2nd Amendment supporters gather

A Dexter native is doing his part to let it be known that Stoddard Countians are in full support of the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Meeting Tuesday night at a local gun shop, Sawyer Smith, a DHS graduate who currently attends college in Florida, hosted a gathering to show public support of the right to bear arms and to encourage others to do the same.

"If we can inspire one person to change their view about the Second Amendment," Smith says, "then we've done a good thing."

Although not yet 22, Smith is no stranger to organizing efforts in support of what he believes, and has already developed a name for himself on the political scene. While pursuing degrees at a Florida's Palm Beach Atlantic University in both finance and public relations, he has served as an intern in the offices of U.S. Senator Marco Rubio and U.S. Congressman Allen West.

An interest in protecting the Second Amendment stems from his rural Stoddard County upbringing, he says. He is an avid duck hunter and believes there is strength in numbers when it comes to supporting what one believes in strongly.

"It's my passion," he says. "That's why I'm taking action. I'm an outdoorsman, and I want to protect my rights. You can't half-heartedly believe in the Constitution. You're either all in or you're not."

Smith says he's out to inspire others to protect their rights and to let people know that the rights of those in Southeast Missouri should not be infringed upon.

Along with a host of followers, he is quick to defend his position as a Second Amendment proponent.

"There is no sense in punishing law abiding citizens and gun owners," he says. "Stoddard County has a multitude of duck, deer and turkey hunters as well as competition shooters and gun owners who are good people and law abiding citizens."

The Second Amendment, Smith says, protects the public from a "tyrannical government" by enabling its people to organize a militia system.

"The sole purpose of the Second Amendment," he explains, "is to protect ourselves against enemies both foreign and domestic, and I want to protect those rights."

Smith has no other rallies planned in support of the right to bear arms, but welcomes comments and other means to show support. He is available on social media and via email at sawyersmith91@gmail.com.