At a time of mounting concern over gun violence and terrorism, a Republican state lawmaker from Nevada made known her full support for the Americans' right to bear arms, the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, when she posted a family Christmas photo on her Facebook page showing her entire family, from the youngest to the oldest, packing guns.
Nevada Assemblywoman Michele Fiore posted her Christmas greeting this year with a definitely new spin on peace, love and joy, according to the Las Vegas Now online news site.
Fiore captioned the photo: "It's up to Americans to protect America. We're just your ordinary American family.—With love & liberty, Michele"
Also listed on the photo are the names of each family member, along with the type of gun they're holding.
Fiore shared her family's Christmas photo two days before the shooting rampage in San Bernardino, California where 14 people were killed and 21 others injured by a heavily-armed Muslim couple, one of whom was found to be a supporter of the Islamic State (ISIS).
The latest incident of mass killings in the U.S. has intensified calls for more gun control from Democrats led by President Barack Obama. But the incident has drawn the opposite reaction from Republicans who argue that licensed guns protect people from armed troublemakers including terrorists.
The photo of Fiore's family has been drawing mixed comments. Some Facebook users praised her for her guts while others criticised her for her "despicable" act.
One user comments, "Girl, you are absolutely my hero! You are the epitome of what this nation is about. Thank you for what you do! Merry Christmas to you and yours!"
Another user says, "Merry CHRISTMAS Michele! You and your family are awesome. Keep it up and God Bless. Your neighbors should feel safe:)"
A user jokes, "We'll Santa won't mess with your family ! Lol"
However, one Facebook user, didn't like the photo, saying, "I've never seen a better example of inbreeding and ignorance in my life! You are despicable..what will you say when one of these precious children 'accidentally' shoot themselves or a sibling? You should resign you clearly do NOT represent your sane constituents!"
But this person got a response from a fellow Facebook user, who says, "Go ahead and be a lemming....then go through a war...ww2 like my uncle, Korea like my Dad...Desert Storm like m.. then give up your guns to any Dictator you like. Stalin...Hitler, Hussain, Obama.. Who will defend your right then to badmouth people who have enough guts to stand up and fight for your rights to even have an opinion and be able to post such stupidity."
