A Long, Lonely Walk To Reality

The NY Times riles up their base with this Sunday shocker:

The Assault Weapon Myth

OVER the past two decades, the majority of Americans in a country deeply divided over gun control have coalesced behind a single proposition: The sale of assault weapons should be banned.

That idea was one of the pillars of the Obama administration’s plan to curb gun violence, and it remains popular with the public. In a poll last December, 59 percent of likely voters said they favor a ban.

But in the 10 years since the previous ban lapsed, even gun control advocates acknowledge a larger truth: The law that barred the sale of assault weapons from 1994 to 2004 made little difference.

It turns out that big, scary military rifles don’t kill the vast majority of the 11,000 Americans murdered with guns each year. Little handguns do.

In 2012, only 322 people were murdered with any kind of rifle, F.B.I. data shows.

The continuing focus on assault weapons stems from the media’s obsessive focus on mass shootings, which disproportionately involve weapons like the AR-15, a civilian version of the military M16 rifle. This, in turn, obscures some grim truths about who is really dying from gunshots.

Nobody who understands this issue will be surprised by what she says, but that means it will be an eye-opener for many of the Times Upper West Side crowd:

[Back in the early 90's] Democrats decided to push for a ban of what seemed like the most dangerous guns in America: assault weapons, which were presented by the media as the gun of choice for drug dealers and criminals, and which many in law enforcement wanted to get off the streets.

This politically defined category of guns — a selection of rifles, shotguns and handguns with “military-style” features — only figured in about 2 percent of gun crimes nationwide before the ban.

Handguns were used in more than 80 percent of murders each year, but gun control advocates had failed to interest enough of the public in a handgun ban. Handguns were the weapons most likely to kill you, but they were associated by the public with self-defense. (In 2008, the Supreme Court said there was a constitutional right to keep a loaded handgun at home for self-defense.)

Banning sales of military-style weapons resonated with both legislators and the public: Civilians did not need to own guns designed for use in war zones.

On Sept. 13, 1994, President Bill Clinton signed an assault weapons ban into law. It barred the manufacture and sale of new guns with military features and magazines holding more than 10 rounds. But the law allowed those who already owned these guns — an estimated 1.5 million of them — to keep their weapons.

The policy proved costly. Mr. Clinton blamed the ban for Democratic losses in 1994. Crime fell, but when the ban expired, a detailed study found no proof that it had contributed to the decline.

...

“Should it be renewed, the ban’s effects on gun violence are likely to be small at best and perhaps too small for reliable measurement,” a Department of Justice-funded evaluation concluded.

This article would be stronger if it mentioned just what "military-style" means and how silly it is in the current debate. The key cosmetic features seem to have been the addition of bayonet mounts and a grenade launcher. For example, here is a Ruger Mini-14 ranch rifle, and here is the same rifle tricked up to look like a suitable prop for a Schwarzenegger film.

One last quibble:

Still, the majority of Americans continued to support a ban on assault weapons.

One reason: The use of these weapons may be rare over all, but they’re used frequently in the gun violence that gets the most media coverage, mass shootings.

The Va Tech shooting and the Gabby Gifford shooting in Tucson were widely publicized instances of handgun carnage.

 

 

Comments

[Jim Eagle]

Did you know that the scarier a gun looks it hurts you more when the bullet hits you?:)

[narciso]

reality at Carlos Slim's, unpossible, their goal, which is what Joyce and Sarah Diamond
(the Soros fronts) have been working at is banning all guns, like they were able to do after Dunblane and Port Arthur

[Dave (in MA)]

5 consecutive TM posts that refer to the Old Grey Lady.

[anonamom]

If he reads it, it means I don't have to.

I realized today as the editorial section lay on the coffee table unread that I have no interest whatsoever in what anybody they chose to publish has to say about anything.

[Jim Eagle]

The Browns have either 8 or more seconds to find some yards to set up a FG and beat the Saints. Looks like the Cards beat Giants and the Bills are beating the Dolphins.

Browns lose the ruling but get the 7 seconds back. Weird.

[Janet - the districts lie fallow, while the Capitol gorges itself]

A heads up for any women in need of a new duffel bag for their old rye bread...

at Instapundit - "AT AMAZON, Take 25% off Backpacks, Duffel Bags, and More."

