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Pro-Guns, Anti-Obama
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Not everyone is celebrating Obama's 100 days. Max Blumenthal takes his cameras into America's gun shows, where paranoia, conspiracy theories-and Nazi flags-abound. Watch his report.
On April 18 and 19, I attended gun shows in Antioch, California, and Reno, Nevada, to probe the culture of gun enthusiasts at the onset of the Obama era. I came away from these events with a portrait of a heavily armed, tightly organized movement incited by right-wing radio to a fever-pitched resentment of President Obama and his allies in Congress. Even as the economy suffers, gun dealers and their Washington lobbyists are leveraging renewed anti-government sentiment into unprecedented sales figures and fattened membership rolls. “We’ve been swamped today,” an NRA representative from Antioch boasted. “We’ve practically ran out of our materials that we give away at sign-up.”
Fueled by the screeds of radio hosts Michael Savage, Glenn Beck, and the lesser-known but increasingly influential online conspiracist Alex Jones, many gun-show attendees I spoke to were convinced Obama planned to usher in a Marxist dictatorship. They warned that the president’s power grab would only begin with mass gun seizures. “If Obama takes away our guns,” a young, .45 pistol-toting man from Reno told me, “it’s just a step into trying to take away everything else.”
Indeed, in their minds, average Americans opposed to the Obama agenda would be herded into FEMA-run concentration camps by a volunteer army of glassy-eyed liberal college graduates. “When they start imprisoning Americans, and people start seeing that we’re the enemy, then that’ll make it hot,” predicted one Antioch-based young man sporting a button for former Republican presidential candidate Rep. Ron Paul. “People talk about a revolution,” the young man continued, “an armed revolution. I think police crackdowns on individuals will tip the scales.”
More than a few gun dealers and attendees echoed the young man’s seeming enthusiasm for armed revolt. One Contra Costa, California-based gun dealer named Rich predicted during an otherwise casual off-camera conversation that “some nut” would assassinate Obama within one year of any Democratic attempt at gun-control legislation. While the prospect of organized right-wing violence against the federal government seems far-fetched at this point, the paranoid rhetoric I documented suggests the militia movement that organized against President Bill Clinton’s policies during the 1990s could experience a dramatic resurgence by mobilizing resentment against Obama.
If a new militia movement coalesces, its members will have no shortage of sophisticated assault weapons to choose from. At the gun show in Reno, I witnessed the sale of rocket-propelled-grenade launchers and bazooka guns; I watched a California-based dealer demonstrate how rapidly he could field strip his .308-caliber sniper rifle, then stash it in a deliberately innocuous-looking backpack and a briefcase that “looks just like a camera case.” Nearby, I interviewed another dealer retailing a brand of.50-caliber assault rifle that was banned in California because it could supposedly down an airplane. He told me by slightly altering the bullets his gun fired, and by converting the gun from semi-automatic to bolt-action, he was able to sell it in California once again.
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*ponders* Weird - doesn't sound like any of the gun shows I've attended in my state -- not even close, and I live in Michigan, that supposed bastion of Creepy Militia Weirdos. This sounds like one of the fringe shows, not one that is set-up at a reputable center where businesses/conferences and the like are held. Still...nazi-sympathizers/wannabees in the US? UGH!
I think the opinions of 2nd amendment zealots interviewed By Mr. Blumenthal highlight/reflect and re-enforce the ugly & growing pathologies of the country I served (btw; my MOS was 11-Bravo, as an Infantryman--I can field strip an M-16 blindfolded and am disquieted by a civi bragging that he can strip and hide a .308 in a camera case, is he a sniper or a wannbe?) : the will to violence, tribalism and gun worship in America is alarming. The machismo (false bravado in my opinion) has a disturbing syllogism; the implements of war (small arms) are compelling when the wars are far away, I'd like to know how many of these imbeciles heard the whistle of a bullet-(most guys piss themselves or worse) or, have seen their battle buddies bleed out?
@autodidact
Thank you--for both your service and for your wise commentary.
Sir,
You have just clearly illustrated the most fundamental aspect of these gun toting big guys.. Never had a lead come at them. My father was a decorated wounded WW2 vet (leyte) who never told us his actions but refused to let us have weapons. Your words will never be heard by any of these boys as children know all.
Thank you for your service and eloquent portrayal of the realities which few have witnessed.
autodidact
use small words if you want to impress the wingnuts.. you almost had them there in your palm.. for a moment..
Autodidact,
First, thanks for your service to the country.
Second, you're right on the money about these douchebags being able to last a minute in combat.
My dad was a USMC rifleman [Guadalcanal to Iwo Jima with the 3rd Marine Div]. He never boasted or bragged about what he saw or what he did for this country on those beautiful but blood soaked Pacific islands - he just seemed really really sad about what happened.
But, then again, you can always tell the real heroes - they're the ones who NEVER have braggartish war stories!
Yes autodidact, thank you for your service. You bring up a point I often think of; who do these guys think they are?
Just where do they plan to revolt and how will these overweight car driving men make it to the revolution on time with all their gear?
Someone I know talks about taking a gun and living in the hills, like some poor boy trying to avoid going into the Confederate Army.
Why do the untrained ones always think it is so easy to kill another human being, especially if that person is unarmed?
Actually, his cherry-picked interview targets are just selected in an attempt to keep alive the stereotypes of leftards about gun owners. Nothing to see here but propagandistic apologetics for the current one-Party State's attitudes towards guns. Meanwhile they're in the process of spending a quadrillion on keeping limosine liberal corporate welfare queens (such as Warren Buffet) from losing their shirts. A quadrillion here, and a quadrillion there, and pretty soon you're talking about some real money.
I agree with Gregory Butler, real heroes who have faced real danger in combat are never braggarts about it. They realize how fortunate they are to have come back home and they are respectful of those who gave their lives for our country. I have an uncle who did two tours of duty in Viet Nam and my wife has an uncle who did a tour of duty there. Neither one of them ever brings their service up and, when it is mentioned, they are very humble and reticent to talk about it. That is how John Kerrey gave his cowardice away. Not only did he manufacture three purple hearts to get out of combat after four months, he went back to film a re-enactment at the spot where he shot the unarmed boy who was running away from him in the incident where he submitted himself for a medal. Dianne Sawyer has written about having a date with Kerrey in the 1980's where he took her back to his house to show her the home movie he had shot of the re-enactment. I am sure that none of the commenters on this thread who are so certain of the cowardice of the people in Blumenthal's video are hypocrites themsleves. I am sure you were all enraged by Kerrey's boastfulness and saw it as clear evidence of his cowardice. As I am sure that you are credulous of Blumenthal's unsubstantiated claim that he saw a RPG being sold.Perhaps he saw a replica being sold but he didn't say it was a replica. Frankly, I think he's lying.
kate
My friends wife insisted that her husband hide his treasured shotgun (no trigger lock, for PROTECTION) but of course he refused. She found the 7 yr.old son with the gun and before she could remove it he blasted the head off the 4 yr. old son. my question is, according to you and the NRA, who is responsible, what should the penalties of keeping such a device unsecured? this is a real question that I ask gun owners and get the same " bikes hurt kids too". so please advise with your knowledge and wisdom.
