Armed and civilized: Protesters rally against Obama policies

A Tea Party protest Saturday that many people feared would morph into a Wild West shootout turned out to be a problem-free event. About 350 people from throughout New Mexico, mostly Republican supporters and a handful of self-proclaimed Democrats, crowded the intersection of 10th Street and White Sands Boulevard - the busiest intersection in Alamogordo - to protest against the Obama administration and its policies. There were plenty of handguns and rifles on display, but no violence and no reports of arrests. The event was staged by the Otero Tea Party Patriots and the newly formed Second Amendment Task Force. Though the main focus of Tea Party supporters was to protest the administration, the Alamogordo 2ATF conducted a simultaneous open-carry event. "They were a bit loud, but they were polite," said Don Omey, coordinator of the Otero Tea Party Patriots, of Alamogordo 2ATF members. "They didn't get on anyone's case. I was proud of the way they conducted themselves - and I was glad to have the turnout. That's what we need to turn some minds around." Protesters from all parts of the state either carried holstered guns or rifles slung over their shoulder at the event...read more