That's a scary take-away, right there... parentheticals or not.
The media talking head in the WTVD video that covered the meeting tried to make it sound like we weren't listening, that the sheriffs really said they wouldn't confiscate guns no matter what, etc. I was there, and that guy is WRONG. Those sheriffs were doing some back-pedaling, big-time.
Now, I guarantee there is some SERIOUS discussion going on at the NC Sheriff's Association meeting this morning, believe you me!