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Published Saturday, April 18, 2009 in Local
Photo by Bob Fraley
Armed volunteers with Georgia Carry pick up litter on Highway 34 East at Francis Way Saturday morning as part of the organization’s adopt-a-highway project.
Gun group promotes rights while cleaning up Hwy. 34
By Alex McRae
The Newnan Times-Herald
Members of gun rights organization Georgia Carry spent part of Saturday beautifying Hwy. 34 East and raising awareness of Georgians' rights to keep and bear arms.
Last month, the 4,000-member group adopted a section of state Highway 34 from Bradford Station Drive to East Plantation Drive for regular cleanup under the state's Adopt-a-Highway program.
Saturday was the group's first scheduled cleanup event, and many of the members wore firearms as they picked up litter -- but not because they feared abandoned soda bottles or live snakes.
"We are here to remind people that they have the legal right to keep and bear arms," said Jerry Henry, who helped organize Saturday's effort.
In addition to performing community service and continuing their advocacy campaign, Henry said the group hoped to dispel negative perceptions.
"We want to bring attention to our Second Amendment right to bear arms and let people know that those rights are being threatened here in Georgia and across the country," Henry said. "We are normal people from a cross-section of the community, and we want everyone to realize that you can drive by a group of people wearing guns and not have to worry about being shot."
Georgia Carry is a diverse group -- according to Henry -- that includes men and women of all races, ranging in age from 18 to 75.
Henry said anyone legally entitled to purchase a gun under Georgia law has the right to carry that weapon concealed or unconcealed at allowed locations, which include state parks, public transportation, and restaurants that serve alcohol, as long as the permit holder does not drink.
Currently, Georgia law excludes firearms from airports, bars, churches, entertainment and sporting events, political demonstrations and rallies, public buildings (excluding courthouses) and schools.
More details about the group and Georgia gun laws can be found at the group's Web site, georgiacarry.org .
"We hope more people will check out our organization and our cause so they can see we're just regular folks with an interest in protecting everyone's second amendment rights," Henry said.
Saturday's cleanup effort was attended by Georgia Carry members from Coweta, Fayette and Fulton counties.
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.
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Kudos to GCO for their community service...both with the clean-up & showing responsibility in regards to our 2nd amendment. In my opinion, this is a show of solidarity to the criminal elements & dregs of society. So long as we see citizens of this caliber, our future looks better. As an active-duty member here in Valdosta, as soon as I'm legal, I too will exercise my right to carry. Now-to fix our state.
Posted by Ray at 2:20 AM
Cars don't kill people. People kill people. More people die every year from automobile accidents than shooting deaths. Perhaps a ban on cars is in order?
Posted by Sasquatch Clayton County at 8:30 AM
Good job. Keep on carrying. I carry down here in Southwest Georgia. (the other Georgia. LOL)
Posted by Gary at 10:19 AM
It just goes to show you that not all gun owners are bad people!
Posted by Bill Plachter at 4:41 PM
4/26/2009
Way to go, Georgians!
Posted by AndyC at 2:37 PM
Whats your point? It was also legal to kill a man in a duel in the 1800's.
Posted by Adam Reuter at 8:12 PM
It was a state law in the 1800s for all GA males to carry a weapon to church. It has been established by the Supreme Court that "bear arms" literally means to carry. Thanks Georgia Carry
Posted by Wesley at 5:14 PM
Why not Adam beer and guns always go good together.lol
Posted by Tom Q at 6:58 PM
Yea, I want a buch of folks carrying loaded weapons to the Bar and Church
Posted by Adam Reuter at 1:51 PM
Georgiacarry.org is trying hard to change or get rid of the "public gatherings" law, OCGA 16-11-127. This law doesn't do a very good job of distinguishing where gun permit holders can bring their weapons (even if just in their vehicle, not necessarily on their person) and where such conduct is a crime. I support G.C.O. and I hope that this litter clean-up leads to more GCO members and more lobbying power to influence the legislature. There should only be a few places off-limits to pistol permit holders, and they should be clearly identified and narrowly described in the law.
