Reader Comments

All of this furor over semantics is just silly. The anti-Second Amendment forces will use any ploy to advance their anti-freedom agenda. The one true difference between an assault weapon and any other firearm lies not in what it looks like, but how it operates. A true assault weapon is one that is full automatic and that often provides a selector to choose between semi and full automatic fire. That's it.....nothing more. The cosmetic frills like bayonet lugs, pistol grips, flash suppressors, etc, etc have nothing to do with being a so-called "assault weapon". It's all in the mode of operation that permits full automatic fire. I recently wrote a letter to the editor of my hometown newspaper, dealing with this very subject of semantics being inappropriately used by the anti-Second Amendment forces as a ploy. The letter was published, and there were no rebuttals.

Comment by: canovack | September 13, 2012

Who needs ammo, A scary looking gun can cause all kinds of upset; Scaring the bejesus outa liberals.

Comment by: Mister E | September 13, 2012

The answer is yes if you vote for any democrat or r.i.n.o.

Comment by: snugdlo4 | September 14, 2012

It's real easy to understand once you get the concept that it's not about guns, it's about control.

Comment by: jwash111 | September 14, 2012

I'm one real LIBERAL, not the ones the republicans blame all the wrong stuff on!! I would be the first to say no to any 2nd Amendment, BANs at all, no brady bill, no assault weapon ban, which is really a protection weapon. I will not accept, a ban, on any weapon, I will stand up and say no, you can read it again, and understand it like it is written. I stand just as Patrick Henry, said, and I will never be any other way, after 57 years, no way. If your not smart enough to have gun protection, I will come next door, and protect you, no charge, but I will call you a stupid idiot, for not protecting your family, it is your duty to protect who ever is around you, as long as your not the one, putting people in danger. WHO ever CANOVACK is, quit thinking I'm scared, I love those Russian guns, and there legal!HA HA HA, I love tiger, wolf, bear, FMJ, I love all my scary baby's!HA HA HA. You need to thank GOD, for us LIBERALS, we go out with Militia, she runs both sides of the ARK. MO. line! HA HA HA. You need to look up the word, LIBERAL, again, and get it right, because your wrong!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment by: verycrosshairs | September 14, 2012

crosshairs - I'm not sure what canovack has to do with any of your rant. The "name" of the poster is below the text. Perhaps you were referring to Mister E, who posts regularly on this forum, and he often posts brief, satirical anecdotes. No worries there...

As for the definition of "liberal," that has played out here extensively over the last few years. There are many definitions of the word, and in the modern political context, a liberal has come to mean one who wishes to exploit the resources of others for their view of the common good, inflexibly exert their will and ideals upon others, ignore any sense of morality or ethics, and blatantly ignore reality. Don't blame me or anybody else on here for that- it is the mainstream media and left-wing extremists who have hijacked the more classical meaning of the word. While your views may be liberal in the more historic political view, the fact that you like guns says you are probably not so much in the "modern" definition. However, I will point out that from my isolated view of your one post, you appear to impugn one who perhaps disagrees with your views; a common tactic from the extreme left.

Regardless of whether you are left or right, we like all input here; albeit respectful.

Comment by: PVB | September 14, 2012

jwash111 is correct. The ultimate issue is control--of every aspect of our lives. "Gun control" is merely one aspect of that agenda, but a very important one because it allows the citizenry to actively oppose such control. I also agree with the Colonel that a true "assault weapon" is one that permits full auto fire, anything else is just bells and whistles. But Feinstein, et alia, seek to control the terms of the debate by labeling many semi-auto firearms as "assault weapons" because they may resemble those that can do the full-tilt boogie. The big problem is that the sheeple, whether they be in Congress or just the average Joe, buy into the rhetoric of these control freaks.

Comment by: Visigoth52 | September 14, 2012

Vis - I agree, although I will submit that labeling the concerned arm an "assault weapon" is all about vilifying the inanimate. Much like using the term "gun violence," they create a word association that leaves a negative impression on one's mind. Once they have firmly established that association, it becomes "common sense" that we need to do something to reduce the assaults and violence. Brainwashing perhaps?

Comment by: PVB | September 14, 2012

OK, verycrosshairs, I appreciate your commitment to our Second Amendment. I am canovack, and in my post, I said nothing about anybody being scared, so, as PVB advises, you have likely misread the posts in this forum. Again.....The names of we who post are found beneath our comments..... Just sayin'..... One of my favorite quotations is "The day in which we haven't learned something new is a day wasted". Hopefully, today, you have learned something about the format of our posts on GunReports.