That's horrible. Why in heaven's name was the thing loaded? I doubt the 7-year old would be able to load it but nevertheless this guy broke two, maybe three cardinal rules minimum. I would punish the husband and not tar others with his gross negligence.
The husband, or whoever loaded the gun, is responsible. There are common sense storage issues involved. One of those is that you don't keep a gun loaded and unsecured if you have kids in the house. I keep all of my ammunition locked up. I also keep one gun loaded, but it is locked up as well.
Your friend's case was a tragedy, caused by her husband. However, thankfully, such cases are becoming fewer and fewer. Gun accident rates are declining yearly, despite the fact that the number of households with guns is increasing yearly.
This can't be surprising to anyone.
This user is no longer registered.
I never look for a fair or balanced story on any subject from the heterophobic, Christian-bashing Blumenthal, a programmatic lefty from start to finish. I don't own a gun, but I've been thinking about it lately. That will enroll me in Max's army of wild-eyed, paranoid, militia. To fit his stereotype, I'll have to let my hair grow long and stringy, buy a pickup (with a gun rack), knock out a couple of my teeth and take up chewin' tobaccy. I'll get a survivalist manual and hightail it to the woods. Yee-haw!
banjo, heterophobic? Dude your homophobia knows no bounds. Why do you always bring up sexuality in your comments? Me thinks you're really one of those closeted homosexuals who is terrified of their own sexuality. Most homophobes are.
You've noticed that too...
@ Hawnzz
We all have noticed...
Obama wants to arm all Americans with purses
That's right, even the men will have so much money, wallets won't be enough!
Actually, Lucky Violinist, if the Feds keep spending at this rate, eventually, we'll need a wheelbarrow of cash to buy a purse.
You mean remove your dentures, right?
You might want to check to see if your tinfoil hat is cutting off the oxygen & blood to your brain. Just expand the hat to be not quite so snug.
I guess an alternate theory is that if you've been out in the sun with your tinfoil hat for an extended period of time and it's overheating your brain.
Banjo1
Apparently, you think about gay men a lot.
A whole lot.
A lot more than most heterosexual men do, actually.
Perhaps you're looking for a community of like minded men (politically - and sexually)
May I suggest "Brokebutt Mountain" [and no folks, I am NOT making that up - google it!]
That's an all male compound of White supremacists who patrol the Mexican border near San Diego, harassing Latino immigrants.
When not engaged in racial terrorism expeditions, they hang out together in their compound.
Shirtless.
Bare chested.
And did I mention they shave their chests?
And oil them?
Yes, you'd feel right at home, in your own American Valhalla filled with manly racist White men, doing manly racist White things to other manly racist White men, all day, and all night - with no pesky White women around to spoil the manly Viking man on man manliness action!
You might want to book your flight now!
But don't forget the baby oil!
Or the vaseline!
Banjo, if you need a manual, it is too late to learn. One month in the woods and you would be sick with something, out of food, or injured in some way. Take a cell phone so you can call someone who cares.
I live out in the country. Many have guns. They are concerned that ammo will be much harder to get in the future. I think that some people are afraid that a potential breakdown in society's structure may make people have to defend themselves. People I know, with guns, are patriotic ...not anti-government as in the structure of government but have some concern where government is going as far as the expansion of power. Many people I know fear the extreme left, because they appear to have a voice in the present administration. The "right" fear the "left"...the "left" fears the "right"...it just manifests itself in different ways depending on which side is in power. I would consider the crazy Nazi stuff equal to the crazy enviromental nuts burning houses.
Come on, Obama is hardly an extreme liberal, he is more like just left of center. It just seems like he is extreme to you because of the previous administration's far-right lean. I am far more concerned about gun toting right-wingers than liberals. What's a liberal going to do to you? We know what the gun freaks are capable of.
How myopic of you. You need to remove your head out of the sand long enough to understand some of the things that are going on around you instead of someone telling you what they want you to see.
Anyone that thinks that obama is just a little left of center is not only myopic but nearly totally blind and devoid of intelligence.
Apparently you have chosen your name nearly perfectly - itty bitty
You must think that the patriots in the Rev. war were terrible freaks also - people like you would have been the ones that favored staying with the wonderful structure of the English Empire and undermined the efforts of those fighting for our future freedoms. I know many, many people that own guns and not one of them would be a threat to law abiding citizens but they do value their freedom and their country and would and have defended it.
What woiuld liberals do to us? - if you are blind enough to make that statement then you are also blind to the situation that is unfolding around us in this country. Even now the government's take-over of so many of our businesses and the endless regulations strangle the dreams of many of the hard working people that want to work for a future instead of expecting the government to hand it to them as a give away. In one of the businesses that I have run the paperwork and inspections that covered two pages ten years ago have increased to thirteen double row pages last year and will increase to seventeen next year which made the time consumed in just filling out paperwoprk alone costly let alone the cost of the new regulations.......it is no wonder that businesses close down or move their operation out of country where survival is possible.
That's because liberals carry purses instead of guns
@Grundy
What a bunch of garbage. It's a sad testament to the state of liberalism in this country when a man like Obama can be labeled as anything but "left of center." He supports the death penalty. He supports the right of an individual to own a gun (just look at his response to DC v. Heller). He opposes gay marriage. He had an opportunity, a few months ago, to nationalize the banking system in this country, and he didn't do it. He hedges his language on abortion. He hedges his language on torture. He doesn't support a single-payer health care system. If anyone needs to remove their head from something, it's you, because you either don't know what you're talking about, or you're intentionally spreading half-truths and hysterical exaggerations, which is just as bad.
Grundy, I'm not gonna be rude to you (I'm sure there's plenty enough out there that will) but I have to contest you on a few points. The first being that Obama is way left of center. In an election with the highest turnout (by far) in US history he won by a relatively wide margin in the popular vote, and an overwhelmingly large electoral margin; winning in places as solidly red as Indiana and Iowa. He even received 43% of the vote in TX. By definition that makes him the center. I just don't think you recognize that the center of the electorate has changed. No one, not Obama, no one, is suggesting that all guns should be banned. The majority of people do believe that guns should be regulated; something that is stated in the 2nd. Most believe that local communities should have a lot of latitude in doing this, but most people also think that It isn't safe to have back pack sniper rifles floating around anywhere. That is where the center is now.
