The Media and Guns
Politics April 20th, 2007Many in the media cannot fathom gun ownership and rights. It’s not even on their radar. Most have probably never even seen a firearm in person or handled one. Mind you, they don’t have to agree with me on gun issues, but I believe they at least need to be informed. In terms of being informed, however, the media is about as bad on guns as they are on religion.
Here are two examples. First, I heard (or read in subtitles since I was at the YMCA working out) a former city official from New York City saying how we need more gun control laws, including ways to stop “psychos” from getting concealed weapon permits. Of course, it didn’t occur to him that a) this shooter didn’t have a CCL; he simply broke an already existing law by concealing his weapon and b) every CCL law on the book stops “psychos” from getting a permit through background checks, training, and a waiting period. Second, and with even more ignorance, Lawrence O’Donnell from MSNBC mentioned on the McLaughlin Group how the shooter used an automatic weapon and was able to “spray” bullets rather than having to press the trigger each time. Actually, the killer used semi-automatic handguns, which means he did, in fact, have to press the trigger each time. Pat Buchanan corrected him at least, not that he listened. Still, I’m sure many people will bewail the “fact” that the killers could so easily get “automatic” handguns. I am a recent convert to gun rights from gun control and will probably comment on this in the future.
And yes, I do watch the McLaughlin group. I look forward to it every Friday.
Update: Joe Leonardi comments on the same incident (Thanks to Dee)
April 20th, 2007 at 11:37 pm
Of course some in the media do understand guns, and even own them, and while advocating gun control for the hoi polloi, they (or their many paid bodyguards) are armed. Carl Rowan of the Washington Times was an example. So is Rosie O’Donnell. While not in the media, Diane Feinstein is one of about 10 people in San Francisco who can carry a concealed weapon.
April 22nd, 2007 at 10:22 am
On the internet even amongst Catholics, one can guess not perfectly but as to what is probable on such issues as guns and terrorism whether or not posters are posting from safe areas or unsafe areas. Frankly that’s why the Popes are beginning to err on the death penalty…Rio has not had the death penalty since 1855 and has one of the worst homocides rates of any city…but you don’t know that if your summer residence is Castel Gandalfo and you have a Pope mobile.
We live across the bay from Manhattan (terror target no.1 and crime laden) and a pistol grip pump shotgun lies right near us at night with a Shih Szu who are warning dogs as soon as a door or window are touched and gun and dog make us feel very secure given that this neighborhood has about 15 murders over the last several years…..with a guy a block away being shot through the head when he answered the door. Why stay? Most of these murders are inter-thug/ I lived in affluent areas for years where friendliness was rare whereas it is common in dangerous areas amongst the good people/ it’s my original roots/ people are so polite as to driving compared to rich areas…at an intersection I let a young black truck driver pass before me and he gave me a gang hand sign in gratitude though I was older and white…you can’t buy moments like that with money in the suburbs. Pistol grip shotguns (get 20 gauge with light and special fast spreading ammo…still similar to 4 9mm bullets simultaneously) are safer for your neighbors if you miss as the shots as individual small projectiles lose the ability to penetrate other houses as they travel and spread.
April 23rd, 2007 at 10:52 am
i was directed to a great column from another blog. i have heard of revisionist history, but this isn’t history yet….
check out the column it is worth the read
http://rawstory.com/news/afp/Pro_gun_lobby_strengthened_followin_04222007.html
April 23rd, 2007 at 10:53 am
sorry wrong link. i have been searching all over about this. i can’t get over it.
here is the link
http://joeleonardi.wordpress.com/2007/04/23/one-liberals-revisionist-version-of-the-virginia-tech-tragedy/
sorry
dee