State Rep. Vito Barbieri, R-Dalton Gardens, was one of the featured speakers at the Patriot rally at Farragut State Park over the weekend. Jeff Selle/CdA Press reports:

(Barbieri's) talk was about the constitution and what it was. "It was a restriction on the power and authority of the federal government," he said, adding it was also written to protect the states and the citizens of the United States. Now, he said, the federal government is systematically eliminating the restriction the constitution placed on it "for the collective good -- not the individual. They are empowering tyranny. Rules and regulations are eliminating our freedoms. It's social engineering." He pointed to the second amendment, saying it is no longer protecting the individual's right to bear arms. "I am convinced the only thing protecting your right to bear arms is the fact that you own one and it's loaded," he said. "The constitution isn't protecting your rights anymore, you are." Barbieri urged the attendees to be prepared for change, "big changes"/Jeff Selle, Coeur d'Alene Press. More here. (Gabe Green CdA Press photo: Leah Purdom of Bonners Ferry practices a combo move with instructor Michael Foley at the Patriots Preparedness Rally)

Question: Are you more concerned about the federal government taking away your rights or with individuals with Barbieri's viewpoint representing a swath of North Idaho?