Second, the Rev war parallel is specious. That was fought because liberals defied the centuries old practice of monarchy and taxation without representation. Conservatives, including Ben Franklin's own son, sought to maintain the status quo. You and I have representation at every level of gov't from local school boards, straight through the presidency. You and I have the right to speak out, to assemble peaceably, and to vote the bums out every few years. None of that is being threatened. The last administration had a much more extreme view of the theory of the unitary executive than this one does.
Third, you make a valid point that sometimes the paperwork can be overly burdensome for business and it's something that really should be streamlined; but what does that have to do with gun control?
Finally, I think you're painting every social program with the same brush that some people paint every gun show with. I've been to some and I never saw Nazi memorabilia. I don't think any respectable show would even allow them to be vendors. Most the people at the shows I've been to are obviously right wing, and red neck (you can't deny the awesome mullet watching at gun shows), but I don't hear them talking about armed revolution. It's the same with social programs. I don't feel like I was taking advantage of the system when I received unemployment when I was laid off. It kept the lights on until I could find another job. Without the help it would have been a lot harder for me to get back to being a productive member of society so I could start to pay back into the unemployment system. Are there people that take advantage of corporate welfare and personal welfare? Sure, but on the whole, social programs, as imperfect as they are, are there for a good reason.
Anyway that's my response.
All of this discussion is moot, anyway. Y'all have been reading the Second Amendment improperly.
"A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to KEEP AND ARM BEARS, shall not be infringed.
Dyslexia, anyone? Jeez!
Wow, Grundy is Grumpy! (and ignorant too)
Doesn't is say "A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State..." Doesn't that mean gun owners should be part of a well-regulated militia in order to keep their weapons? Doesn't this country have what could be considered a well-regulated militia (The National Guard)? It is remarkable how so many people miss that whole first part of the amendment, but then choose to defend the second part of it with such zeal. My point is, gun ownership is not a right, it is not something that is God given...gun ownership is a privilege, and something that the government is well within its rights to regulate.
The second amendment malitia...formed to protect us from the expansion of government
I mean, didn't anybody get the joke? Lame as it is?
Hey por356, did you deliberately ignore the ruling in DC vs. Heller that rejected the collective-right militia reading of the Second Amendment or are you just too stupid to understand it. The Supreme Court ruled that the Second Amendment protect an individual's right. It is remarkable that someone can call others ignorant with such zeal why they themselves are wrong. Next time, read the pertinent Supreme Court precedent. It will prevent you from looking like a fool, again.
The government raised taxes 62 cents per pack to help smokers. They'll boost taxes on ammo so high that no one will be able to afford it.
Obama is a center right Democrat.
He's no leftist - and certainly no "marxist" (I should know - I actually am a communist)
And if he was White, you wouldn't have a problem with him.
And you know that as well as I do.
Hahahahahahahahah, a center right Democrat? That is almost the stupidest thing I have read all day. The stupidest thing would be a tie between you claiming any criticism of the president is racist or the fact that you are proud to be a communist. So how many people did communist dictators kill in the 20th century? Was it 60 or 65 million?
Mullet wearing, white trash. Everyone of these gun freaks.
Peskime:
You need to marry Garafalo. See has your philosophy and apparently your same lack limbic tissue.
peskime-
You must have had a lover like you just described that jilted you in the past.
I agree with you about the absurd breadth of government regulation; but who has been in charge for most of the last 30 years? Republicans that's who. so, if you have an ax to grind about how government interferes with our freedoms and with daily operations of business; well, look to the right.
Wow, I missed this one. Do you think it's possible to contribute to this conversation without making cute comments about the screen names? Although since you seem to have just barely made it through kindergarten, let me put it this way, "Sticks and stones will break my bones.." Well, you know the rest, maybe.....
Mr. Grundy's cynicism and fanaticism is representative of a conservative worldview is an extension of Hobbes (the ne plus ultra philosopher of neo-conservatives).
I will paraphrase this view as follows:
We live in a world where people (out-of-power republicons) stand on the continuum between the laws of the jungle and the laws of of reason believing they have right (ideals) on their side impose their sense of justice on others.
A very recent example of idealism in action is that of Stalinist ideals--not so nifty methinks...
I prefer Kant's take:
Peaceful negotiation, international courts and a common concern for all people.
Lastly, if i remember my Scripture:
Sodom & Gomorrah was a place of abundance; the Sodomites laws included, death to any citizen helping strangers-(what is now called xenophobia), regressive taxes--owners of two oxen were liable for one day's civic service, while those with one oxen were assessed for two days.
These crimes were all the worse (according to Scripture) for being thankless to God for the city was showered with wealth.
Interesting metaphor for all Christians to consider.
I live in a southern rural area. I am sure we have many of these kind of nutjobs around us. I don't have a gun or a rifle. People that live around here have rifles do go hunting. We also have a lot of wild animals. But the wild animals that scare me more than anything are the 2 legged animals (man). Nuff said. They are a danger to all of us.
If you are afraid of two legged animals it makes me wonder what kind of an animal you are.
Wow, Grundy is REALLY Grumpy. And it's itty bitty kitty to you.
This reminds me of quite a few of the signs I saw being waved at the tea parties, stuff about guns and God. This crowd is armed, dangerous, and living on the fairy tales that Glenn Beck and his ilk are pushing.
Banjo, is there a point to your rabid generalization? My family believes in God and there are two guns in our house. My ex-Navy husband just keeps them around for some emergency, but keeps them under lock and key.
Rabid generalization? What is this piece - and every other Max Blumenthal piece - other than a rabid generalization of those who hold views that differ from his? "Not everyone is celebrating Obama's 100 days." Read: unless you're an inbred, paranoid, gum-smacking redneck, you're celebrating how great Obama is. Even this plea for even-handedness will look to some like an endorsement of the crazed perspectives highlighted in this piece.
Max Blumenthal is Ann Coulter in drag.
Grundy,
So, if Jesus was here today S/he'd be a Republican?!
Wonder what kind of assault rifle Jesus had?
Well, Peter had the assault rifle of the day (a sword) with him when Jesus was arrested.....
Also:
Luke 22:36: "But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one."
That truly is the question.
Not much when he faced the liberals in his last days. Liberals then as now tend to see the world outside of their desires of what is acceptable as being terrible and a threat. Jesus had no assault rifle - he was right and didn't fear the oppositiion of the true 'nutjobs' of his day as we don't fear the 'nutjobs' like you of today.
Grundy: "Liberals then as now tend to see the world outside of their desires of what is acceptable as being terrible and a threat." -- That's not liberalism.
Obama hasn't done anything against gun owners and there's no sign that he ever will -- he's allowed the assault weapons ban to lapse, so it seems like he's done a lot of good for the NRA, actually.