Posted by Gunsmoker at 1:13 AM
Keep your guns. In no way am I saying anything bad about owning guns. I myself do not own one, why? Because personally, I am ok with the protection methods I have employed. Good job on cleaning up the high way. I was simply stating from the get go how I think its pathetic this is news. This group adopted the highway, it is part of the contract to clean it up. I hope all of you get to keep your guns and carry them wherever the law permits. I also hope, people doing what is required of them doesnt make the paper as "news"
Posted by Steve at 11:49 PM
Both sides and the median! One mile each way. There is a picture of the HUGE pile of trash that was picked up by the volunteers over at the General Events section of www.GeorgiaPacking.org Making Coweta beautiful - one mile at a time.
Posted by Ed Stone at 8:44 PM
The length of the entire stretch was actually 3 miles. It includes 1 mile on BOTH side of the road, AND includes the median also. 3 miles total coverage that was picked up last Saturday, and will be picked up 3 more times this year per our contract with the DOT. Jerry A. Strange State-Wide Adopt-a-Highway Coordinator GeorgiaCarry.org
Posted by Jerry A. Strange at 8:05 PM
Does the 1 mile length include both sides or just 1 side?? If so, then it is only about 1/2 mile of 34 that is being cleaned
Posted by uncle eddie at 3:59 PM
When I first saw this article I thought it was an endorsement for the "Adopt-A-Highway" program..After reading it and all these comments, it is nothing more than a gun ad. Why did'nt they just line up the people and take a picture?
Posted by Susan at 12:18 PM
I too was a victim of violent crime. My home was broken into twice in one week, the second time I was able to deter the attack with the gun I owned. Yay for gun rights! But I solved the problem by moving from the area. That experience didn't make me want to carry. I am sorry yours did.
Posted by Also a Victim at 12:05 PM
Pro gun, pro 2nd amendment positions are not the province of conservatives or republicans, but include many Americans, concerned about extreme, restrictive regulations being proposed that threaten the Constitutional guarantee to keep and bear arms. Georgia Firearms Licensees are among the very safest of all gun owners, and have much better criminal records than the general public. It is most unfortunate that many politicians and groups try to force their notions of public safety and personal bias, contrary to reason and law. Guns can and do save lives every single day in the U.S., despite intense, often unbalanced media reports to the contrary.
Posted by curtis41 at 11:36 AM
Thank you, thank you, thank you for such great coverage! My husband and I are both poud members of Georgia Carry. We are citizens of the Ringgold, Ga community and are proud of how our community supports our second ammendment rights. My husband is retired from our great U.S. Air Force and now teaches AF JROTC and I have my own business. We both are members of a church in our community. We both are law abiding citizens. We understand the importance of our right to bear arms. Thank you again for your fair coverage of Georgia Carry. Blessings, Tamara Gentry
Posted by Tamara Gentry at 10:26 AM
Steve you say I must be paranoid to carry a Gun to feel Safe? Evidently You have never been minding your own business and had someone walk up to you Place a Gun to your head demand your money or Threaten to kill you if you don't I am a Proud Member Of Georgia Caryy and I was out there saturday and will be out there again wearing my Gun when its time to pick up trash again! GOOD JOB Georgia Carry!!