Comment by: canovack | September 14, 2012

PVB, if I can control the terms used in a debate, I control that debate. It is absolutely a form of brainwashing.Look at that term "gun violence." Who isn't against gun violence. Hands? Good. Now that we all agree that gun violence is bad, we only need to discuss how best to end it. Simple. Ban guns, or knives, bats and whatever else can be used to cause death or injury. I guarantee that if, instead of using semi-auto rifles and pistols these nuts used single shot shotguns, pretty soon the latter would be vilified and subject to a ban. Logic and reason are out the window when those who want to control everything are on a roll.

Comment by: Visigoth52 | September 14, 2012

Agreed Vis!

Comment by: PVB | September 14, 2012

Conovack, I see that I misread, and it was a, Mister E, that stated,just a certain gun, would scare the beJ., out of a Liberal,and PVB, are you a controller, on what certain words mean, and not the Webster's?? I guess a Rant, is just, what you call, in the modern sense, controlling the input, of a person, that leans not left, nor right, and I don't blame you for all the eloquent english terms you use, to put a person in there place, that don't agree with all the Rhetoric, like controlling the terms used?? I just read, as it is, and add not to, what ever the subject might be, like the 2nd amendment. I like bells, whistles, plus full tilt boogie, but semi saves money. I will not put up with violence, in any way, do not like even, the word Brainwash, and believe me, I have learned today, just on reading, all that have posted on this, we call this pull the hair out of the new dog, that came on our street, or pecking order, on our city block. I'm more proud now then ever, I live common sense reality, every day, and people on this, it's just about a gun, and leaning right, just don't appeal to me, I had rather stand up straight, and never change what the fore fathers wrote, for a true AMERICAN, to live by. This would be so neat, if it could be face to face. The terminology, that is used on this conversation, or debate, I would like to see what people look like, and thank GOD, I live way back in the woods!!HA!

Comment by: verycrosshairs | September 15, 2012

Crosshairs - controller? No. I'm just trying to explain how most people use the word liberal in this day and age, so we can avoid out of context rants and name calling. Perhaps you should follow your own advice and look it up in Webster's, but if you do remember that Webster's is a British dictionary, and their "liberal" is a different animal than ours...

Comment by: PVB | September 15, 2012

To me the issue is Not what is Truly an Assault Weapon, but will the Government allow to be classified as one. When our elected officials and action committees debate with those powers, what do they really discuss? Do they ask, how is eliminating this weapon or large magazine capacity going to circumvent the issues we are facing or do they say: we'll give you these guns in exchange for no national license or requirement for certified training? Just something to think about. I would rather see a certification program be required (ala Driver License as an example) and think it is overdue. No, it won't stop illegal owners, just like it doesn't stop some from driving cars. The bottom line is, what harm can come of being certified, as what harm can come from having a driver license? Has your car been confiscated because a similar one was involved in a hit and run or drive by shooting?

Comment by: Smithkowitz | September 15, 2012

Smithkowitz - What harm, you ask? Well, according to reports from Washington D.C. New York, and Maryland, those requirements to take "gun safety classes" resulted in classes that were not allowed to be taught by free and qualified citizens, they were taught by hoplophobes from the ranks of the police department assigned permit authority. Unfortunately for gun owners, the classes were few and far between, limited in size, and poorly funded, resulting in de facto gun bans for people who couldn't reach the distant venues at the inconvenient times they were held. If the instructor didn't like the opinions he heard from a student, that student could be denied a permit to own a gun. In my state, though, any individual who can pass the instructor's exam may teach concealed carry classes, and no license, permit, or permission is required by the State for purchase, possession, or transport.

Gaviota

Comment by: Lee W | September 15, 2012

Hey, Gaviota.....We haven't heard from you in a while. Welcome back! Texas is pretty much the same as Arkansas, since there is no requirement for a permit to purchase, possess, use, or carry.....fully loaded.....in one's automobile. It sounds like the same is true of qualifications to teach CHL classes, that being, a person must have successfully completed the instructor qualification course. Now, here's where it gets fuzzy..... From what you posted, I am getting the idea that in Arkansas, a person may test out of the instructor's course by passing the exam without actually taking the course. Is that what you intended to say? If it is, I may have just found a state, besides those with constitutional carry laws, that is more gun friendly than Texas..... How is the housing market there?