The only thing he's done to piss anyone off is pass some massive stimulus packages and continue the Bush policy of propping up these failing companies. Really most of what he's done thus far has been continuing pre-existing policies.
The only thing that explains this movement against Obama is partisan politics with a dash of racism.
Yeah, but how many students could you mow down with a SWORD?
This guy killed 8 and injured 12 more with a kitchen knife. I bet he could have done more with a sword.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1376982.stm
He didn't have one. They weren't invented back then. But while we are on the topic of Jesus, I am curious, do you think he would have favored third trimester abortions, or would he have drawn the line at 24 weeks:?"
connie47-
Sounds to me like your husband, bless his tortured soul, keeps the guns locked up to keep[ them out of your misdirected hands.
In the face of someones argument, a personal attack calling into question their mental state. You sir or madam, have nothing to contribute.
Sounds to me like he realizes having killing tools floating around a house ready to go off the second a child or careless elbow brushes against them isn't such a good idea.
What's next Grundy, planting anti-personnel mines under the carpet in case of burglars?
I used to chuckle to myself when I would run into the Grundys think bushy-mustache, mouth-breather wearing BDU's that he bought- (wasn't issued) at a military surplus store; acting like a magpie-(these birds are attracted to shiny objects and can repeat sounds/words but are incapable of thinking; birds aren't famous for having much gray-matter).
Give me a break. So I guess everytime I see an antiwar demonstration, it will be fair to characterize the entire leftwing of this country as antisemites who love Mumia Abu Jamal, hate Israel, think Hamas is swell and love to wear masks while they smash Starbucks? Because all that and more happens at left wing demonstrations. So I think I will paint all of you with that broad brush because I just so happened to see a few nuts like that at a demonstration.
And you are not very bright if you think the only people in this country who own guns are those on the right.
The tea party attendance was, even by admission of left wing blogs, well over 300,000 people. The left's sad attempts to delegitimize them didn't work.
So Max visited a few of the gun shows run by the tinfoil hat lobby, I'm curious what his take is with "Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership" - http://www.jpfo.org/
Would his opinion be any different?
That's the group that sells cookie cutters in the shape of semiautomatic handguns, so you can bake Glock cookies for your kids. They also sell coloring books that depict teddy bears wielding handguns.
A case of apple next to tree. Springing from his Dad's disdain for anything other than his own position, Max's tactic seems to be to look to the fringe element and attach what you find, by implication, to all your opposition.
Forming your opinion and searching out something to validate it is pretty lazy stuff. This could have been written without ever leaving an office.
If you want to be courageous, seek out the huge middle and counter the concept to your base with an honest article. That would be what they used to call journalism.
By the way...the t-shirt is a nice touch. Real under-cover stuff.
I just watched the video. IMO, these people are insane. They are the Timothy McVeighs of our country. Can someone please tell me why ANYONE needs a sniper rifle. Watch the video for the demonstration of points from which you can take people out and how it's disguised as an ordinary backpack. I really hope the FBI is all over this.
Ok, I'm going to say it. Sniper rifle? You mean basically any old rifle with a decent scope (I'm seriously generalizing here but anyway...) Nobody ever touches on this with firearms: some people just like collecting them, and then taking them to a range and firing them. Why? It's fun, that's why! How many bulls' eyes' can you get from this or that distance? Who has a rare this or that from Bulgaria, or made by a smith? It's a skill - like fencing or archery (both of which I also enjoy) and many people ENJOY target practice. So as to "Why would anyone need a sniper rifle" there's my answer: they're fun, and perhaps they might want to make sure they hit the poor deer in a place where it doesn't suffer. Also, besides being a fun pass-time (going to a range) I want to ensure that if some psycho breaks into my house, or decides I might want to get raped, I know what I am doing.
So, Kate, you watched the part where he shows how to shoot somebody from the top of a building and you thought that looked like fun. Thanks for making my point for me.
The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. Why do we have more gun deaths than any other industrialized nation?
I'm glad you have a hobby, it's really important to me that the government doesn't reenact the assault rifle ban ruining this pastime of yours. All laws in our Constitution should be constructed to preserve peoples hobbies, who cares about the limus test of 'is this a detriment to society?' I mean, just because Texas gun shops have armed Mexico's drug cartels and a potentially violent fringe is arming themselves in the US for protection from fantasy hypotheticals they truly think will happen but in reality will never EVER happen doesn't mean there should be any government action at all to curb these developments. KateTheGreat needs to maintain her hobby because it's fun and she ENJOYS it.
What a croc. Collect some stamps or baseball cards, go shoot skeet with a hunting rifle, go shoot bullseyes with a hunting rifle or handgun. No one needs assault rifles, period.
And for the folks on here that posted stuff about 'the goverment taking your guns is the first step to enslavement/imprisonment/control of the population', get real. Whether you have an assault rifle or not, if the government wanted to come and get you they could. This would never happen anyways {to a normal person... maybe one stockpiling armament because of ridiculous fears} but IF it did, I would think a military effort would very quickly subdue some bubba with a high powered machine gun.
Having these weapons available to the general public has NO positive upside whatsoever except fulfilling folks hobbies. If responsible adults aren't willing to sacrifice or modify their hobby to make the US a safer place, then please update the Conservative mantra of 'Country First' to 'Me First'.
yeah connie, that's exactly what I meant...*rolls eyes* no matter what anyone says, you are only going to hear what you want to hear...so thanks for making my point for me. *shakes head* Of course me enjoying target practice is a whole-sale endorsement of murdering psychopaths...your logic astounds me.
Oh of course, you have to disassemble a sniper rifle and stow it in a backpack so that the Deer don't catch you at a state border crossing. Shooting game and targets from the top of a building or clock tower is a fun hobby too!
They're making damned sure that if Obama passes gun legislation 'some nut' will be armed and ready to act. That's not rule of law or the rule of the people, that's terrorism.
first sensible thing i read on this comment page. the system's set up to protect us from nutjobs, but that ends up taking away from the vast majority of gun-loving/collecting Americans who aren't serial assassins. so why can't i have a gun? why can't i have the craziest, wickedest gun i can find? because of one nutjob out of 300 million? well, i'm not a nutjob. i voted obama, i think bush is a war criminal, i'd probably agree with a lot of blumenthal's views. and i don't think systems should be set up to protect us from wildly distorted threats. if you don't have a criminal record, if you're not buying in bulk to ship to mexico, you shouldn't have to suffer. turn off your tv's, go say hello to your neighbor, things aren't as crazy as the news would have you believe. americans have a much better chance dying of heart disease than armed revolution.
Kate - did you watch the video?