[Jim Eagle]

Looks like Fat Brother Ryan's defense screwed up royally and now Browns get a 29yd. FG.

Browns win. Browns win.

[GMax]

Well just watched another Ryan coached defense stick up a joint. Saw that a lot when he was hanging out in Dallas. Saints OH and 2.

[GMax]

stink not stick

[Jeff Dobbs]

anonamom:
If he reads it, it means I don't have to.

If TM didn't read it, I still wouldn't.

[Captain Hate]

Yeah that was a huge defensive breakdown by the Saints. Fortunately that botched PAT didn't completely screw them.

[GMax]

Stick a fork in this one:

GOVERNOR – NEX MEXICO (ABQ journal)
Susana Martinez (R-inc) 54%
Dave King (D) 36%

[GMax]

And about Michelle Nunn and that white horse she was supposed to be riding? Looks like a swayback jackass to me:

US SENATE – GEORGIA (IA)
David Perdue (R) 50%
Michelle Nunn (D) 40%
Amanda Swafford (L) 5%

GOVERNOR – GEORGIA (IA)
Nathan Deal (R-inc) 45%
Jason Carter (D) 40%
Andrew Hunt (L) 7%

[GMax]

One more, an incumbent getting quite close to needing a resume too:

US SENATE – ARKANSAS (Gravis)
Tom Cotton (R) 47%
Mark Pryor (D-inc) 43%

[Dave (in MA)]

If TM didn't read it, I still wouldn't.

If it was free I could put it under the parrot, but for that we have catalogs.

[Danube on iPad]

"like the AR-15, a civilian version of the military M16 rifle"

Would this be good place to point out that the M-16 can fire fully automatic, while the AR-15 can't?

[henry]

Danube, where do we get the "civilian" grenade launchers for our ARs?

[maryrose]

CH:
Did the Browns lose? my husband and son are watching at home.

[GMax]

I don't know about all branches but the Army these days carries the M 4 which lighter and shorter than the M 16. The M 4 has the ability to fire semi automatic or three round bursts.

[narciso]

no, they won 26/24 over the Saints.

[Beasts of England]

Have y'all seen Horschel's trousers today?! No wonder golfers are the sexiest men alive!! Woot!

[Danube on iPad]

How 'bout them Lightning Bolts?

[narciso]

well I would say eked out a win,

[James D.]

Very, very depressing to see the loathsome Jets and Loudmouth Jackass Ryan up 21-3 on GB.

It's bad enough that the Giants are terrible this year; I shouldn't have to also suffer through a year of praise and adulation for the Jets on top of it. It's just not fair.

[narciso]

But take a look where they are going:

http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Sep-13/270583-egypts-brotherhood-says-leaders-to-quit-qatar-haven.ashx#axzz3DA9K7Iat

[henry]

Would you believe cosmic rays cause tree growth?. This paper found by our Chitown lurker says yes. It also suggests this is why Mann had to hide the decline.

[Beasts of England]

@James D.: How can we believe you're truly suffering without any profanity in your comment? ;)

[Beasts of England]

And Horschel gives the local Dawgs fans a big Gator chomp after his victory!! Pure.

[Old Lurker]

Isn't sunlight a cosmic ray?

[henry]

Jets aren't that good, neither is Seattle. The Packers have no defence.

[Danube on iPad]

Something wrong in Green Bay.

[henry]

OL, the paper talks about other cosmic rays which create haze when the sun is less active (solar storms). The haze diffuses sunlight, so more reaches under the forest canopy to help trees grow faster.

[James D.]

Beasts, I've gone straight through denial, anger, bargaining and whatever the other phases of grief are, as far as my pitiful Giants go. But I'm still stuck in denial about a successful Jets season. The profanity will come when I migrate over to the anger phase...

[Old Lurker]

:-) Henry.

Just finished reading it.

[daddy]

A heads up for any women in need of a new duffel bag for their old rye bread...

Janet,

The nice thing is that Kim and Kanye apparently are taking their weight loss exercise regimens seriously. You can read all about it in this Times Of India story: Kim Kardashian and Kanye West take yoga classes naked

And a side benefit---No Lithium required!