Comment by: canovack | September 15, 2012

canovack, I think Texas is still better than Arkansas for liberty. I don't believe that one may comp out of the instructor's course. My instructor was a retired State Trooper, and he had to complete the course to get his instructor's ticket. Ark still doesn't have a Stand Your Ground law, but some conservatives in the legislature are still working on it. In order to have a handgun concealed in a vehicle, one has to have a ccw. Long guns in a rifle rack are okay. As for the housing market, it's tough all over, but my son, who teaches high school math, just sold his home in less than a month and bought another when he changed jobs, so it worked out for him.

Gaviota

Comment by: Lee W | September 16, 2012

Well, Gav, based on what you replied, I figure I'll just have to stay on this side of our mutual border. I am glad, though, to hear that your son had a good experience selling and buying homes. I am pretty well settled in mine, and at my age, I'm not too interested even in moving into something that I might have custom built. I have the acreage on which to do it, but there are just some things that I figure aren't worth the hassle. I've moved a lot during my Army career, and having lived in the home that we now occupy for going on 30 years, I'm just a pretty well settled old fart.

Comment by: canovack | September 16, 2012

verycrosshairs, it sounds to me that you are more of a old fashioned Demacrat than a liberal, that they started calling themselves a few years ago, along with being a progresive. I happen to know some of the old time Dems that you sound more like that do beleave in the constitution and the 2nd amend. and like to hunt, fish and just like to shoot and don't like someone telling them what kind of gun they can own. That my friend is an old fashion Demicrat and it is to bad that we don't have a few of them here in commiefornia republic of, because we might get along alot better, and no I am not a Republican I am a Independant constitutional concervitive, that has served and became disabled doing so for this country and our constitutional rights. So I will say welcome to the forim and welcome your views. As for asault weapons I am sick an tired of the anti gun idiots calling any thing they are scared of because of looks an asualt weapon. God Bless America and Our Troops Past Present and Future. Keeping to My Oath Locked Loaded and Keeping My Powder Dry. Get the US Out of the UN and the UN Out of the US.

Comment by: bear1 | September 16, 2012

Gaviota: I am not talking about xtreme stupidness in setting up a system to have people be trained. If we continue to assume that everything we attempt to improve within the realm of possibility will be a failure, then we would not be as advanced a society as we are. Not that all the advancements have been for the better; but you know what I mean. There is a way to do this properlyif we really want it to happen. It may require an overhaul of the current system, it might be too corrupt?

Comment by: Smithkowitz | September 16, 2012

Smithkowitz: I'm in your corner. The system is too corrupt as it is to trust the power of the state to advance the cause of liberty, when all historical evidence points to state power being used to oppress it's citizens unless the citizens use forceful arguments to oppose their subjection. I say NO to gun control in ALL it's stupid, oppressive forms, including "gun education" which not only doesn't educate, it only teaches fear and submission.

Gaviota

Comment by: Lee W | September 16, 2012

I think Smithkowitz brings up a good point about the "debate" having little to do with reality, and "assault weapons" becoming a bartering chip.

Comment by: PVB | September 16, 2012

Required "Gun Safety Classes" and the attendant certificate are just gun control called by another name. Let us all stay focused guys.

Comment by: Cecil B | September 16, 2012

As some may recall that as I have posted in the past, I have been carrying concealed for almost 50 years. Since I left Michigan to report for active duty in Alabama back in 1963, one of my first purchases in Alabama was a handgun. It would have been virtually impossible for me to have done that in Michigan. Anyway, I was once stopped by an Alabama State Trooper, who upon noticing my revolver in the car, commented to me: "Sir, you are in violation of state law, but if you will go to the Calhoun County Sheriff, you can get a concealed carry license free, with no hassle". He did not charge me, and I went to the sheriff's office and obtained my CHL the next day, simply by asking for it. Since that time, I have always been carrying, no matter in what jurisdiction.....with or without a CHL. I have even carried in New York City.

When Texas enacted our CHL law, I was among the first few who applied for and got a CHL. My motives were simple.....I figured that if I had ever had the misfortune to actually shoot somebody in self-defense, I wanted to be as legal as I could be. Now, in consideration of of this thread of discussion, especially Cecil's comment that safety classes, certificates, and by extension the CHL, are just gun control by another name.....I pose this question: Who among us, when their CHL expires, will ignore the renewal of said CHL and continue to carry their handguns, as a rebellion against this form of gun control?

Comment by: canovack | September 17, 2012

Like you said - I want to be as legal as I can, so I'll renew. It's BS, but a lot easier than fighting in court when I get pulled over on my way to or from the range with a car full of guns and ammo...