The part where he takes the rifle apart, and hides it in a civilian backpack - and explicitly says that he's using a non military backpack so you can take the rifle anywhere?
Basically, that's an assassin's weapon.
And if he was Black, or Latino, or - God help him - an Arab or a South Asian, he'd be in jail right now for that little display.
If he was Muslim, he'd be in leg irons in a secret CIA facility being tortured right now.
Basically, he's selling a terrorist's weapon, and giving terrorist training.
And if he wasn't White, he'd be sitting in a federal prison right now for doing so.
Kate I hope you will not try to repel an invader with a rifle, for that you need a hand gun. Or at least a shotgun. If your home has never been invaded you have no idea how much your hand will shake when you try to shoot with a rifle. Or how quickly a person can get inside rifle range and get you.
"And if he was Black, or Latino, or - God help him - an Arab or a South Asian, he'd be in jail right now for that little display."
I am replying to your post Kate because I can't directly reply to others. The above quote is absolutely ridiculous. Latinos, blacks and any other minority in this country, unless they are convicted felons could do the same exact thing. He broke no laws doing that. You people need to look at the laws and quit making fools of yourself.
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. Why do we have more gun deaths than any other industrialized nation"
Good question, because several countries, including Switzerland, have much higher per capita gun ownership than the United States yet have much lower rates of gun death? Furthermore, why are gun deaths highest in states that have the strictest gun laws? And why do countries such as the UK have higher violent crime rates than the US after they banned guns? Get back to me when you can answer those questions and when you can quit trying to tar every lawful gun owner as some psycho in waiting.
"What a croc. Collect some stamps or baseball cards, go shoot skeet with a hunting rifle, go shoot bullseyes with a hunting rifle or handgun. No one needs assault rifles, period. "
Hey, casey, owning guns is my right, as protected by the Second Amendment. I don't have to justify a need to exercise my rights, regardless of how much anti-gun chicken little's whine about it. And you might want to quit citing that whole Mexico canard. The ATF recently testified that less than 20% of all guns used by cartels are from the United States. I have news for you. You can't buy automatic weapons right off the shelf at a gun store, unless you jump through about a million legal hoops, and they don't sell RPGs or bazookas at gun shows, regardless of what Max Blumenthal claims. You people need to look up the pertinent federal laws before you make your ignorance of gun laws so obvious next time. And by definition assault weapons are those that have selective rates of fire. Those are not available to the average citizen in the United States. The Brady Campaign definition of assault weapon is based purely on cosmetic features. Why is it that those that are the most ignorant about guns are those that are the most vocal about banning something of which they know nothing about?
Agreed 100%. While he was describing how to use that long range sniper rifle (that it's designed to use from a rooftop or tall building, and can shoot all the way down to the barracades and then packs up so you can walk away from the crime anonymously) I was literally nauseated. I can't even begin to imagine how the NRA would explain that one as a hunting or protection device. OH WAIT. They just change the subject and say "guns don't kill people, people kill people." That is the most genius line of bull since "if it doesn't fit, you must acquit."
You can't kill anyone from the rooftop of a building with a knife.
Yes, let's call someone a coward because they don't want lunatics in clocktowers to gun down their children.
Grundy, why are you so scared that you can't live without the right to own a collapsible sniper rifle or assault rifle? You ever heard of psychological transference?
connie47-
How you must fear going into the kitchen-with all of those knives and other cutting edges that could jump out and get you. How do you sleep at night with all of the fears of a boogy man that you see in every corner - better discuss this in detail during your next visit with the 'man'.
If you can't tell the difference between a high-powered assult weapon or a weapon designed for a sniper to disguise, then stand on top of a building and fire and the kitchen knives, you have a serious problem. The fact that you would even make the comparison is demented.
Can someone please tell me why ANYONE needs a sniper rifle.
i dunno why does anyone need a porsche that can go 120 mph the speedlimit is only 65. a "sniper rifle" is an long range scoped accurate rifle in the hands of a person who knows how to use it. i have one its a 1903 springfield i use it to hunt. the rifle is 106 years old but by using the "broad" definitions like we read in articals like this its a "sniper rifle"
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How is this article one-sided? Most of the people doing the talking are the gun purveyors and their customers. They're the ones making the points.
The Lib'ruls led by Obama are going to try take away all of their guns and then everything else and then they're gonna put them all in concentration camps that have been already constructed by FEMA. These people listen to a caricature like Michael Savage and, like lemmings marching to the friggin' sea, go out and buy guns in preparation for the Big Takeover attempt.
It's actually pretty funny, except for the fact that these people are US citizens and have gone though our public education process. And that's tragic.
At least you are partially right - there are alot of problems with people having gone through our 'public education' system. Too many of them can't read and if they can read a little they don't seem to be able to understand what they have read. Some things are just skipped in their reading lists - like the important papers of this country, and some classics like '1984', 'Animal Farm' and 'Brave New World' so that they would be capable of understanding some of the things that are going on in our country today.
You sound like those wonderful people to the north of the US, who having no gun ownership opportunities and rights, will depend on those 'freaks, lemmings and gun nuts' to save their sorry behinds when the time comes because they will be hiding under their beds crying "What will we do?", "Where is the government to save us?"
Tragic? Yes, tragic that more of them couldn't have been home schooled for a better and less expensive education.
connie47, bless you for living in an irony-free zone.
Guns and God? Hmmm. Ya I'm sure Jesus would be totally down with these guys.
Jesus died for your guns, AllFieldsRequired. It says so in the Bahble.
These comments illustrate the divide in this country. Here in flyoverland a recent gun show had thousands of people jamming the aisles. Hundreds waited outside in the rain to get in. Mullet Heads? Not even close. Midwestern gunshows that I have attended are at least 20% black, predominently middle class, but you are starting to see more wealthy attendees. You cannot buy ammunition, Sporting Goods stores,are sold out. Gun shows, despite the spin from anti-Second Amendment types only occur a few times a year. I live in a very affluent section of our area and people here are arming themselves because they fear Obama's pitchfork speeches and feel their families might be targeted. This isn't about militias, you couldn't get my neighborhood to organize a softball team, it is about home protection and the fear Obama and his now veto-proof Washington militia will try to disarm America. Now that Benedict Arlen has come out of the closet, I predict sales will go up even more, if that is possible. Obama is out here in flyoverland today. He ought to turn off the TOTUS and listen instead.
Scary, scary, scary....
Fly we're still waiting for you to show us your proof for your statement that half the country doesn't pay taxes. How long will we have to wait for this? Or should we now all just assume that everything you write is really just a bunch of crap?
"Obama's pitchfork speeches"...? I pay attention to the news; whaqt are the pitchfork speeches? I must have missed them. Give me an example
Glenn Beck's "They don't surround us, we surround THEM." speech is the most pitch-fork-wielding-mob speech I've ever heard in my 26 years on the planet. Just because the mob has concealable sniper and assault rifles doesn't mean they aren't out to get us.
