Central Florida Future Editorial Off Target
In an editorial filled with gun metaphors, the editors at Central Florida Future offer a weak argument that dare we say is off target. First example:
“It’s difficult for us to fathom some of the on-going debate about gun control or to see the issue from the side of those who believe less-strict policies on gun ownership will ease gun violence. Saying that allowing more people to own guns is a solution to gun violence is like saying that the solution to Americas obesity is to build more fast-food restaurants.”
That is among the worst and weakest arguments we’ve heard. We’ll take this on two points, first we’d like to note that no one is encouraging more people to buy more guns. The SCOTUS ruling came about as one individual wanted the ban lifted so he could defend his home with a handgun, which had been banned. Thus this issue is not about arming more people. It is about upholding our rights to own guns. To the second point, what does it matter if it fast food or some other eatery. This is another debate entirely, but fast food isn’t the problem, it is the amount of eating people are doing.
The second issue in the editorial is however just as off base:
“Chicago has been a city plagued by gun violence, which is obviously why it initiated the ban in the first place.”
We can only shake our heads at this statement. We know that editorials don’t need to be fair and balanced, but they should be based on facts. Chicago didn’t put the ban in place because of crime. Crime happened regardless of the ban, which is why an individual sued for his rights to own a gun.
If a paper or news outlet can’t research the facts then can we really trust them to report the news or offer commentary on it?
Who Guards the Guards: AWOL Soldier Arrested With Guns
Soldiers are meant to protect us, but there are times when sadly that isn’t the case. Spec. Christopher Paul Kilburn was arrested as he tried to enter MacDill Air Force Base in Florida reports The Denver Post. What is more worrisome is that Kilburn had weapons and ammunition in his vehicle, and was AWOL at the time. Fortunately this does not appear to be a terrorist attempt. But it worrisome nonetheless, and just another sad reminder of how guns can end up in the hands of criminals.
Pastor Offers Alternative to Gun Buyback
Instead of trying to pay a pittance for guns, to get them off the streets, Pastor Raymond Davis in Fort Meyer’s Florida has another idea. The Fort Meyer’s News Press reports that Davis is instead preachinging to seek rewards, which are offered to those who offer tips on illegal or stolen guns – with the key word being “stolen.” The paper notes that the efforts going on in Southwest Florida:
“Since January 2009, Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers has offered a reward for information on illegal weapons. It hopes to rid the community – especially Fort Myers – of guns that aid criminals in committing robberies, thefts and murders.”
We think this is a far better to combat crime and illegal guns, instead of just throwing good cash after bad to “buyback” weapons that were probably never “on the streets.”
Action News in Florida Offers Condescending Information About Firearms
Rather than just reporting the facts, notably that would-be parents may not to acknowledge gun ownership when looking to adopt, ABC Action News in Florida had to provide information that seemed at least a bit condescending. Here is a sample:
“It is illegal to leave a firearm in a place where it can easily be accessible to children under 18.”
Why must the mainstream media treat gun owners as if they are irresponsible idiots? Most gun owners in Florida likely already know this law, and most gun owners probably do store their guns where they aren’t readily accessible to children! It is almost as if this reporter is suggesting that gun owners love their guns more than their children, and that is insulting.
Editorialized Philly Gun Story Passed Off as News
Philly.com, home for The Philadelphia Daily News, has run a highly editorialized piece under the guise of news. Ironically, it ran said piece in the local news section, but yet it is about a gun law and those with ties to Florida. So is this really national news?
The story covers the main points without too much bias:
“Pennsylvania’s firearms reciprocity agreements require the state to recognize permits from 24 other states that have permit laws as strict or stricter than its own and that those states, in turn, recognize Pennsylvania weapons permits.
“Among the states covered, there are three – Florida, Utah and New Hampshire – that allow out-of-state residents to get permits even if they don’t qualify or apply for permits in their home state.” Read more
