. Who is to say that wasn't because there were so many menand women out there with their guns ready to protect? How often do we see armed guards
protecting buildings and people of importance? More often than not, nothing happens. There'sno violence or destruction or assassination attempts. It is evident, then, that the armed guards
being present help to eliminate the temptation to cause harm. It is evident that the gun owners,handling their guns properly, exercising their American rights, help to allow for peace. It is not
intimidation, it is simply readiness! It is necessary! Regardless of your beliefs or what side ofthe protest you stand on, having locals carry guns during a potentially dangerous event is
helping keep everyone safe!