It's not like the gun lobby will ever be satisfied, they've been given more by this administration than they got from the last administration but they're still crazed because Obama 'aint one of us'.
We can give the NRA all the rocket-propelled grenades and machineguns they could want, they'll just want nukes so that the Federal Government vs the NRA is kept at a stalemate with mutually assured destruction.
Home protection from tax cuts. You live in the middle of nowhere. You'll just be shooting your neighbors if society breaks down. You don't even know what you are mad at.
I think you're grossly exaggerating the African American attendance at these shows.
Beyond that, Obama is a center right Democrat, he's no revolutionary.
If he was White, you wouldn't be afraid him.
But he's Black, and you fear him - and all your old racist fears about African Americans coming to your suburban enclave, and robbing your house, and having sex with your wife and daughter (and maybe satisfying your wife in ways you NEVER could) and them having Black babies - are all leaking out.
So you clutch you big black rifle (and you don't need Dr Freud to explain THAT symbolism) as a totem of your fear of the big Black man and his big Black thing.
It must be awful to live with so much fear. Remember the millennium and all the people who are still eating Spam that they stored away?
Please give us the play by play events in this disarming of America. First the order has to go out to someone. Who? What group? So far a couple of men assumed any policeman coming to their house was after their guns and we saw how that ended.
Just who and I am serious here, just who will go house to house to take the guns? I really would like a sensible answer here.
Of course! I get it! Only the insane or ill-informed oppose the President! Who else?
Creeping socialism? The rise of the oligarchy? Nuts!
Ah, there's that magic word: "socialism." We're all supposed to cringe slightly and be scared. I have yet to figure out what it is that we're supposed to be scared of when someone says "socialism" but it's the shibboleth of the right wing these days. As for a "rise of the oligarchy," I think we've seen plenty of that in the last 8 years.
Nothing like the comments from the uninformed that don't even know the meaning of the words that they use - 1st- get education, 2nd-get understanding of the education, 3rd- get some experience of living, 4th-gain some wisdom through the first three. Finally- know when to speak and when to keep you ignorance to yourself.
Grundy, get off your high horse and realize 1) You are not the moral center of the universe 2) You discredit yourself when you make assumptions about a persons level of "experience" in life or education 3) Don't like the Gov. telling you how to live? some people don't like YOU telling them how to think 4) don't dress up differing opinions in the cloak of "ignorance" because you disagree, even though, you ARE the smartest most important guy in the play pen. Finally, learn how to be civil and quit being a general prick beneath the guise of internet anonymity.
Grundy-- Liberals want education, they want an educated populace because people with an understanding of history and humanities tend to vote Democrat. Your argument, if it wasn't already a logical fallacy, falls apart right there.
Saying that someone is unable to argue with you is called Poisoning the Well. At this point, however, I think any reasonable person can make the statement based on this page alone that you're unwilling or unable to form a reasonable argument.
You also seem to have a problem with transference, Grundy. This is in response to your calling others cowards because they didn't want to own a gun, and now in response to you not knowing when to keep your ignorance to yourself.
You do realize that socialism and oligarchy are ideologically opposed don't you?
I'm sure this isn't an accurate depiction of the typical gun owner.
But come on, sniper rifles?
I'm from Pittsburgh, and the fact that three of our policemen were killed because of a guy who had the same views as a lot of these people here makes me stomach turn at this video.
I studied in Australia, where guns are hard to get after the Port Arthur massacre of 1996, where 35 were killed and 21 were injured. And you know what? There are very few gun deaths and very few gun-related crimes. And someone wants to tell me that gun control is a bad idea? Don't tell me "guns don't kill people, people do" - guns make it easier for cowards to exercise force.
Thank you.
Shocking! It's so simply logical it's lost on most of these people that cling to an odd fetish, which is a gun. I grew up around guns... but what is the big deal. You don't need a gun. I don't need a gun to feel like a man. And if you do I really pity that person.
Thanks for your intelligent and reasonable post.
I'm with you, man. In 6th grade, we all shot .22 rifles, I've gone shooting with my girlfriend...I like guns, they're good sport. And I don't even think we need to be as tight as other countries.
But boy, it should be hard to get a gun. And it shouldn't be much beyond shotguns for the hunters and handguns for self-defense...maybe.
The fact that Pittsburgh Police force at large only this week decided to ramp up their weapons so they could defend themselves if they encounter another "Richard" speaks volumes for how out of balance things have become. Yes indeed those officers who responded to this murder spree were outpowered and had to watch and wait for the Swat firepower to arrive.
The real problem I have with the gotta buy a gun trend is that the individuals who I hear purchasing suffer themsevles from low self esteem and are often paranoid. Many of these recent purchases are by individuals that were never exposed to guns by career or sporting - just fear. Not good.
I have an idea. Why don't you smear the tens of millions of people in this country who own guns based upon the actions of one individual? Oh wait, you already did.
And how much exposure have you had to guns? I would bet almost none. So who is speaking out of fear again?
Yeah, and Australia's violent crime rate has skyrocketed since then. Funny how that always get's left out of the argument. And if guns are so horrible, why is it that country's with much higher gun ownership rates have less crime. Switzerland is the perfect example. Guns make it easier for law abiding citizens to defend themselves against criminals. It is absolutely amazing how the anti-gun crowd thinks we are going to live in some crime-free utopia if law-abiding citizens are stripped of their second amendment rights. Criminals will obtain guns illegally, oddly enough, like they do now. For some odd reason, criminals break the law.
And for all the people on here talking about revolution, accusing these people of sedition and fomenting an armed revolution is no less crazy than Glenn Beck talking about concentration camps, something he refuted ages ago.
I imagine Max Blumenthal didn't have to troll very long to get interviews with these demented citizens. Why else would anyone want a collapsable rifle in a innocuous backpack unless he/she was living out a right wing fantasy.
These gun lovers are if nothing else going to be a self fulfilling event. It is the AK 47 loving assault gun nut cases that will if we ever need guns be responsible for the deaths & destruction of the civilized society. I have NO problem with a family keeping a shot gun or hand gun in the night stand for family protection, I have no problem with someone having a 30 caliber hunting rifle but "ASSAULT RIFLES, MACHINE GUNS, 50 CALIBER KILLING MACHINES, are you kidding me. Please don't pretend all of you that own those kind's of arsenals that these weapons are anything but toys for the paranoid minimally educated red neck white trash lower class that you all are. Lets not pretend any of you have the brains to tell the difference between a home protection or hunting weapon or a machine gun. You all are what you are, so lok in the mirror & see who & what you are, ignorant white trash red necks.
not quite fair to make generalizations there. I have a friend who is an ex-marine (special forces of some type), is a high school teacher with a graduate degree, is an avid Obama supporter, super tree-hugger, AND has an military assault rifle under his bed. I think it's pretty weird but there's guys out there like him, esp. ex military, so it's unfair to paint everyone that has these weapons as being paranoid right-wing toothless mullets.
