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.

[SoldierDad]

So, if a firearm is NOT ever a defensive weapon, and ONLY an offensive weapon, then, Mr. idiot police chief (I'm trying to remain dignified - okay, so, I'm not) please tell the public what WE are suppose to use to DEFEND ourselves from criminals AND a tyrannical government??? Are YOU suggesting that if, someone is breaking into my home, my only defense of my home and family is to 1) allow these people free reign to fulfill their goals, or 2) call the police to come and DEFEND me with YOUR firearms??????

This man has NO business being in Law Enforcement, let alone being a police chief.

[jazusamo]

Looking at it with google earth it reeks of money. That must be a man made island with the marina and PD is on the island also.

[Bryan24]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_defense_weapon

[noinfringers2]

How this guy became a Chief is probably laughable. Any aware person knows/realizes there is a fine line between offensive and defensive actions. At least that is what I came to believe/realize in WWII.

[Disambiguator]

Who’s the token white guy in the upper right?

I don't know, but he looks like Dan Aykroyd. Maybe it's Dr. Detroit.

[Amendment10]

Regarding the PC perspective that "the idea that the gun is a defensive weapon is a myth," the Supreme Court has already clarified the following as posted in related threads. The Founding States made the 2nd Amendment to clarify that guns compliment (my word) the natural right to self-defense, with or without the 2nd Amendment.

"The second and tenth counts are equally defective. The right there specified is that of "bearing arms for a lawful purpose." This is not a right granted by the Constitution. Neither is it in any manner dependent upon that instrument for its existence. The second amendment declares that it shall not be infringed, but this, as has been seen, means no more than that it shall not be infringed by Congress. This is one of the amendments that has no other effect than to restrict the powers of the national government, leaving the people to look for their protection against any violation by their fellow citizens of the rights it recognizes, to what is called, in The City of New York v. Miln, 11 Pet. 139, the "powers which relate to merely municipal legislation, or what was, perhaps, more properly called internal police," "not surrendered or restrained" by the Constitution of the United States." --United States v. Cruikshank, 1875.

It's too bad that citizens are being intimidated by law enforcement officials who evidently do not know the Constitution that they swear to defend."

[SargeK]

He’s an idiot. It follows that those who appointed him are idiots. Ergo, the people (electorate) in that city are idiots, Q.E.D.

[real saxophonist]

There's a girl named Danae, who just turned 23. She was 18 at the time. She is damn glad a gun is a defensive weapon.

I still get free hugs whenever I see her.

[Logical me]

Most officials in this State have their heads up their collective as.......s

[CodeToad]

So his offers carry guns as offensive weapons to attack people? That’s what he said.

[wrench]

So why do cops carry gunz?

[muir_redwoods]

Then lets enhance the safety of all California LEOs by disarming them all.

[Oztrich Boy]

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

In Soviet Russia Chief have fewer stars

[drypowder]

this man is a fool. If he honestly believes his own words then how the hell did he ever become chief of anything but the moron ward in a mental hospital? His message just like the other anti-gunners; don't believe your lying eyes (stats and testimony), believe our lies.

[Half Vast Conspiracy]

A town of 10,000 and this fool is wearing 4 stars.

[yefragetuwrabrumuy]

Let me try to repair his logical error.

“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 intimidate and show power.”

[SWAMPSNIPER]

I’m sure that many things “boggle his mind”.

[jazusamo]

Yep, similar mustache though. :-)

[SWAMPSNIPER]

[csmusaret]

“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.”

I guess this means that none of his officers carry a weapon when off duty. Why I’ll bet the Chief even leaves his firearm at the office when he goes home. Don’t need a “safe and effective tool” if you don’t have a job to do.