Quick Poll
Do you give annually to the Coweta Can-A-Thon?
- Yes: 179
- No: 164
Total Votes:
Published Sunday, March 08, 2009 in Local
Photo by Jeffrey Leo
The Georgia Carry group adopted part of Highway 34 near Thomas Crossroads from Bradford Station Drive to East Plantation Drive. With the new sign put in place last week are, from left, President Ed Stone, Todd Nolin, Jose Pinacho, County Coordinator Jerry Henrer, Christy McGallian, State Program Director Shane McGallian, Wade Wheeler and Dean Marvin.
Gun rights group adopts a mile of Highway 34 for litter cleanup
The Times-Herald
Starting next month, they'll be wearing orange vests, picking up litter along Georgia's highways -- and carrying guns.
They are members of Georgia Carry, a gun rights organization that adopted a one-mile section along Georgia Highway 34 East in Coweta County about three weeks ago under the Georgia Adopt-a-Highway program.
Georgia Carry's community service is part of a new campaign to let the public know they're just a group of "pretty decent guys" who are continuing to champion for the right to keep and bear arms.
"We're going to be carrying our weapons to show people that good guys carry weapons," said Jerry Henry, a Georgia Carry member and local gun show coordinator.
The 4,000-member organization adopted the section of state Highway 34 from Bradford Station Drive to East Plantation Drive. The sign along the highway was erected last week. The two-year-old group plans to adopt more roadsides throughout the state for the recognition and to continue their advocacy of gun rights.
President Ed Stone of Senoia confirmed the organization is currently pursuing other roads to adopt in other counties. Henry said most of them are concentrated in the Atlanta metro area, but they're actively working on an application in Savannah, too.
Stone and Georgia Carry were instrumental in passing Georgia's recent law that allows the state's firearms license holders to carry guns in state parks, on public transportation, and in restaurants that serve alcohol, as long as the permit holder does not drink.
Georgia Carry volunteers plan to start their first litter pickup along their stretch of highway in Coweta on April 18.
In addition to performing community service and continuing their advocacy campaign, Henry explained the group is hoping to dispel any negative misperceptions about their group.
He said he realizes that many are afraid of people toting weapons. So the idea, sprung from a member's Web posting, is so "people can see how nice we are and that we're not kooks."
"We want people to realize that you can drive by somebody wearing a gun and they're not going to kill you. A lot of people are deathly afraid of guns and I understand that, but most people in the South are used to that," he said.
He added that Georgia Carry is a diverse group that includes men and women of all races who range in age from 18 to 75 years old.
"It's a real cross-section of America ... that share the interest of protection our Second Amendment rights," he said.
The state's Adopt-a-Highway program, a partnership between the Georgia Department of Transportation and Keep Georgia Beautiful, enlists citizen volunteers to help remove litter from state roadsides. Each volunteer group adopts at least a one-mile stretch of highway and agrees to remove litter from both sides of the road at least four times a year for a two-year period.
Comment On This Story
Times-Herald.com does not necessarily agree with the comments posted below. Responsibility of comments rests solely with the writer. Comments posted in ALL CAPS will be deleted.
Submission of a comment does not guarantee publication. Comments will be posted by a moderator after being scanned for abusive language, relevance, etc. See our Comments FAQ for more details.
Again you have your facts wrong. Where did the journal of trauma get their facts or come to that conclusion? First off if you read the National Rifle Associations take on this it is somewhat different. They show the facts of flawed data by such organizations. Accidents or shooting in the home account for 1 in 90,000 defensive gun uses. Plus those organizations only show data from homes where homicides had taken place ignoring the millions of homes with firearms where no harm is done.
Posted by Tom Q at 1:50 AM
Come on Tom. You have to do better then that! The Journal of Trauma is one of the most highly regarded medical journals in the world. It is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. They also publish the American Journal of Medical Science, American Journal of Nursing, along with text books used at most Med schools. It was founded in 1792. Clearly they know more then you do.