I agree with Cecil though that the classes are simply gun control by another name. I understand Smithkowitz's point too, and know many "reasonable" people who think mandatory training, like cars, is reasonable. However, we are not guaranteed an uninfringed right to any means of conveyance by the Constitution, so it simply is not the same.

Comment by: PVB | September 17, 2012

Yes, PVB, et al.....There is a simple statement that sums this all up: Privileges may be licensed.....Rights are affirmed; they need no further explanation or address of any sort.

Comment by: canovack | September 17, 2012

I have given some thought to that myself Colonel but since we have already obtained a CHL, we are in the database forever. I just figure, when they come to the house to get my firearms, there will be one hell of a gunfight. I just hope they are all Feds and not locals. As each day passes, I get more cranky.

Comment by: Cecil B | September 17, 2012

Regarding "Conveyance" the 2nd Amendment and our "Civil Right" to defend ourselves does not specify when, where or how; and therefore it should mean anywhere, however necessary. We shouldn't be required to have a permit or multiple permits to cross into other states. No State (Illinois) should be allowed to ban our rights and there are more than one that does. This battle has been going on almost since it began, it doesn't look to be over anytime soon. One of the first attempted bans was enacted in 1834, and found to be Unconstitutional. We should be allowed to carry and transport state to state with full capability to protect ourselves and family without having to unlock or load our weapon.

Comment by: Smithkowitz | September 17, 2012

Smithkowitz, we are most definitely in agreement. As you describe our rights, that's the way it ought to be. Unfortunately, we.....as the rational, logical people in this battle, have allowed a degree of compromise to enter the fight. It is something that should never have happened, but I regret that we will be faced with the consequences for a long time to come.

Of course, I am certain that there are many like me, who have continued to carry where we believe we are well advised to do so. It may well turn out that those of us who carry, notwithstanding unconstitutional laws, may be the seeds that mature into full blown test cases that may bring about that which we stand for. Of course, in order for those cases to be adjudicated in favor of the Constitution, we must ensure the defeat of the current occupant of the Oval Office.

Comment by: canovack | September 17, 2012

You know Colonel, it sure seems that the republicans are trying their damnest to re-elect BHO.

By the way, the lead story on CBS tonight was that we are going to stop training Afghan security and army, the result of them having killed 51 coalition soldiers this year. (It is about time.) But, I tuned in CNN later and Fox for a few minutes and guess what? No mention of the story. Wonder what that is all about?

Comment by: Cecil B | September 17, 2012

Well, Cecil, my take on all of this is that American politicians have lost, forgotten, or just never learned how to conduct effective, issues oriented campaigns. I can recall that in my youth, both parties did a hell of a lot better job of campaigning than what we are seeing now. I think that the last time I saw any political conventions that really had any substance was in 1952. I was just a kid pushing age 12, but to me, the conduct of those conventions in the summer of 1952, actually had some meaning. No longer is that the case. In 1960, I enthusiastically supported the candidacy of JFK, and I recognized, even then, that Nixon was an underhanded player who couldn't be trusted.

As I aged, I became more conservative, and in that sense, I gravitated toward the Republican Party, although I did, from time to time support Democrats. From the time of LBJ on, though, I pretty well stayed in the Republican fold, mainly due to my growing concern over Second Amendment and foreign policy issues. Now, with the choice we have between Romney and BHO, I am compelled to support Romney based upon the records of both candidates. I certainly am not going to squander my vote on any independent, third party, or write-in candidate, since that would amount only to being a protest vote that would effectively help BHO to be re-elected.

As far as news coverage goes, I am fortunate to have a hometown newspaper that is fairly unbiased. And.....while many take shots at Fox News, I think that Fox does a pretty credible job of remaining "fair and balanced". BTW, I did see the story on Fox concerning the Afghan turncoat attacks.

Comment by: canovack | September 18, 2012

Slightly off topic - I recommend reading No Easy Day by "Mark Owen" - great narrative of the events of Neptune Spear If the DoD pursues charges against "Owen," it will be yet another flagrant display of hypocrisy by the current administration that leaked every detail already.

Comment by: PVB | September 18, 2012

Looks like I am a mirror image of you Colonel as I have traveled much the same road and have come to the same conclusions

I can't understand the pentagon being pissed off about the seal writing his book. The only thing I can figure is that was supposed to be a golden parachute for some asshole in government, to give him or her their million dollars and 15 minutes but this guy just beat them to it.

Comment by: Cecil B | September 18, 2012

Good point Cecil!

Comment by: PVB | September 18, 2012

Once in a great while I get a little wood on the ball. LOL

Comment by: Cecil B | September 18, 2012

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