Posted on 11/16/2008 12:07:17 PM PST by 2ndDivisionVet
Firearms scare almost everybody. But no demographic gets more wiggy about handguns, shotguns, and rifles than journalists. Ever since the Washington Post ("Gun Sales Thriving in Uncertain Times," Oct. 27) put the idea into circulation that the election and economic turmoil were spurring an increase in gun and ammo sales, a score of other news outlets have published their takes on the topic.
The Salt Lake Tribune got there on Nov. 6 ("Election Triggers Upsurge in Military-Like Firearms Sales"), the New York Times on Nov. 7 ("On Concerns Over Gun Control, Gun Sales Are Up"), the Associated Press ("Fears of Democrat Crackdown Lead to Gun Sales Boom") and Reuters on Nov. 8 ("Obama Win Triggers Run on Guns in Many Stores"), the Kansas City Star on Nov. 9 ("Election's Outcome Triggers Record Sales at Gun Shops"), the Anchorage Daily News on Nov. 10 ("Armed and Nervous in Alaska"), FoxNews.com ("Gun Owners Stockpiling Over Fear of Democratic Weapon Bans") and CNN.com on Nov. 11 ("Gun Sales Surge After Obama's Election"), the Chicago Tribune ("Obama Win Triggers Run on Guns") and the Globe and Mail on Nov. 12 ("Obama Win Spurs U.S. Gun Sales Boom"). And that's just a partial list.
The foundation upon which these outlets build their stories is solid: The primary measurement of gun purchases shows that sales are rising this year. Federal law requires licensed gun dealers to submit background check requests of all purchasers to the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System. The Post reports that "there were 8.4 million background checks from Jan. 1 to Sept. 28, compared with 7.7 million in the same period last year," which is a 9 percent increase.
(Excerpt) Read more at slate.com ...
“Firearms scare almost everybody.”
Not me. Unless it is pointed at me by some jerk. Even then, it isn’t the firearm, it is the jerk!
I am glad the article ‘spooks’ people. Undoubtedly candy-assed uberlibs who cower at the thought of even a pen knife.
Perhaps if I wear my NRA badge, they will believe I waas just coming back from the local gun emporium with my daily load of bazookas and mortars!
Check out Gunbroker.com
Homosexuals, communists, criminals, fascists, terrorists, Jonestown people, anarchists, Obamatrons and other registered democrats all share a fear of intelligent and ARMED Americans.
They want us all disarmed so that they can rule over us with an iron fist.
>their MSM lackeys will paint gun owners as worse than smokers, SUV owners and molesters.
“I’m a smoking, SUV driving, Child-molester and let me tell you, those gun-owners are DISGUSTING!” [/sarc... though I wouldn’t be surprised.]
>>Firearms scare almost everybody.
>
>Only if you’re on the wrong end of one.
I believe this is true, if only because so many people have no exposure/experience/education regarding firearms.
Let’s face it, people don’t seem to get that there are FAR more deaths caused by automobiles that deaths [and injuries] caused by firearms nationwide.
Thank you.
Bears repeating.
The guy calling for revolution in the room, carrying the racist literature, is usually (not always) the informant.
Keep talk about guns at the range, go out for coffee to discuss politics. Shut down any talk which can be used against you and would be generally offensive (racist, anti-semitic, etc.). Yes people have a right to believe what they want, but that isn't what you are there for, and it has no place at the range/gun club.
It is sometimes tough to separate the two (guns and politics), but avoiding appearances is critical in the first few months.
Loose lips sink ships--be aware of newbies to your social circle, look for inconsistencies in their story. If there are any, do not trust them--and don't waver.
Informants are extremely good at 'buddying up' and extracting information from you--that's their stock in trade.
One common tactic is to act like a lifelong pal to one person, and then name drop to get close to others. Beware of that, especially unmerited public displays of 'friendship'. You'll know them when you see them. (Funny how someone you just met can claim to have been your 'best friend' for years.)
While that may give a little bit of a cold shoulder to enthusiastic newbys who just want to belong, they will come to understand.
Let others know, too.
Be as legal as you can for as long as you can.
And remember, it takes exactly one person to keep a secret. Any more than that, it isn't.
By themselves, no. But when handled by an idiot or an enemy some serious caution may be warranted.
The same is true of a screw driver, a can of gasoline, a chain saw, an automobile, a rope... you name it.
No danger there, with ALGore, the firearm is not pointed toward any vital organ...nor another individual...
You're preaching to the choir, my FRiend.
I love to spend time on the range with a variety of firearms.
Man, I knew I had been shopping at the wrong place...
All kidding aside, I really like the quotes on your home page.
“Firearms scare almost everybody.” Now there’s a good, unbiased beginning to an article. Pretty much puts the rest of the read on an intellectual and probity par with Alice in Wonderland or Jimmy has two Mommies.
This looks like a good thread:
Best online bulk ammo sales?
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2132888/posts
NOT having a firearm scares me!
Isn;t it Slate that publishes from a mental institution — or is that Salon?
I think you’re right on both counts. I don’t know if it’s two different asylums or the same one, though.
Every time I read a story like this, they show a photo of a gun I’d like to buy.
Maybe the gun and ammo manufacturers are behind it! LOL
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