Posted by Adam Reuter at 10:40 PM
Who writes this publication? That makes a difference in the facts. Were these criminals that killed loved ones? If you go to DC yeah its bad. Thats where military docs go for training. ALso they have the strictest gun laws in the nation and the highest murder rate.
Posted by tom Q at 7:43 PM
once again Tom, you are stating your opinion not facts. The Journal of Trauma states that your gun is 22 times more likely going to kill someone you love, then an intruder. Ill be waiting here for your 'facts' now Tow.
Posted by Adam Reuter at 5:12 PM
No you are not more likely to kill a family member accidently or otherwise if you own a gun. Something the anti gun people like to claim.
Posted by Tom at 5:34 AM
I support the right of those to carry. I would like to be able to carry my gun if an when I choose to do it. I don't have a permit and I won't get one because I choose not to live in that state of constant preparedness. I don't want to live in a society that requires that I carry nor does anyone else. I think it is important to realize that we do live in a relatively safe society and having lived in a high crime area don't understand the need around here. There is more to life than sitting around waiting for someone to jump out at you or break in your home. Granted if it happens your going to wish you had one with you, but the risk (based on percentages) is worth it to me. I choose to believe the majority of the people are good and honest. Have you ever noticed how nervous your cop friends get when they don't have their sidearm? Do you really want to live like that? I choose not to.
Posted by Just wondering at 1:23 PM
Who ever mentioned the buttons looking like badges and people being confused.. They need to get help, and some glasses!! Thanks for the laugh, but it sounds like you've played cops and robbers withe the plastic dollar store set wayyyy to long to realize what a real police badge.. AND uniform look like!
Posted by CluePlease at 3:44 PM
I carry everywhere I legally can, and everyday I walk the streets. Thank you GCO for all that you do. Those who don't agree with it, thats okay too, we'll fight for your rights as well! Drawing a conclusion as to someone being "weird" for carrying a gun is about as silly as saying you think someone is "weird" for being a certain ethnicity. I don't find it strange, and infact, you'd never know I have a gun on me, but you'd damn sure be thankful if something happened and it changed the outcome.
Posted by 2ARight at 3:42 PM
I find it interesting that the people who exclaim they don't feel a need to carry a gun are the loudest voices against gun control AFTER they have been a victim. Only people who have never been exposed to danger rally against those who seek to protect them.
Posted by GA Veteran at 1:28 PM
That old study that you are more likely to kill a family member than a criminal with a gun has be debunked numerous times. Funny people still say it anyway in the hopes it will somehow make it true.
Posted by Matt K at 11:41 AM
Hooray for Georgia Carry. Not only are they protecting our rights, they are protecting our highways.
Posted by Chris at 8:51 AM
In the state of GA, there is no mandated training by the state in order to get a GFL. However, most of us either have previous training or acquire formal training before we start carrying a weapon. Many of us were raised shooting weapons and were trained as young men and women. However, one should remember that to keep and bear arms is a constitutional right and as such, does not require training. There is no training required to exercise the first amendment nor any of the others.
Posted by Farrier at 8:08 AM
"But are gun premit holders required to prove they can accurately sho[o]t a gun?" Yes, they are. To get a permit, you need to pass a marksmanship test as well as a class on the legal issues surrounding firearm self-defense. "I could go tomorrow and get a gun and get a permit but I don't think I could take a human life if it came down to it." You could go get one tomorrow... after taking a class and passing a test, as well as filling out a few forms, paying your fees and passing a background check. As to not being able to kill someone? That's your personal decision. Me? I choose my own life over an attacker's.
Posted by mderosier at 4:58 AM
While I dont agree with these folks I do commend them for assiting in keeping our roads clean. Good Job guys! Now... I would like to point out that you are much more likely to kill (either accidental or otherwise) a family member with your gun then an intruder.
Posted by Adam Rueter at 9:01 PM
"I can gurantee the church I attend is safe. " No, you can't. A maniac can come in at any time. If there isn't a cop there, then what will you do? The police can't ensure your safety. It's up to the individual.
Posted by Tom K at 4:27 PM
"See just a regular citizen might be confused and think those people are law enforcement." If that's true I would suspect they have more important "issues" to deal with.
Posted by Joe Mama at 11:48 AM
This is a great idea. If we had open carry in SC I would try to organize something like this myself. It wouldn't have quite the same effect with concealed carry since no one would know you were carrying. This is a great way to get some positive exposure for gun rights. I wonder if there are other ways to expand upon this whereby the peaceable armed citizen can become a symbol of community service and charity. That'd be a great way to win hearts and minds.
Posted by Adam at 11:26 AM
Pk, Go to the DOT website and under quicklinks there is a link to programs. You can find all your information there.
Posted by Shane McGallian at 10:40 AM
Who needs guns anyway.That is why we have Police. They are trained to protect us. It should be against the law to have a gun....But wait,my security system alarm is ringing and the intruder is at my bedroom door. The 911 operator says I'm #3 on the dispatchers list. I hope we can last that long. I wish I had a gun....
Posted by Ellis at 10:03 AM
The "badges" you refer to is a 2 1/4" round orange button with "GUNS Save Lives" on it. Hard to mistake it for a real badge!
Posted by Farrier at 8:07 AM
Don its true that many police officers can't get gun licenses. But are gun premit holders required to prove they can accurately shot a gun? I bet half the people that hold them couldn't even hit an intended target.Its great that people want to defend themselves. I could go tomorrow and get a gun and get a permit but I don't think I could take a human life if it came down to it.
Posted by c at 6:32 AM
Jame I'll be honest I just didn't like the picture in the paper.If Newnan police officers had posed for such a photo people would call them thugs. And the reason I know that is because it has happened before on this very site.And the shirts the people seem to have a badge-like symbol on them from a distance. See just a regular citizen might be confused and think those people are law enforcement.
Posted by c at 6:23 AM
I qas qondering who I could call to get to help clean up the road sides between powerscross roads and Franklin Ga. it is really a mess, so people please keep your trash in your cars & trucks. thank you
Posted by pk at 10:56 PM
So, because your husband is a cop it's ok for him to carry. But it's weird for me to? You find it strange that "random" people what to protect themselves, just like your husband? I find that strange....
Posted by James at 10:42 PM
GeorgiaCarry.org is about fighting for second amendment rights for all citizens. In a nutshell, what you don't use...you lose. The Constitution is too precious! Point in Fact: There is no "concealed weapons permit". The Georgia Firearms License (GFL) grants the bearer the choice of carrying openly or concealed/ Many law enforcement officers can not qualify for a GFL. The Supreme Court has ruled that police are not obligated to protect us. It just makes common sense to carry your own protection.
Posted by Don at 10:21 PM
I'm a member of GCO and a volunteer for the clean-up program. I have had my GFL for over 20 years and carried quite often in the past. I find myself carrying a lot more now than in the past. Young girls killed on campus, in state parks, preachers in church, it never stops and you never know when it will happen. I hope I am never in a situation like that, but I am prepared to help save my family, and YOURS if I need to. If you see somebody open carrying a firearm, they are not the guy you need to be afraid of. They are the people that have had their past and current life investigated by the FBI, the GBI, and the Local authorities. What can you say about the other people around you that you do not personally know?
Posted by Jerry Strange at 6:31 PM
Anyone who opposes the right to carry probably has empty fire extinguishers in their homes. Guns don't kill as many people a day as cigarettes or cars, but all you hear about is how dangerous guns are. I support you guys, keep up the good work.
Posted by Mr. Greenjeans at 6:13 PM
Well of course you think that the Times-Herald did a good job covering the "story"...they are patting your back making you feel good about yourself. So you carry a gun and are going to clean up trash off the side of the road. Wow! What an incredible accomplishment. And still no mention of the other organizations names that have adopted....
Posted by aab at 5:12 PM
Website. Google Georgiacarry
Posted by Farrier at 5:01 PM
Thank you so much for your active participation in our community. It's people like you that give responsible citizens exercising their rights a good name.
Posted by Hando Calresian at 4:29 PM
Just because someone in the church carries a firearm, doesn't make it safe. It just provides for a quicker reaction time, if something does happen. A person w/ a CCP in Georgia is not allowed to carry a firearm at a church. We have 2 law enforcement officers that attend my church, and they were both out on Sunday. We are looking into having a few of our members w/ CCP's trained and certified (so they can carry at church), just in case.
Posted by CDF at 3:54 PM
I can gurantee the church I attend is safe. The pastor pretty much made it clear that LAW ENFORCEMENT is more then welcome to carry a gun into church. And I haven't heard a negative word about it from fellow worshippers. All churches need a go to person in case an incident like this happens again here.
Posted by C at 2:57 PM
What are they going to do? Shoot the trash?
Posted by Richard at 2:25 PM
I am a proud member of Georgia Carry. Good work, folks, keep it up!
Posted by Nullifier at 2:21 PM
Way to go, guys. Showing responsibility for making our communities cleaner AND safer. My only criticism is in the photo showing open carry as opposed to concealed carry. Two somewhat different issues. Concealed carry's benefit is the crook NOT knowing who is easy pickings.
Posted by Mark at 2:15 PM
Keep up the good work.
Posted by tom at 1:39 PM
The bad guy is the one that just shot the minister in the pulpit during sunday service yesterday in another state. Your not even safe in church.
Posted by tom at 1:38 PM
I would like to see the other groups/organizations names listed here as well. I have not seen a lot of them when driving around Coweta County. Maybe that is because there are only TWO other highways in the whole county that have been adopted. So now, will the others please step forth and do their civic duty as well. Perhaps this story could be a "wake up call" for the other good citizens of Coweta County!
Posted by Farrier at 12:30 PM
We started with Coweta simply because that is where I live and we had a cluster of members who wanted to give back to the community. I would love to get something together for our midtown Atlanta members. Feel free to contact me if you are interested. Shane GeorgiaCarry Director Adopt-a-Highway Program
Posted by Shane McGallian at 12:23 PM
I am GCO's director for their Adopt-a-Highway program and I thought you would be interested to know that, including ours, there are a total of 3 highways adopted from the state in Coweta county. That number is sad in itself. Perhaps this story will be the catalyst to get more organizations to adopt a highway in our county. This was our first highway to adopt and we are very proud of this fact and I think that the Times-Herald did an outstanding job on the article. We jumped on the opportunity for our local members to give back to the community and hope to have highways in other parts of the state adopted soon. Thanks to the Times-Herald staff for helping us celebrate our first highway adoption! Shane Georgia Carry Adopt-a-Highway Program Director
Posted by Shane McGallian at 12:17 PM
I think it is a GREAT idea. I am proud of all of you. My husband carries everywhere and I am a new gun enthusiast for protection and for sport and plan to carry as well. KEEP IT UP!
Posted by Faye Iverson at 12:17 PM
Most people w/ a carry permit are going to opt for concealed carry. You won't know they have it. Why carry every where? "Better to have and not need, than to need and not have" “When seconds count, the police are only minutes away”
Posted by CDF at 12:06 PM
We feel compelled to carry a gun EVERYWHERE because criminals don't have the courtesy to tell us when and where they are going to attack us. And yes, criminals do commit crimes in parks - have you not heard of Meredith Emerson, Jennifer Ewing, and countless others who were attacked and killed in parks?
Posted by Common Sense at 12:01 PM
"... How can I tell the difference between a good good and a bad guy?? ..." The bad guy is the one who is trying to hurt you. The good guy is the one using a gun to defend themself from a bad guy. The tools aren't the problem. The behavior is.
Posted by MVimes at 11:56 AM
This is just to show people that good guys carry guns too. This also shows 3 things, criminals don't get carry permits, criminals don't openly carry a sidearm and criminals don't pick up litter on the side of the road. Well, 2 out of 3 isn't bad,:) way to go GCO!
