'Don't Put a Handgun Under the Christmas Tree this year' (BARF!)

PRNewswire ^ | 12/11/01 | Citizens for a Safer Minnesota

[BCR #226]

Attention Holiday Shoppers: 'Don't Put a Handgun Under the Christmas Tree This Year'

MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Citizens for a Safer Minnesota (CSM), a gun violence prevention group, warned holiday shoppers not to put a handgun under the Christmas tree this year. CSM noted that handguns can pose health risks due to inherent defects in their design and fabrication. Additionally, most handguns lack safety devices like trigger locks and load indicators that would reduce the number of accidental injuries and deaths caused by the unintentional firing of guns.

Currently there are no health and safety regulations for handguns. Ironically, teddy bears and toy guns are subject to federal consumer product safety standards and are subject to recall.

"When holiday shoppers purchase virtually any product, they can be assured that their gift has been reviewed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, unless shoppers are buying a gun," said Rebecca Thoman, Executive Director of Citizens for a Safer Minnesota. "When we regulate teddy bears and toy guns more than we regulate a handgun, something is wrong."

Teddy bears are regulated under four criteria: choking (ex. eyes popping out posing risk to children), flammability, sharp edges, and sharp points. Toy guns and other children's toys have similar regulations. In 1997 teddy bears killed no one in the United States, but gun violence took 32,436 lives in 1997 alone.

CSM's Midwest Coalition to End Gun Violence partners, Iowans for the Prevention of Gun Violence and the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence joined together to educate the public that guns are not regulated as consumer products.

"Two-thirds of Twin City residents and nearly 80% of greater Minnesota residents mistakenly believe that guns are regulated by federal safety standards. It's our job to correct that myth," stated Thoman, referring to a survey recently conducted for Citizens for a Safer Minnesota.

"I think people assume that guns are regulated as consumer products because everything else they buy is regulated. They say, so why aren't guns in the list as well," said Catherine Griffiths, Midwest Regional Director of the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence.

According to a recent survey, Minnesota residents overwhelmingly support government safety regulations for the design of guns. 75% of Twin City metro residents and 66% of greater Minnesota residents support regulating guns as consumer products.

The Midwest Coalition displayed an array of consumer regulated products including an artificial wreath, Christmas lights, a toaster, a coffee maker, and a remote controlled toy Santa that carried a sign asking why teddy bears are regulated, but guns are not. CSM wants to know the same thing.

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http://tbutton.prnewswire.com/prn/11690X88722438

SOURCE Citizens for a Safer Minnesota

CO: Citizens for a Safer Minnesota

ST: Minnesota

IN:

SU:

12/11/2001 11:30 EST http://www.prnewswire.com

[gridlock]

Never bring a teddy bear to a gunfight.

[m1911]

LOL I think it was a slam fire

[Lazamataz]

Do-not-listen-to-this-advice Bump

Did you know there are EIGHT chances to give a present this Hannukah season? :o)

[TC Rider]

I think (know) Santa is bringing me a NAA Guardian this year :)

Oooh, the new .380??

I'm jealous.

[TC Rider]

I'd like to know what "inherent defects" the author is refering too also.

According to the 'Citizens for a Safer Minnow Soda', most handguns have a protruding tab, that when pressed can cause high velocity metal projectiles and hot, high pressure gases to escape from the pipe thingy on the front.

[lavaroise]

Put a gun under the christmas tree, do not put a demagogue under a christmas tree. Those people do not have the right to subvert the rights and duties of the AMerican people to bear arms. I'm sick of it. This is my right to self defend. Anyone touching it, whether by fire bombing my house or via PC peer pressure and political burqua are going to have to stop.

NO TO PB = NO TO POLITICAL BURQUA. IT IS TIME WE HAD A BURQUA REVOLT OF OUR OWN.

[Dan Day]

I really do hate to disagree with you but the original box for a new Taurus .357 9 shot revolver will not fit in a stocking unless the person hanging the stocking puts up Panty hose.

Bah. You obviously haven't learned the many benefits of acquiring and hanging a Texas-sized Christmas stocking.

You must be one o' them damnyankees(tm).

