California police chief: The idea that a gun is a defensive weapon is a ‘myth’

Washington Examiner ^ | February 14, 2013 | Charlie Spiering

[Zakeet]

California Police Chief Ken James insisted earlier this month that the idea of a gun as a “defensive weapon” was a “myth.” Speaking at a news conference about gun control with California lawmakers, James explained that he was concerned with the amount of weapons owned by American citizens.

“One issue that always boggles my mind is that the idea that a gun is a defensive weapon,” James said. “That is a myth. A gun is not a defensive weapon.”

James is the Police Chief of Emeryville, California and the Police Chief Association’s Firearms Committee Chairman.

“A gun is an offensive weapon used to intimidate and show power,” he asserted, explaining to the audience that police officers don’t carry weapons to defend themselves, but to do their job in a “safe and effective manner.”

James’ statement has become a subject of ridicule among gun owners online.

[grobdriver]

Proof positive.

All the idiots (almost all) go to California.

[elkfersupper]

Well, okay.

As soon as the cops of all stripes and the military put theirs down, I'll put mine down.

[yldstrk]

You never want an armed govt and an unarmed populace.

Remember Tienanmen Square

[familyop]

"California police chief: The idea that a gun is a defensive weapon is a ‘myth’"

Yeah, we're hearing that fire is now the preferred defensive weapon.

[jazusamo]

He’s decked out like a South American dictator in his uniform and all the stars on it.

Emeryville has 1.2 sq mi of land area and .8 sq mi of water and is a stones throw from Berkeley.

Can anyone say liberal?

[ArrogantBustard]

.The idea of a POLICE OFFICER as a defensive weapon is a myth...ask the people Dorner shot...

And ask the citizens that the other police shot whilst looking for Dorner ...

[El Cid]

Emeryville -- adjacent to Berkeley and Oakland... I guess the idiocy just oozes over the borders.
The commie's dream is to disarm the people. Walking in the footsteps of their heroes (Lenin, Stalin, Mao ...).

[Not A Snowbird]

police officers don’t carry weapons to defend themselves,

Oh, the heck they don't.

[cripplecreek]

He might want to take a look at Detroit where there are about 5 defensive shootings per week. In fact, Detroit leads the nation in justifiable homicide.

[Tony O]

He Looks like Cliff Clavin in that pic!

[allmendream]

The idea that they are “Peace” Officers is a myth.

[Hang'emAll]

I guess we also need to either disarm our military, or rename the Department of Defense.,,,

Before my time it was called the War Department or so I was told.

[Brooklyn Attitude]

I cant believe he actually believes that idiotic comment. If he did he should be barely capable of passing high school.

[Osage Orange]

Hellofa post!!

Good job!!

[ArrogantBustard]

I guess we also need to either disarm our military, or rename the Department of Defense.

Back when we had a Department of War, we used to win wars.

[TigersEye]

“A gun is an offensive weapon used to intimidate and show power,” he asserted,...

That's why cops have guns, right, Chief?

"Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun." - Mao Zedong

[ExTxMarine]

A gun is an offensive weapon used to intimidate and show power...but they wear them to help safely do their jobs.

This man, and his entire department, should be brought up on charges for excessive abuse - as he himself admitted that he and his officers carry guns to intimidate and show power over the people in his city!

Plain and simple, either it is a defensive weapon, or you are purposefully intimidating the people of your city; how is this not an abuse of power?

But, here are the big questions:
You need a gun to collect information about the dead (since you showed up two hours after the murder)?
You need a gun to write a report about the house, bank or business which was robbed (since you showed up 24-36 hours after the event)?
You need a gun to safely eat your donuts?!?!?

These gun-grabbers are out of their effing minds! And this one may be trying to become President of the effing IDIOTS!

[GoldenPup]

California police chief: The idea that a gun is a defensive weapon is a ‘myth’

And last week another chief? in Mississippi wanted everybody to turn in their guns so that they wouldn't be stolen? Where do these mental midgets come from? Mars? Under rocks? These so-called "chiefs" are complete morons. Glad I don't live in their towns.

[Robert357]

“A gun is an offensive weapon used to intimidate and show power,” he asserted, explaining to the audience that police officers don’t carry weapons to defend themselves..."

Remind me to never go to Emmeryville. This police chief is a nut-job. His officers carry firearms to intimidate and show power. Wow, that says a lot about what his view of police powers involves. I have a concealed carry license and do. What the not-so-good police chief is talking about sounds a lot to me like the legal definition of brandishing. Concealed carry is just the opposite of brandishing. It is the ability to use deadly force (when appropriate) without calling attention to yourself prior to the use of deadly force.

[Disambiguator]

I love how these public statements are always released at a presser with a bunch of serious-faced people standing around on the podium. Reminds me of this: