North Idaho residents took to the streets on Friday to show their support for gun rights, as well as their opposition to government they believe is trying to take that away.

About 20 protesters waved signs on Northwest Boulevard at a Second Amendment rally held by the Kootenai County Reagan Republicans. Those who attended aimed criticism at the Obama Administration and U.S. Rep. Walt Minnick, who they worry will pursue anti-gun legislation.

"The problem with America today is we tend to shred the Constitution little by little, forcing citizens to stand up and say, 'This must not happen,'" said Cyrus Ghodsee, a North Idaho resident and firearm handling teacher.

The event's only speaker, Ghodsee gave examples of when guns can be helpful for protection, citing specific examples of murder and mass bloodshed.

He worries Democrats in power don't support that kind of protection, he said, and quoted Walt Minnick stating that firearms with no legitimate use should be banned.

"How does that line up with the Second Amendment?" Ghodsee asked.

Sid Albright, one of the founder's of the county Reagan Republicans, said the recent growth of the federal government is evidence that U.S. leaders want to take away gun ownership.

"If they take away the guns, how can we oppose a tyrannical government if we ever have one?" he said.

Janine Lilja of Athol attended the event because she cherishes the right to own the gun she keeps at her rural home for protection.

"We live on 10 acres tucked back behind our neighbors. We're vulnerable," Lilja said, waving to folks who drivers who honked as they saw the group's signs.

She is convinced the Obama administration is going to pursue gun bans, she added.

"It's not a fear, it's a fact," Lilja said.

These contentions are unfounded, said Thom George, Kootenai County Democratic Central Committee chairman.

He showed up with his own sign, "Walt Minnick has B+ rating from NRA."

The National Rifle Association gave Minnick the new grade on Friday morning, in recognition of preserving Second Amendment gun rights and hunting heritage, according to a press release from Minnick's spokesman, John Foster.

Minnick's pro-gun resume includes cosponsoring several bills to extend gun rights, including legislation to remove restriction on interstate firearms and another to extend federal protection of state rights to carry licenses and permits around the country.

George said the Reagan Republicans wouldn't listen when he presented such facts.

"They center on a fake belief that because he's a Democrat, he's going to take guns away," George said.

He also noted that President Obama has passed bills that allow bringing guns into national parks and in luggage on Amtrak trains.

George himself has carried a concealed weapon for years for self protection, he added.

"I'm a gun-toting Democrat. I wouldn't want any laws to eliminate my rights (to carry a weapon)," he said. "It's a sad fact of modern politics that this is used as a wedge issue."

Lora Gervais, vice president of the county Reagan Republicans, wasn't impressed by the NRA's new rating for Minnick.

She added later that she could not find record of it online and didn't believe the change happened.

"He (Minnick) can say whatever he wants, but actions speak louder than words," Gervais said.

The pro-gun bills Minnick has cosponsored are "little things to pacify people," she added.

Ghodsee wasn't swayed by Minnick's legislative history, either.

"Just because he cosponsors bills, that doesn't mean in his heart of hearts that he intends to vote for them," he said.

Jeff Ward, president of the county Reagan Republicans, said the rally was about more than gun ownership.

"It's Constitution Day. We're here exercising our freedom of speech, our freedom to petition government offices and all in support of the Second Amendment," Ward said. "We hope people recognize the importance of their constitutional rights."