Bossier Press-Tribune Online

Defend Louisiana is gaining momentum

Defend Louisiana is buidling its political muscle in the effort to defend state citizens' right to bear arms.

On Wednesday, Defend Louisiana announced the support of members of the Louisiana delegation in Washington, D.C.

"We're honored to be joined by United States Representatives Rodney Alexander, Charles Boustany, Bill Cassidy, Dr. John Fleming and Steve Scalise, as well as United States Senator David Vitter in our efforts to defend your right to protect your family," said campaign founder State Representative Jeff Thompson, R-Bossier City.

Visitors to Defend Louisiana's official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/DefendLA) will see a YouTube video featuring the new supporters of the movement.

The video showcases public expressions from President Barack Obama, past politicians, popular culture figures, and more who support stauncher gun control or oppose Second Amendment rights. It goes on to show U.S. Representatives Steve Scalise, Charles Boustany, Bill Cassidy, Rodney Alexander, and John Fleming promising to defend their constituents' right to bear arms.

"We will be working with our congressional delegation to ensure we protect Louisiana residents from the intrusive and reactionary policies of liberal politicians in Louisiana and Washington D.C. who are attempting to further infringe on our Constitutional rights and impair our abilities to protect our families,” said Thompson.

This support comes on the heels of 25 State Representatives and seven State Senators — including Robert Adley, R-Benton — giving their support to the campaign.

"Defend Louisiana is proud to have the support of Senators and Representatives from across the state. Such a strong legislative backing shows liberal, reactionary politicians that we're serious about defending our rights and protecting our families here in Louisiana," said Thompson. "All across Louisiana, legislators are committed to protecting Louisiana families from attempts to take away their right to protect themselves, their families and enjoy our great outdoors."

Locally, residents were offered a chance to give their support during a Feb. 16 gun show at the Bossier Civic Center.

Thompson estimated there were about 500-600 people who signed their names the petition to protect Second Amendment rights.

“(The reaction of Bossier Parish residents) is incredible,” said Thompson. “It's reassuring to know so many people share the commitment to the Second Amendment rights and heritage of living in Sportsman's Paradise.”

Their table at the show featured a large-scale banner of the petition. Thompson estimates there are around 3,000 signatures so far, without Defend Louisiana having an official event.

“No doubt people felt very strongly, and collectively, we're drawing a line in the sand letting them know we're not backing down one inch from our rights," he said.
Currently, Thompson is focusing Defend Louisiana efforts on scheduling another event locally. He expects to host one in the next couple weeks.

“We will be doing smething regularly between now and when we unveil the petition when the (Legislative) Session starts (on April 8),” said Thompson.

Thompson created the campaign in order to “protect Louisianans' rights to protect their families.” He has pledged to collaborate with several other legislators to develop a package of bills that will protect Louisiana gun owners from federal intrusion and promote responsible gun ownership and safety.

By the weekend, Thompson said he expects their Facebook page to cross 3,000 likes on Facebook.

“And we haven't had our first public event,” he noted.

Interested parties can find out more, and download and sign the petition now by visiting www.defendla.org.

They can also photograph themselves holding the pledge and send the picture to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or post it to the campaign's Facebook account. Submissions will be included for a slideshow on the official website.