Posted by Robert Strickland at 4:23 AM
This sounds great. Since everything ends up being unplanned political statement..... perhaps some caution should be taken as to who the person making the statement to the newspaper is? If Bill Gates had been had promoting his own computer company there never would've been one! Sure, all walks of life, if they're honest and law abiding have the right to own and carry their arms, but when the 'world' see's 'their' example, it may be adviseable to plan on putting our best foot foreword by etiquette, manor, speech, and attire do make a difference when 74% of the people have no idea what the 2nd ammendment is. I think the adopting a highway is a great idea too! Please let me know when the next highway is cleaned! Richard Williams P.S. Remember... Democrats now have come. Pictures in any newpaper of 'Us' will influence more than is thought. People with shorts, tatoos, no teeth, and unshaven 'good ole boys' can easily do more harm than good. Perhaps and indication of 'dressing for success', and 'putting the best foot foreword' could be relayed in an email to the next participants of a highway clean-up group? This way whatever pictures are taken will covey a more admired 'representation' of educated, career oriented, tax-paying contributors to society? Just a thought. If people see in the pictures are admired, they will also be emulated. Perhaps carrying 'concealed' may even be a more beneficial remembrance too? Just a thought. This is an important cause, to educated people and not to shock them, I think. Richard
Posted by Richard Williams - new member at 3:35 AM
Thanks for your article about Georgia Carry. Fair and balanced is what this country needs now. This helps bring awareness to Second Amendment issues that are being ignored and trampled upon by the current administration. What part of "shall not be infringed" does this administration not understand?
Posted by Bill at 3:06 AM
America has always stood apart from the rest of the world in that the individual is important. And while there have been low points in its history, our constitution was designed to empower the people of this nation to share in self governing. I think, I hope, most of us prefer this over being ruled. I am sure these volunteers have many different reasons for their passion. It is not only about self defense, but also a way of life that is a part of our heritage. Exercising that right should remind all of us of our roots; of a time when people and government worked together for the common good. And no wonder, the people and the government where the same. The alternative would be to take away a man's right because you don't trust him. Then of course comes the question of how much trust do you "allow" him. I don't trust citizens to own guns, I don't trust citizens to vote responsibly, I don't trust... I trust these volunteers had many different reasons for their civic work. One of which may be to remind us that we still are a nation that stands apart and want to keep it that way. Thanks GCO volunteers.
Posted by CB at 3:04 AM
I would like to say Thank-you to those who got out and did their part. I am also proud to be a GCO member and a voting LEGAL gun owner. As a Military VET I believe that you should fight for your rights no matter what your friends say. Change is made ONE person at a time. Thank-you again GCO.
Posted by Robert Williams at 2:31 AM
I am glad to know many cities in America are still relatively safe. Perhaps the suburb of Newnan would like to announce on national news that all citizens of Newnan have surrendered their guns, just to show how safe it is.
Posted by David Linderoth at 1:17 AM
@ Steve: You misunderstand the purpose of carrying a gun. It's not to make one feel safe; carrying a gun does not change the odds of one falling victim to crime. It does provide one with an additional option to deal with the matter. It's not about paranoia but preparedness. It's a tool, not a talisman. Oh, and it's also a right, not a privilege.
Posted by Other Steve at 1:16 AM
Thanks to all of you that went out, for this great and noble cause. We should all be so generous with our time. My wife and I proudly carry our GFL and I go nowhere without one of my guns. I am not a nut or idiot.. I believe in our great nation but unfortunately much has gone wrong over the past 15 years. We have gangs now in Forsyth connected to LA that are robbing convenience stores almost weekly. I look forward to the time that carrying my firearm might save the life of another law abiding citizen..
Posted by Doubled at 1:13 AM
Good article about good people that legally carry firearms and do do good deeds! Thanks.
Posted by Jim Burton at 12:43 AM
I pick up litter on my daily walks as an particpant in my county's volunteer litter pickup. I have been assaulted five times in 2 1/2 years while picking up litter on my daily walks by people who think their bandit sign is not litter... My S&W stopped the last one.
Posted by Match10 at 12:30 AM
Thank you Georgia Carry for the POSITIVE publicity for the organization. I proudly carry a GFL and am even more proud to say that I am a member of Georgia Carry! Keep up the great work!!!
Posted by DQ at 8:50 PM
Thank you for your positive coverage of our organization.