Being a gun owner and avid shooter, I long ago gave up going to gun-shows or even hanging out with other 'gun nut' friends. Here in Indiana going to a gun show, hanging out with gun clubs or even just randomly meeting other gun enthusiasts at the range means you have to be prepared immediately for racism, religious intolerance and open hatred and death threats against any and democrats and their supporters.
The number of times I have heard discussions of 'murdering that nigger' in reference to Obama at the range this is year are too numerous to count. Every time I try and just talk guns with other enthusiasts it ends up with them ranting about how creationism is right and science is the work of 'Jews and Muslims' that want to destroy good American Christians.
The level of intolerance and hatred in a vast majority of gun owners has me avoiding them completely. Considering that they are usually angry about nothing and ignorant to what is actually occurring it is all the more frustrating.
Just last week talking about the new muzzle brake for FN-FAL with a co-worker led to his immediate foray into why global warming is wrong and that there is zero evidence for evolution.
I did what I usually do and replied "Yeah, the muzzle brake works great, see you later." and stayed out of his paranoid rant.
Mr. Blumenthal's article and video is a good picture of what I often encounter when just trying to go buy ammo or a new rifle sling.
In you have heard anyone make a threat against the President, you are duty-bound to report that person. But, most likely, you are just full of crap.
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They are full of crap, just stupid rednecks around other stupid redneck. I've over heard at least three or four people say things like 'Somebody should shoot that nigger.' or 'I wish that nigger would die.' ..................they are idle threats of a deeply racist white society.
If I thought these people had the means, or the balls to actually kill the President I would make a phone call. However, unlike you I can distinguish between an actual credible threat and racist rednecks carrying on with their usual racist rants. Trust me, you hear them a lot in Indiana.
There are nuts at all such gatherings, on every side of the spectrum. How many left wing functions can you go to without finding someone who claims the US caused 9/11, or people who don't hate jews and Israel. You will also run into people who claim Mumia Abu Jamal is innocent, Hamas is great, George Bush is worse than Hitler, the Republicans are Nazis and worse than the Taliban, etc. etc. If you act like racism, hatred and intolerance is restricted to the right, you are either naive or have no life experience at all.
"The level of intolerance and hatred in a vast majority of gun owners has me avoiding them completely."
The vast majority? Hey, Mr. Hyperbole, exaggerate much?
"Just last week talking about the new muzzle brake for FN-FAL with a co-worker led to his immediate foray into why global warming is wrong and that there is zero evidence for evolution."
The New Yorker Magazine used to have a section devoted to quotes that were never said. The above story would fit in there nicely.
"Tough trick, but you clearly accomplish it well, since you've missed the racist taunts and threats against Obama that are shown on national TV, almost EVERY NIGHT!"
Well, since it is illegal to threaten the president of the United States, it is pretty safe to say the above sentence is pure garbage. As for racism, since most of Obama's worshippers claim any substantive criticism of him is racism, I think it safe to simply roll my eyes at your silly racism accusations.
Mr Blumenthal you are either a very stupid man or just intelligent enough to pen an article not worthy to be on the back page of some trash magazine ... I suspect the latter.
To compare a large portion of citizens that have serious concerns about obama to this lot is just strange. I was going to say that you just do not get it, but I think you do.
Why so defensive? If you are not one of these neo nazi, white supremacist, conspiracy freak, holy warriors, then please join with humanity and denounce them. By attacking Blumenthal, you are exposed, sir.
Yeah, sure. By claiming not all people at gun shows are racist, I am now racist? How exactly does that work? And his derisive use of the term "this lot" should have given away to anyone with brains how he thinks of them. No wonder you missed it.
Dave is old. When he was a boy a black man knew his place.
Yet more nonsense from people who think criticism of the president=racism. I have no idea how you feel, but since you are on the left, I think whenever I encounter one of your posts I will accuse you of being an anti-semite. Are you? I have no idea. But accusing you of hating the jews is no different than the smear you just directed at Dave1959.
So, xbainx, how long have you hated the Jews? Is it a recent thing, or has it been going on your whole life?
Dave, if a neighbor wigs out, you are closer and your police force is closer than Obama. You might want to think on that a spell.
Anyone who claims you can legally buy a working RPG or bazooka at a gun show is not very bright anyway. EIther that or he is extremely ignorant of federal law.
Nice story about the republican base.
Nice to see your consistent crud. Don't you have any other line that you have learned in your cartoon game/show?
Ah, the attack on the screen name. -5,000 Credibility points!
That's O.K. Tuscon, he attacked my screen name too.
Yeah and every time I see a protest full of Anti-semitic bigots who love Hamas, think the US government is responsible for 9/11, think communism is wonderful, who love dictators like Chavez and Castro, who wish Saddam Hussein were still in power, who hate the United States military and believe 3000 Americans are "little Eichmann's" I will think to myself "well that is just the Democratic base."
If you look hard enough you can find extremist in any group. Gun culture is no different. I did not own a gun until I was 34 years old. I am white and Christian. However I am not racist, I don't hate gay people, and I don't intend to start (or join) a militia. I have met many average people who are concerned about their safety and choose to buy a firearm. They educate themselves on safe handling and proper marksmanship. They also practice.
It is sad that this gun show allowed Nazi propaganda, but I don't think that is a normal decoration at gun shows. I did not see anything like this at the show I went to in NC. Most gun owners I know are concerned about the current administration's intentions dealing with firearms. Only because they are posted on Whitehouse.gov.
I believe that many gun owners would have less problems with gun control measures if they were truly "common sense". But most gun control advocates don't intend on stopping at "common sense". All you have to do is ask them. I don't believe that it is their intent to disarm america in order to form some New World Order but they do want to disarm america.
I understand the concern many people have when it comes to the power of a gun. It can be a very dangerous device. But so can a car. We don't seem to have a problem putting our 16 year olds behind the wheel of an SUV and I don't hear anyone screaming "We've got to ban cars" because they are too dangerous. I wonder how many lives are lost due to car accidents in America? Some argue that a car is not designed to kill...fair enough, but a person could chose to use one to kill and they could kill a lot of people too. A Semi-automatic rifle or SUV could have the same results in the wrong hands.
Not sure what the real definition of Journalism is but I don't think this qualifies. I believe more research is in order. That is if you really want to truth.