They are taking private yoga classes to keep Kanye calm.

[Beasts of England]

- Nekkid sushi babes
- Spankings
- Ball gags
- Nekkid yoga

Yup, JOM is my kinda place!

[Janet - the districts lie fallow, while the Capitol gorges itself]

for the Kardashian look on the cheap.

[Stephanie riding a streetcar named Desire]

Oh holy snot. Obama is gracing the Atl on Tuesday. Heading to the CDC for God knows what.

[Jane]

I am so offended by this:

British Muslim Leaders Demand PM Stop Using Name “Islamic State,” Say It Should Be Called “Un-Islamic State”…

When Muslims start rebelling I'll reconsider.

[daddy]

I don't know if any of you guys have the NFL Red Zone TV channel option, but I'm really enjoying it.

Usually I don't pay much attention to the NFL until much later in the Season, but all this Media generated PC nonsense about "Redskins" et, designed to get us to turn the NFL, has caused me in protest to consciously watch it more than normal, and Red Zone has been great. No commercials, no getting trapped by any particular set of boring announcers, and the action is nonstop and shows every scoring play of every game.

Currently I'm really enjoying DoT's "Doomers" putting some decent hammering on the SeaHawks but still with plenty of time to blow it and Seattle is on the move.

[daddy]

the Giants are terrible this year; I shouldn't have to also suffer through a year of praise and adulation for the Jets on top of it. It's just not fair.

Have you considered Lithium, James D?

Haven't snorted any myself, but I think evidence shows us that if you imbibe enough you're able to post 5 columns on New York Times articles, so it must be some powerful, powerful stuff!

[Danube on iPad]

I can see it slipping away. Surely they are the all-time leaders in blown fourth-quarter leads.

[Jim Eagle]

daddy,

I have Red Zone and that's all I watch on Sunday except this Sunday, JAX was in DC so I could get the full Skins game on CBS. But its a great feature and I have no idea how Scott Hanson can follow each game and give a detailed report leading into a Red Zone game.

Back from the Spanish mass that Frederick served. Darn good music. Felt like Argentina all over again. I wanted to get up and start cha-chaong and tango'ing but thought better of it.

[daddy]

JiB,

Dennis Miller really praised that guy Hanson for just what you mention. I hope NFL viewing goes thru the roof as a protest against all this intentional PC behavior modification.

[lyle]

There's no such thing as an "assault rifle."

[Jim Eagle]

Pack come back with a Rumble in the end zone. Bolts in command of the Seahawks. Manning chewing out his TE who leads the league in TD receptions.

Typical Sunday.

[Jim Eagle]

Jets kick FG and tie it up 24-24.

Bolts hanging on.

[Jim Eagle]

Holy Moly. KC just scored and its now a one possesion game with 7:11 to go. Elway looks miserable. Should have kept Tebow:)

[Beasts of England]

How about that circus catch by Fasano, JiB? Wow!

[daddy]

Thanks Henry for the interesting Cosmic Ray story and please say "Hey" to our good friend from everybody.

Watts Up says Michael Mann was just caught in another lie to the court last week which may cause him some legal trouble:

[Jim Eagle]

GB 88 yd pass to Jordie Nelson. Up on Top again. Fat Rex perplexed.

Bolts Win. Bolts Win. Pete Carroll perplexed.

[James D.]

I feel a little better seeing GB now leading the Jets.

If things keep going this way, reading all the excuses and whining from Loudmouth Rex in the NY papers tomorrow will take a lot of the sting out of the Giants and how dreadful they are.

And, yes, I know just how petty and spiteful and mentally unbalanced that sounds.

[anonamom]

Question from my spouse: when does Hanson take a leak?

[Miss Marple]

Regarding Cosmic Rays:

Henrick Svensmark did research which indicated that cosmic rays cause cloud formation, which may also cool the planet.

Here is the link to the first of a 5-part documentary on YouTube which is about 5 years old. It is very good, and I recommend watching all 5 parts. Very interesting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4XYxL66O_s

[Jim Eagle]

What a difference a year makes (and a new coach): Texans are 2 and 0 without their No.1 draft pick (Clowney) who is out 6-8 weeks.