Posted by Shake at 10:37 AM
Why would anyone feel compelled to carry a gun EVERYWHERE you go. I can see keeping one in your car, but why do you need one in a park? How can I tell the difference between a good good and a bad guy?? I am all for gun rights but this is crazy.
Posted by Beth at 10:22 AM
Need to move to Dekalb, south Fulton, Gwinnett? They've got crime problems, yes. But why not stay local and move to Grantville--lots of litter, lots of recidivists and first-time criminals, and little policing that works. Citizens volunteering in a participatory Democracy--just what our President has asked for, and what the country needs. Congratulations to all the groups doing litter pick-up, and especially to citizens groups making our county, and country, safer. We sure need it with our Buckhead-housed, helicopter-commuting Governor cutting GBI regional crime labs, state law officers like the DNR rangers, even teachers--the first line defenders of our future that can teach children there's a world of choices beyond where they are now.
Posted by Georgia P. B.Cracker at 10:18 AM
It's totally your right to carry your gun. But its also within my rights to think you are weird.I do know how bad crime can be but I don't feel the need to be armed at all times. But of course I do have quite a few well armed best friends lol.
Posted by C at 10:00 AM
Interesting that this started in Coweta, a fairly safe county. Love to see this idea move into Deklab and South Fulton next and really make an impact.
Posted by Mark at 9:49 AM
"Most thugs and gang members don't get concealed carry permits" - that is exactly why, Mrs Police Officers' wife, we do.
Posted by Mark at 9:46 AM
Well my husband carries his gun every where too but he is a police officer. I find it weird when random people strap a gun to their side.And its not the legal registered gun carriers that people need to be worried about. Most thugs and gang members don't get concealed carry permits.
Posted by C at 8:14 AM
Why is this so news worthy? I don't see you making it "big news" when other groups/organizations adopt a section of the highway. Why did they get a whole story on them doing so and not a mention of any of the others that do. I am sure that their causes are at least just as honorable if not more so. So they want to carry weapons...big deal.
Posted by aab at 7:34 AM
Great job, Georgia Carry! The more law-abiding citizens have immediate access to sidearems, etc., the safer we all are. Glad to know of this group.
Posted by Pete Mullins at 7:17 AM
Most Popular
- Viewed
- Emailed
- Commented
- Biorkman's family asks everyone to 'stop sending cards'
- 81-year-old tries to set girlfriend on fire, sets house ablaze
- Schools continue search for thief
- Teen charged in string of robberies
- Rezoning denied on 54, 16; OK'd on Lower Fayetteville
- Police still hunting for runaway probation violator
- Judge denies new trial for wife convicted of killing her husband
- Arrest Log for 11/18/2009
- Free community meal returns for 11th year
- Senoia may end library deal with county
- 5-year-old wants Christmas cards
- A Better Way Ministries makes move to Senoia
- Teen charged in string of robberies
- Electronics recycling Wednesday afternoon at Newnan High School
- 81-year-old tries to set girlfriend on fire, sets house ablaze
- Rezoning denied on 54, 16; OK'd on Lower Fayetteville
- Police: Mail carrier found drunk, eating noodles
- Newnan has 4 voices on water panel
- Foundation backs charity clinics like one being proposed in Newnan
- Chubby Checker tickets still available
- Northgate's AAAA state title reign continues for third-straight year
- Be aware there are increased patrols on roadways
- Obesity, bad health troubling sign of times
- Rezoning denied on 54, 16; OK'd on Lower Fayetteville
- There's talk of a future need for an air traffic control tower
- High school coaches under pressure to win
- Schools continue search for thief
- Jobless rate rises; many job seekers 'giving up'
- MLK to test Newnan's perfect record
- Foundation backs charity clinics like one being proposed in Newnan
NRA 3ARD DIDTRICT
8/2/2009
Link To This Comment
I support GA Carry and I'm dues paying memeber. They help support the 2nd Amed rights for all georgia people. God Bless and keep up the great work.
Posted by Coyote Frank M EVC Ga 3ard NRA at 3:55 PM