That's a logical fallacy, because you apply the danger of driving a car to the possibility of cars being used as a means of murder. It's a bad analogy anyways. As I said above, guns embolden cowards to assert themselves. You think a car has the same effect? If someone corners me with a gun, I'm probably giving up my wallet. If someone corners me with a car, I'll probably jump onto the hood and be gone before the guy can turn around. A car is a bad way to try to kill someone.
Besides, some risks just have to be assumed, but guns aren't one of them. I keep my kitchen stocked full of murder weapons, right? But first of all, they're not machetes, they're appropriate to the environment, second, I have a better chance in a knife fight than a gun fight (going back to my original statement that guns embolden cowards), and a kitchen can't function without knives. There are very few settings where something can't function without guns...shooting range (where everything is under wraps), military (try stealing from a military armory), hunting in the woods (don't carry a machete when a steak knife will do the trick).
Guns are out of hand.
Please quit repeating the cowards asserting themselves line like it is so brilliant. If you are going to keep writing that ad nauseum, at least recognize the corollary: that guns allow those that are weak to protect themselves against those that would otherwise harm them.
As a Canadian, it is very strange to hear such fear about socialism. More to the point, despite what media tells you, we are not socialists. We have different socialized systems, but having some socialism is a far cry from being communist. American's feel that Obama is left of centre, but he is relatively right-leaning to us. My point is this: Socialism, if done right, does not lead to extreme governmental power. There may be slightly higher taxes, but the benefits are great. Healthcare, welfare, medicare, pharmacare, relatively cheap car insurance; these are all at the cost of just a few more tax percentage points. I am amazed at how far-right leaning americans never ask themselves how a far-right leaning government benefited them? Your Republican loyalty is nobel, but undeserved.
Yeah, I can't wait to get the Canadian health care system. So exactly what is it like having to wait over a month for MRIs, and having a waiting list, sometimes over a year long, for some elective surgeries? What is that like exactly?
And you might want to ask yourself how the rightwing in the United States benefitted Canada. The only reason Canada can have such a lavish cradle-to-grave welfare state is because the United States military is the de facto military of Canada as well. Your military expenditures are next to zero because you are the northern neighbors of the United States. Our Salvation Army could conquer Canada.
Could someone please explain, preferably in a calm, reasoned way, why it is necessary for Americans to keep millions of firearms, some of which would destroy a tank?
This is not a question about the Second Amendment but about why people actually choose to keep guns.
I can understand a handgun held by a responsible person who is exposed to dangerous criminals or a farmer who needs to put down vermin, as well as members of genuine sporting rifle clubs. But why more?
The annual death and damage inflicted on Americans by other Americans with firearms is greater than Al Qaeda, Iraq and Afghanistan put together. Why is there not a consensus of Americans, among the friendliest and most helpful people on earth, to get rid of the things once and for all? It's fifty-two years since I handed my rifle back to the Royal Air Force and I have had no need of a firearm since then.
I also remember Kennedy. Not another one, for God's sake!
1) There are no guns out there for sale that can "destroy a tank." The most powerful gun available is a .50 BMG. The first .50 BMG sporting rifles were invented for people out west who would have 1,000 yard shooting matches. Why? The challenge. It is similar to why people have sports cars capable of going 3 times the speed limit.
2) Keeping guns is a hobby for some.
3) Most people involved in being murdered or assaulted are either involved in ongoing criminal enterprises or are friends/acquaintances/relatives of those involved in ongoing criminal enterprises. Few people not involved in crime ever get murdered.
4) Over 80% of America's violent crimes involve no weapons. Banning guns isn't going to reduce violence much. Also, at this time in America (well, the last 8 yrs or so) we've had murder rates that have been lower than any time in the U.S. since the 1960s. Some attribute that to the fact that it is now easier for law-abiding citizens in most states to obtain a concealed weapons permit. Guns in the hands of the law-abiding are good things.
Well said - thank you.
Agreed completely, especially about guns in the hands of law abiding people being a good. But what about the nuts that are going to feed off this conspiratorial crap they're being fed and kill people? Nazi memorabilia? Don't they see the irony (and in my opinion, traitorous nature) of proclaiming yourself a "Proud American" while waving/wearing the Nazi flag? People like this are only going to make a ban on weapons more likely. They aren't afraid of tyranny, its the non-white "other" steadily growing around them that has them all worked up, and I don't want the price of my ammo going up because of their fear and prejudice.
I'm sorry, did you just say that over 80% of violent crimes in America involve no weapons? What are people doing, slapping eachother?
I have a very difficult time believing that, and would love to see some stats.
Wednes,
My stats all come from the Bureau of Justice Statistics.
Only 9% of violent crimes involve the use of firearms.
http://www.ojp.gov/bjs/glance/tables/firearmnonfataltab.htm
My 80% was a little high. The actual stat is 76% in 2005. (24% of violent crimes involved a weapons, meaning that 76% didn't)
http://www.ojp.gov/bjs/cvict_c.htm#weapon
The answer is yes, most violent crimes involve physical assaults with fists, feet, etc.
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Go back to North Korea, Kim-Jong-Pinko!
You cannot go into a gun store in the United States and buy something that can destroy a tank. Seriously, do a modicum of research before you come on this board and smear people who own guns.
Ohhhh please. Is anyone suprised by these whack jobs?. I l grew up and live in rual Oregon and there are plenty of the goons all over th US... The G.O.P. base.
I am a tree hugging liberal and I carry 45 in case I run into one of these nuts in the woods.
Me too, muddog
Then try not to venture too far from your cave. I'm curious, is your name a favorite cave mate or a self description?
Insinuation that a commenter is less evolved than you because you disagree! -4,500 Credibility points!
There you go again. Is your level of humor, or intelligence, so low that all you can do is make fun of other people's screen names instead of coming up with reasonable and well-thought out comments?....Grumpy (oops, couldn't resist)
It is my cave name, wanna come on over?......
What does "grundy" stand for".
"Insinuation that a commenter is less evolved than you because you disagree! -4,500 Credibility points!"
Funny Tucson138, but that is what you have been doing the entire time; in fact that is the point of this entire article. Do we subtract 10,000 points from you because of rank hypocrisy, or is that only a 5000 point infraction?
And how much do we subtract from you because you have run an unfunny joke into the ground? Is that a -5000 as well?
Rual? Was that one of the four R's?
If you are scared that the US is full of threatening goons, who's the paranoid goofball? Projection: it's not just for maps.
Jeez. I don't care how much you hate the Republican Party, quit trying to claim these people are the base. As I said before, if that is how it is to be done, I will just go to an antiwar rally and come back claiming the Democratic Party base is a bunch of communists who hate the Jews and love Hamas and think a copkiller in Pennsylvania is actually a political prisoner.
Thank you.
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