GB OL scuks and it would not surprise me that Fat Rex can pull out a win.

All of a sudden a great finish is evolving in Denver.

[Jim Eagle]

Question from my spouse: when does Hanson take a leak?

anonamom,

Catherter:)

[Jim Eagle]

Broncos force a fumble. Andy Reid perplexed.

[Sue]

D-Ware.

[Jim Eagle]

Not a fumble but the ball was going forward. A uck fifty to go. KC has the ball and Andy Reid is now unperplexed.

[henry]

Fat Rex put in Vick to pad Mathews sack stats.

[Steve]

Joe Biden moment - Kanye West Demands Wheelchair-Bound Audience Member Stand Up

http://commoncts.blogspot.com/2014/09/joe-biden-moment-kanye-west-demands.html

[anonamom]

He thinks so too JiB.

[daddy]

- Ball gags
- Nekkid yoga

Yup, JOM is my kinda place!

Further research last night showed some scholarship suggesting that Robby Burns may have been responsible for the "No Balls At All" ditty, but in some book called "The Whorehouse Bells Were Ringing and Other Songs Cowboys Sing," we get this:

One of the most popular American songs about impotence is "No Balls At All", Gershon Legman...credited William Allen Butler as the writer in 1857 of an anti-woman topical satire, "Nothing To Wear", in which excess in women's clothing was the topic.---(Apparently not a problem at the kardashian's.)---

Legman continues, "It was very popular during the Civil War. Some unknown bard had parodied it into "No Balls At All", the form in which it has traveled further and lasted longer in memory."

That makes sense to me that if it was a Civil War Tune, that would explain why Pop might have been singing it, as I assume it come up thru small town South Carolina family lore. His bunch had immigrated to Easley-Pickens SC by the 1840's.

[cathyf]

This was 2 threads ago, but I just wanted to reassure Iggie that his mama didn't lie to him... My brother's birthday is Nov 15. We lived in Washington, DC, the fall he turned 5, where the cut off was early, so he couldn't start kindergarten. The next year we were in CA, where the deadline was Dec 1st, so he went to 1st grade. Never went to kindergarten. Which is how I know that the CA deadline was Dec 1st :)

His best friend in high school has a birthday Nov 11th, and started school where the deadlines were earlier, and so he's a year older. When they were seniors turning 17 and 18 respectively, we put 35 candles on a birthday cake and had a bash. I singed my eyebrows carrying out the cake!

[henry]

Hah! Fat Rex just TO'd himself out of a 4th down TD pass!

[maryd]

JiB, re Spanish Mass: Hubby and I went to one in Albuquerque, NM several years ago. They had a full orchestra providing the music. It was wonderful! Happiest time I think I have ever had in Church. (Except for when I sang in the choir when a was a kid.)

[Jim Eagle]

Broncos hold on only because of really, really stupid play calling by stupid Andy Reid.

And another funny Fat Rex moment. Looks like Jets score and its called off because Ryan called TO:) LMAO.

[Captain Hate]

It is so much fun to cheer against the Jets.

[James D.]

I thoroughly enjoyed the Jets TO wiping out the game-tying TD. It was truly heartwarming.

[Jim Eagle]

maryd,

We loved it. I used to go to Metropolitan Cathedral in Buenos Aires when I lived there and the music and choir were spectacular. Mrs. JiB who is opreatic qualified soprano thought it was terrific and sang from the Spanish hymnal.

I really enjoyed saying La Paz del hombre to my fellow parishioners:)

[maryd]

OT but I had to share: my great nephew Brady, who looks like a Botticelli, is now in his first week of kindergarten. He met the principal, and asked "Don't you do any work? I always see you just talking to people."

Another gem: On being picked up after day camp this summer, he got into the car and announced "I'm not really in time out, I'm just playing alone."

I think he is our best bet for destroying ISIS.

[Jim Eagle]

What a STUPID rule - the 10 second run off. Bucs have a legit long reception to get near FG range but the kid got hit hard but the refs called the game. Its the Ennefell.

[narciso]

Maybe if he was made to hold a giant acorn, (he looks like a squirrel) he would get a clue,

[lyle]

Sexy Rexy blows the game.

