Otis McDonald will speak out against Chicago gun laws

[Molly B.]

If you are in the Chicago area this Saturday - please attend and show your support for Mr. McDonald!

 

Main Debate: Gun Laws in the City

 

Otis McDonald, plaintiff in the recent U.S. Supreme Court case McDonald v. Chicago, will speak out against Chicago gun laws at the Main Debate of the 25th annual Bughouse Square Debates, sponsored in part by the McCormick Foundation and emceed by author and Chicago Tribune writer Rick Kogan. Mr. McDonald will debate Garrett Evans, a survivor of the 2007 Virginia Tech massacre.

 

“In keeping with the spirit of the original soapbox debates, the Bughouse Square Committee is dedicated to providing stimulating discourse on timely and, sometimes, controversial topics,” said Newberry Library President David Spadafora. “We’re pleased that Mr. McDonald has agreed to participate in this year’s event, and look forward to a lively debate on gun laws.”

 

The Main Debate is at 1:30 pm in Washington Square Park, immediately following the presentation of the John Peter Altgeld Freedom of Speech Award.

[Ashrak]

To me, Otis was so genuine when he spoke here in Springfield that I just knew he that wouldn't sit down and hush. I have no way to be there, but if there ever exists a transcript of what takes place, I would sure love to be able to read it (or watch a video of it if one is made).

 

I wish Otis tremendous goodwill in this endeavor.

[Federal Farmer]

We just got back from the debate. It was hardly that, as Garrett Evans didn't have much to offer. Otis did great and the crowd was probably a majority sympathetic to Otis' side. Wife heard someone comment that this was the highest turnout they'd ever seen.

 

An off-duty cop spoke out from the crowd on behalf of Otis and was engaged by a very irate man who kept yelling about "NRA Freaks" who want to overthrow the government.

[Don Gwinn]

It's always nice when people like that want to help the other side along. I wonder if he's available to come scream about NRA freaks and conspiracies at town hall meetings?

[papa]

FF , How many would you say were there? I am glad it was a good turn out.

 

The other side really doesn't have anything to stand on anymore ( never did ) . They grasp at straws more and more.

[Beezil]

We just got back from the debate. It was hardly that, as Garrett Evans didn't have much to offer. Otis did great and the crowd was probably a majority sympathetic to Otis' side. Wife heard someone comment that this was the highest turnout they'd ever seen.

 

An off-duty cop spoke out from the crowd on behalf of Otis and was engaged by a very irate man who kept yelling about "NRA Freaks" who want to overthrow the government.

 

It was probably the same guy who asked us at SAFR3 "who's the fascist!!!????" when cisco was speaking......

[Federal Farmer]

FF , How many would you say were there? I am glad it was a good turn out.

 

The other side really doesn't have anything to stand on anymore ( never did ) . They grasp at straws more and more.

 

I guess maybe 50-60.

[RXtion]

I tried to make it to this. Unfortunatley, when I arrived the debate had just ended. http://smiliesftw.com/x/tear.gif

 

Anyone know if video of the debates will be available online? I know I saw people there with cameras.

 

I'd say there were quite a bit more than Federal Farmer's 50-60 estimate when I got there. There were easily at least 100 people in the park. Heck, the rootbeer\hotdog stand line was at least 20 people...