.png)
The Santa Barbara rampage fell into the familiar culture-war pattern at its most heartbreaking moment. Richard Martinez, a father whose son was killed in a selfie-addicted narcissist's botched "day of retribution," gave a short press statement that turned into a condemnation of the NRA.
"Chris died because of craven, irresponsible politicians and the NRA," said Martinez. "They talk about gun rights? What about Chris' right to live?"
This was a "painful truth," according to Adam Gopnik, speaking for millions of people like Martinez. (In 2012, Californians who'd graduated from college voted 60–40 for Obama over Romney.) The NRA, having been called out personally in nationally televised notes, called its usual opossum play—it went silent, ceasing tweets for the weekend and not dignifying Martinez with a response.
But we know how this is going to play out, don't we? Here are the arguments you'll hear that explain why (bless him) Martinez was wrong, and as ever the best way of preventing massacres is getting more guns in the hands of good guys.
1. The Santa Barbara killer* allegedly committed three murders with a knife. Alex Jones is very good at capturing the pro-gun zeitgeist in moments like this, and he quickly recorded a video response to the killings, asking why the media wasn't covering the use of knives as well as guns. (The media was doing that, but whatever.) "Are we all going to turn our knives and say we're all guilty for what this apparent spoiled brat did?" asked Jones. "It's not about guns, it's not about knives. It's about bad people."
2.
Shooting sprees only happen in gun-free zones! This sentiment was expressed crudely and quickly on Twitter, as freelance personal
defense enthusiasts asked whether better-armed civilians could have shut this
killer down. California has some of the most restrictive gun laws in the
country (comparable to those in Chicago, another conservative case study of a
Second Amendment-free dystopia); the myth that "gun-free zones" attract killers is basically immune to data. …
Read the full story: www.slate.com
Read the full story: www.slate.com
Follow Larry Elder on Twitter
"Like" Larry Elder on Facebook
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comment Policy:
The author of this blog will attempt to engage in conversation via the comments section whenever possible and recognize the 24/7 nature of the internet. Moderating and posting of comments will occur during regular operational hours Monday through Friday. Comments submitted after hours or on weekends will be read and posted as early as possible, however admins and/or the author is unable to commit to replying to every comment posted.
This is a moderated blog. That means all comments will be reviewed before posting. In addition, it is expected that participants will treat each other, as well as the author and admin, with respect. Comments that contain vulgar or abusive language; personal attacks of any kind will not be posted. Comments that are spam or that promote services or products will not be posted. It is requested that all comments remain on topic.
The Elder Statement blog does not guarantee or warrant that any information posted by individuals on this blog is correct, and disclaims any liability for any loss or damage resulting from reliance on any such information. The Elder Statement blog may not be able to verify, does not warrant or guarantee, and assumes no liability for anything posted on this website by any other person. The Elder Statement blog does not endorse, support or otherwise promote any private or commercial entity or the information, products or services contained on those Web sites that may be reached through links on our Web site.
To protect individual privacy and the privacy of others, please do not include phone numbers, addresses or email details in the body of a comment. Such information will result in removal of a comment.
Thank you for your attention.
The Elder Statement