Below is a copy of the letter that I sent to my local papers and so far, 1 has printed the story in today's paper (Argus Press) and it sounds as though the other will print in tomorrow's paper (The "Independent" only print twice per week). I was curious wether or not they would print it.
I openly carry a sidearm (second amendment to the constitution) on a
daily basis in accordance with State and Federal laws. I have been
doing so for over 7 months without an issue and much positive support,
untill July 4, 2011 that is.
My wife, two daughters and I were at McCurdy park in Corunna enjoying
the 4th of July festivities as we have for the last several years. We
took a walk through the park passing by several Law Enforcement
Officers (LEO’s) without a word. We had stopped to watch some dogs
running the obstacle course when I was approached by about four
Corunna LEO’s and four County LEOs. One of the city LEO’s asked me for
my ID. I told him that I did not need one to carry. He stated that
indeed I did. I said that Michigan is not a "stop and ID state, but he
persisted and asked if I had an ID. I said yes. “May I see it” he
asked? I responded with a “no, Michigan is not a stop and ID state”.
I then asked if I was being detained. He responded with a no. I asked
if I was free to go. He said not until we figure this out. He
continued and said, we will try this one more time, can I see your
license? Again I said no. He said that i was not allowed to carry in
the park (Which is untrue). He said that the park was taken care of by
the city. I said yes, with taxpayer dollars that makes it a public
park and I can carry here. He then said that they have ordinances
(Also untrue). I then stated that a city cannot make a ordinance that
supersedes state law. He then stated that I was now being detained. I
asked on what basis I was being detained. and he would not answer me.
I asked about three more times why I was being detained and he ignored
me. At this point my constitutional rights are being violated! On the
4th of July none the less. Two County LEO’s were sitting there and I
told them that the city LEOs refused to tell me why I was being
detained, they stated that they were not in control and that there is
nothing they can do (untrue as well). Finally the Chief of Police
(Williams) showed up and pulled me off to the side and said "I know
why you are here" I said that I was here with my family. He said yeah,
but I know why you are here.
Again I stated that I was there with my wife and two daughters. He
said that I was there with a gun because I could and I know that I can
and that I am drawing attention to myself. I asked how? He made
reference to my sidearm. I told him that if people’s eyes were drawn
to it that that was no fault of mine. He again told me that I was
attracting attention and told me I was free to go. They continued to
follow us around until we left about 40 minutes later.
It is amazing to me how quickly these officers started spouting
untruths to get me to submit to their wishes. Not my family nor myself
were breaking any laws nor were we causing any issues. These officers
lied to me and illegally detained me while minding my own business and
being a law abiding citizen. There is a burden upon American Citizens
to know the laws and your constitutional rights! In this one situation
I practiced my 1st, 2nd, and 4th amendment rights. A right not
exercised is a right lost!
I could have been in a world of trouble had I not known my rights. Or
I could have gave up my (and your) rights and simply submitted to the
police. But if we choose to forego our rights, what is it to be an
American citizen?
Furthermore, what the heck did our forefathers fight and give their
lives for?
Daniel Brewer
