Gun Control
As Obama muses potential gun control reform in the wake of the Sandy Hook massacre, the opponents of such reform seem to be singing a different tune than they have in times gone by.
It’s a refrain emerging from the dark recesses of the internet where the far right and far left conspiracy theorists unite in a chorus of lunacy about protection from some sort of dystopian, tyrannical future (or present if the best of them are to be believed).
No longer are the (potentially more understandable) excuses of self defence or recreational hunting sufficient; the loudest voices now seem to be coming from those entertaining survivalist fantasies of some sort of violent uprising against Obama or any other sitting US Administration, or the New World Order, or the Rothschild family, or the Club of Rome or the UN.
Continue reading "The gun lobby houses a large survivalist flank" »
There is a view among those who argue in favour of the status quo that governments should never adopt policy positions based on emotion. I would argue that in a case such as the school shootings in Connecticut that now it is absolutely the right time to respond - when people are sickened, sobbing, furious, completely emotional.
Our collective sense of repulsion dissipates with time as we get on with life and somehow forget the unforgettable. You want someone to harness that sense of disgust and turn it into action. Frankly, if anyone is not emotional about this issue, there is something seriously wrong with them.
President Obama was fuelled by a sense of disgust at his press conference on Saturday. He also promised to turn it into action. More power to his arm.
Continue reading "There is nothing wrong with policy based on emotion" »
Latest 2 of 165 comments
View all comments-
K^2 says:
ST Michael, this is also my point “It’s risk management 101: eliminate those risks that you can eliminate, and then reduce or prepare for the worst for those you cannot eliminate.” You cant eliminate guns from this mix, because regulated or not, they will still be available to those wanting… Read more »
-
Ray says:
Barring a very small number of exceptions, that is poppycock. The carbon tax policy implementation was based on misplaced emotion. The Government used such emotive arguments as: carbon dioxide is pollution, whereas it is a colourless, odourless gas that is necessary for all plant growth; the Great Barrier Reef will… Read more »
According to the CNN White House correspondent this morning the President’s staff had “admonished” the press corps for raising the issue of gun laws in the wake of the unspeakable tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut.
Now is not the time for that sort of thing, apparently.
The President himself was careful to avoid even using the term “guns” in his tearful but composed statement on the shooting that has left 20 young children, and six innocent adults, dead. But he gave the strongest signal yet he was considering cracking down on the United State’s notoriously damaging gun culture.
Continue reading "If there is a line on gun control surely this crossed it" »
Latest 2 of 259 comments
View all comments-
Kev says:
I think banning it would just create an even bigger black market for it. I do agree with your general point about increasing the cost of ammo but I think it should go further to weapons, permits/licenses as well as ammunition. Bottom line is that they should turn the system… Read more »
-
Tony says:
Yes and hyped up by Hollywood…..... Read more »
Queensland is looking at easing their gun control laws.
As you can imagine, police aren’t exactly overjoyed at the scissors hovering over this particular set of red tape.
It’s Wednesday. What’s on your mind?
Comments on this post close at 8pm AEST.
Latest 2 of 145 comments
View all comments-
Mouse says:
Scotchie, do love cinema popcorn, better than chewing gum any day! You are going to get into trouble you know….. LOL ;o) ChrisL, you’re on. Now I just gotta get meself over to Texas. I’ll send pics of all the fun!! LMAO :o) Read more »
-
marley says:
@M - cops? you’re kidding?! No, I know you’re not, but of all the groups to protect, I’d have thought they’d be pretty low on the list. Plenty of room to criticise the police (and their masters). I do think your comments go a bit too far, and don’t agree… Read more »
Facebook Recommendations
Read all about it
Punch live
Up to the minute Twitter chatter
RT @HeatherSmithAU: Can living in another country change your life for the better? by @lucyjk on @newscomau f. moi http://t.co/E5Ma3kBut2
More class from 9's footy show, lampooning a baby that allegedly looks like Sterlo with a pic swiped from Facebook http://t.co/BGoYP6Pn68
A story that's close to my heart - can living overseas change your life for the better? With thanks, @Alisa_reduxhttp://t.co/n6tksJstqs
Recent posts
The latest and greatest
The Punch is moving house
Good morning Punchers. After four years of excellent fun and great conversation, this is the final post…
Will Pope Francis have the vision to tackle this?
I have had some close calls, one that involved what looked to me like an AK47 pointed my way, followed…
Advocating risk management is not “victim blaming”
In a world in which there are still people who subscribe to the vile notion that certain victims of sexual…
Nosebleed Section
choice ringside rantings
From: Hasbro, go straight to gaol, do not pass go
Tim says:
They should update other things in the game too. Instead of a get out of jail free card, they should have a Dodgy Lawyer card that not only gets you out of jail straight away but also gives you a fat payout in compensation for daring to arrest you in the first place. Instead of getting a hotel when you… [read more]From: A guide to summer festivals especially if you wouldn’t go
Kel says:
If you want a festival for older people or for families alike, get amongst the respectable punters at Bluesfest. A truly amazing festival experience to be had of ALL AGES. And all the young "festivalgoers" usually write themselves off on the first night, only to never hear from them again the rest of… [read more]Gentle jabs to the ribs
Superman needs saving
Can somebody please save Superman? He seems to be going through a bit of a crisis. Eighteen months ago,… Read more
Latest 2 of 210 comments
View all commentsAdd your comment