[El Gato]

My first gun came in a gunny sack. It was the bottom of the line, doesn't even come in a box, Daisy. The next one however was under the tree, when I was 14 or 15, but just that one morning. Although the gun rack was out near where the tree usually sat. The rest I've bought for myself.

Where else but under the tree would you put a Christmas present for a daughter, son, or spouse? Be it a hunting rifle or shotgun, or a self defense weapon. Just don't leave it there after Christmas.

[El Gato]

What a bunch of morons, who would put a handgun under a Christmas tree.

I would if it was a present for someone. After all, it's just a lump of metal, plastic and or wood. A nice presentation case would make it extra special though.

[George Smiley]

Thanks for cluing me in.

Here's the reference to Louise.

[El Gato]

but the most powerfull high speed projectile a teenager can operate?

That would be their own private jet? Now *those* are dangerous.

[newgeezer]

Actually, unless I'm mistaken, BIRTHDAYS -- that is, too many of them (overdose) -- kill more people than guns and cars combined.

[Wonder Warthog]

"I'd like to know what "inherent defects" the author is refering too also."

What they mean is that it actually fires a bullet. Anything that fires a projectile, or has a cutting edge, is ultimately to be regulated out of existence, don't y'know.

[lepton]

Attention Holiday Shoppers: 'Don't Put a Handgun Under the Christmas Tree This Year'

Well, at least unload the thing... :)

[AnalogReigns]

PR Post is a news release place, I assume used by journalists. They have a "live chat" response system--in addition to the usual e-mail response at: prnewswire.com

Below find the text of a live chat I had about the article in question. I'm no expert, but I wanted to see what their response was.... I'd encourage you to send your info to them, they may let you post an opposing "release."

Thank you for contacting PR Newswire, a representative will be with you momentarily.
You are now chatting with 'Kim'
Ralph: Hi Kim
Kim: Thank you for contacting PR Newswire. How may I assist you?
Ralph: Well, I just read an artical in PR Newswire
Ralph: which had a lot of inaccuracies in it
Kim: Is this your release?
Ralph: no
Ralph: How does one respond to a release?
Kim: We do verify information before it's sent out over the newswire.
Kim: You can look for contact info. on the releae? Or look up the company's homepage.
Ralph: OK
Kim: Their homepage will have contact info. on there for you.
Kim: Anything else I can help you with >
Ralph: It's an interest group
Ralph: so I doubt that they will admit their mistakes
Ralph: oh well.
Kim: What release is this?
Ralph: Attention Holiday Shoppers: 'Don't Put a Handgun Under the Christmas Tree This Year'
Kim: OH..
Ralph: Claims there's no federal safety regulation of guns
Ralph: and that's patently false.
Ralph: :)
Kim: I would definitely contact the company directly.
Ralph: ok
Kim: If it is an accident within their release they can have it corrected automatically.
Kim: Also, I am sure that when others receive this release, they'll see the mistakes as well Kim: and work to correct them.
Kim: I wouldn't put to much pressure on yourself to fix it. A mistake like that will be caught Kim: soon enough
Ralph: OK
Ralph: thanks
Kim: No problem
Kim: Have A Good NIght
Ralph: happy holidays
Kim: You too! Thanks!
Kim: Sorry, I couldnt be of more help
Thank you for contacting PR Newswire, your chat session has been ended.

Send your info to them--they may let you post it directly.

Liberal liars shouldn't be allowed to go unanswered in an ignorant press.

[Joe Boucher]

For Christmas I'm getting a 12 guage Mossberg riot shotgun. Goes well with a Rugar 223. And a rugar 9MM. I suggest everyone else do likewise.

[Standing Wolf]

If it weren't for lies,
leftists would have nothing to say!

[Mulder]

The rifle of shotgun belongs under the tree. Handguns are stocking stuffers.

I agree 100%.

[cva66snipe]

That would be their own private jet? Now *those* are dangerous.

And airborne cars :>}

[Saundra Duffy]

I keep my gun by the side of the bed SO I CAN SLEEP, you idiots! Every head of household who doesn't own a gun to protect her/his family is a FOOL! For victory & freedom!!!