Posted by Howard McIntyre at 6:18 PM
Becki, No one speaks for the majority anymore. And just for the record, there is no majority anymore. Do a little research before you post next time...ok.
Posted by The Liberal Juggernaut at 5:33 PM
I simply want to know why did you not include my post to this forum. It was factual and was on point with the discussion board. This forum must be controlled by the extreme conservative right-wing that I posted about. So much for open communications; what do you have to say about that Mr. Editor?
Posted by The Liberal Juggernaut at 5:04 PM
To everyone who says they need a gun to feel safe when they go out, I hope you never travel. Newnan is a nice suburb, and if you feel you need to carry a gun to be safe, wow. Talk about paranoid. I was stating it is pathetic how people feel we live in some country where Washington is openly trying to turn us into a communist country. Carry your gun, I dont care, but realize that tougher restrictions doesnt mean President Obama wants to take it from you. There are plenty of "reckless idiots" who have permits. Plenty of reckless idiots get to drive. But unlike cars, guns where specifically designed to kill. It should be hard to get one
Posted by Steve at 3:42 PM
I appreciate this group, or most any other, donating their personal time to helping the community. Isn't that what a "community organizer" does? What's the problem? Gun rights happen to be their thing. Big deal. It's legal. Get over it. If they were an animal rights group, they could dress up like dogs & cats and perform their volunteer highway clean-up service. It would be as newsworthy. The only difference is that the photos might be a tad more entertaining. Thanks to Georgia Carry or other groups that provide community service.
Posted by Grateful Coweta Resident at 2:17 PM
This group does speak for the majority of Americans and the newspaper should print it as many people feel their rights (not just in the gun issue) are being taken away. The criminals are going to get illegal weapons- it's not that difficult. As citizens, we have the right to protect our persons and property. Arguing over semantics is ridiculous- I don't see this as a Democrate/Republican issue- it's a human rights issue. I tend to lean towards one party on one issue and another party of a different issue.
Posted by Becki at 1:54 PM
Some of you should just keep us suspecting you are ignorant, instead of opening your mouths (or e-mails) and proving it. To LEGALLY purchase a gun, one must undergo an instant background check, to insure that you aren't a convicted felon, etc. To obtain a CONCEALED carry permit, one must undergo a further check, be fingerprinted, and register with the magistrate court office. The folks who go through all this LEGALLY aren't the ones you have to worry about. The criminals you do have to worry about, don't bother with all this. They are CRIMINALS, after all- they already don't obey the law!
Posted by Comment-tater at 1:49 PM
Mr. Henry made it clear that carry was legal in approved locations by a "permit holder". It's a shame you missed that. For that matter, a law abiding citizen may keep a weapon in his/her business, in their car, or in their home without a permit. An active duty service member may carry into public gatherings (including the General Assembly) without a permit and using their ID alone. I can assure you Mr. Henry knows the laws in this state.
Posted by Don at 1:20 PM
There was a "mis-quote" or "mis-understanding" of what was said in the interview. Anyone eligible for a GFL (Georgia Firearms License), may carry openly or concealed. There is no such thing as a Concealed Carry Permit in the State of Georgia. I know Jerry Henry personally, and trust me, he is NOT STUPID, and knows the laws very well. It was an honest misquote, nothing else. This is a good lesson for people to learn, always verify any "facts" that you read in a paper or any other form of media. Jerry Strange, State-Wide Coordinator Adopt-a-Highway GeorgiaCarry.org
Posted by Jerry A. Strange at 1:13 PM
This is an article about a group of individuals lawfully exercising a Constitutionally-protected God-given right while performing a community service sanctioned by the State. It's as simple as that. Those that do not support this effort either dislike the Constitution or community service.
Posted by Mark at 1:03 PM
Henry said anyone legally entitled to purchase a gun under Georgia law has the right to carry that weapon concealed or unconcealed at allowed locations, which include state parks, public transportation, and restaurants that serve alcohol, as long as the PERMIT HOLDER does not drink......Please remember to finish the errrr....oh yeah.....finish the sentence.
Posted by Citizen T at 12:28 PM
Ever stop to think that he could have been misquoted? It does happen you know. I personally know Henry and I assure you that he has a very good understanding of the law as well as most of the other members of Geogiacarry.org who take their responsibility as gun owners serioulsy. So, if it is more responsible to whine about that than to give credit to good citizens doing public service, whine on!
Posted by Farrier at 12:15 PM
The "reckless idiots" will always have guns. If a law passed to ban guns, the only people it would effect would be the law abiding citizens. Crooks would not surrender their guns and the reckless idiots would still have guns. If that happened, what could law abiding citizens do to protect theirselves and their families? Democrated really need to realize this!
Posted by Kyle at 1:08 AM
Is that you dont know anything about laws in our government. Here is a hint.....THE 2ND AMENDMENT.
Posted by Marc at 1:06 AM
My wife and I are members of GaCarry, and we are proud to be members of a GREAT Group of Georgians who believe in the Constitution of this GREAT NATION! Thank You Newnan Times for covering this story. Again, Thank You
Posted by Cali at 1:02 AM
Thank you Georgia Carry! I do not own a gun but beleive it is the great what you all are doing. Our rights are getting taken away from USA little by little. Keep gun rights in America.
Posted by A Mom at 12:53 AM
I agree I don't want reckless liberals owning guns. Funny thing Washington DC has the strictest gun laws in the nation and yet they have the highest crime rate in the nation. ALl the criminals have the guns. But I am sorry guns frighten you. Just hug closer to your teddy bear tonight when you go night night. Oh wait the teddy bear was named after Teddy Roosevelt and he was an avid hunter. Just lock your door and if someone breaks in just bark like a dog and it will scare the bad guys away. It might not protect your family but heh can't have it both ways can you.
Posted by Tom at 12:45 AM
Um, it's pretty sad that this gun advocate can be so very wrong. No one can carry a gun in Georgia without a carry permit - concealed or not. And plenty of people entitled to own a gun are not eligible for a permit. Good grief talk about stupidity.
Posted by sassy chick at 12:26 AM
I think the paper could find something much more important. I mean who really needs a gun on their hip to pick up trash? It just like a bit over the top. I would hate for myself to come so paranoid. And think about most people know what the 2nd amendment is.And the ones that don't won't get the message just because you wear a gun on your hip in public.
Posted by C at 11:24 PM
Hey Steve, which part of this small town news is sad? The peaceful coming together of a unified group, volunteering their Saturday afternoon for community service? Or their desire to educate citizens on gun owner's rights? If you don't like it, try moving to a country that isn't free! And while you're at it, don't read the local paper either, apparently it isn't interesting enough for your fascinating, liberal mind.
Posted by JY at 11:23 PM
It may seem pathetic, but you felt the need to comment. To purchase a gun, you have to have a background check, generally some training is required. The gun rights organization are not reckless idiots, they are trained to respect the weapon. If you don't want reckless idiots with guns, maybe you should get with your president and find a way to get rid of the guns that they seem to be able to get their hands on. There are a lot of throw away guns out there and a lot of places to get them....People who don't understand why we feel the need to protect our right to bear arms have obviously never had an encounter with a 'reckless idiot' with a gun. Maybe then you would see why we need our weapons. This country is going downhill fast as far as shootings go, shouldn't every American Citizen feel safe when they go out or are sitting at home? If someone tries to break into your home, will you not defend yourself and your family? Or, will you let them do what they came to do--steal from you and possibly hurt/kill you or someone in your family? It's about protection, pure and simple.
Posted by Citizen at 11:10 PM
We democrats dont want your conservative guns. President Obama, like everyone else in Washington, just does not want reckless idiots getting them. But like I said, this making the news is pathetic...
Posted by Steve at 9:31 PM
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