/single tear

[Miss Marple]

maryd,

I would bet cash money that Brady would have spotted the fraud in office for what he was early on.

Please keep posting Brady's commentary on his world. I find them quite enjoyable!

[Jane]

Stephanie, here is the answer to your question:

Obama Plans Major Ebola Offensive
More Doctors, Supplies and Portable Hospitals Planned for Africa

WASHINGTON—President Barack Obama plans to dramatically boost the U.S. effort to mitigate the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, including greater involvement of the U.S. military, people familiar with the proposal said.

Mr. Obama is expected to detail the plan during a visit Tuesday to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, these people said. Among the possible moves: sending additional portable hospitals, doctors and health-care experts, providing medical supplies and conducting training for health workers in Liberia and other countries.

Mr. Obama also is expected to ask Congress for an additional $88 million to fund his proposal.

http://online.wsj.com/articles/obama-plans-major-ebola-offensive-1410738096

Another attempt to imitate George Bush

[Beasts of England]

60 Minutes is going to air a story about some college football coach. Didn't catch the guy's name, but I think I'll watch...

That is, if I can suffer through the other liberal bullshit before it plays. Fuckers.

[Jim Eagle]

Oh, BTW, Horschel wins the Tour and FedEx.

Gators!

I know Billy because he plays reguraly at our US Open Q course. At one time he had the course record but Fred Funk bypassed him and now our Assistat Pro has it.

I officiated his playoff between Matt Every and Billy. Matt pulled his drive on the playoff hole and Billy made birdie. He needs to mature and when he does he'll win a major.

[Stephanie riding a streetcar named Desire]

Groan. May the chimps at the CDC fling feces in his honor.

[Beasts of England]

Okay, the college coach in question is 'Nick Saban'. S-A-B-A-N.

[lyle]

Anyone else loath Bob Costas as much as I?

[Ignatz]

No need to fix that typo there, Beasts.

[lyle]

You sure that middle letter is correct, BoE?

[Ignatz]

--This was 2 threads ago, but I just wanted to reassure Iggie that his mama didn't lie to him...--

Thanks cathy.
Funny, I don't feel any smarter though. :)

[Captain Hate]

Phillip Rivers is probably one of the only QBs cocky enough to gun it into Richard Sherman's area. And have it work.

[DrJ]

I interrupt this football thread to relay an important announcement. This past Friday I got PMS, and I'm thrilled!!

Wait. What?

I should say I got access to the Payment Management System (PMS), the software used by the Department of Payment Management, which is part of Health and Human Services. It is the last hurdle when a new NIH award is issued.

So I got PMS and I'm thrilled! Not only has the Notice of Award been issued, but I can draw money from it!

Who says that the government has no sense of humor?

Stephanie, I'll be in touch about the Atlanta meet-up. Now the money is there.

[Beasts of England]

Ain't no 'T' in Saban! ;)

[Stephanie riding a streetcar named Desire]

Awesome DrJ.

Leave it to the gov to name a system that spends money like a lithium challenged cougar "PMS."

Just kidding and congrats on the $$

[MarkO]

"Anyone else loath Bob Costas as much as I?"

No. More. Loathsome Dove. (Sorry DoT)

[Beasts of England]

DrJ got a bottomless Gubmint line of credit? And here I thought my Hookers & Blow account was impressive...

[MarkO]

It appears to me that a great many associated with the NFL, from the Commish on down, are vastly overpaid for their value.

[Centralcal on iPad]

Congrats, DrJ! Never thought I would say, "I wish I had PMS, too."

[DrJ]

Beasts,

It isn't bottomless -- it is tied to the award. It will keep us running for two years, but bottomless it is not.

Isn't that the sushi chick?

[lyle]

Can you cut us JOMers in on some of that sugar, DrJ? Great. Just represent us as community organizers.

[Ignatz]

--The key cosmetic features seem to have been the addition of bayonet mounts and a grenade launcher.--

These were the actual criteria for the Fed Assault Weapons ban;

Semi-automatic rifles able to accept detachable magazines and two or more of the following:

Folding or telescoping stock
Pistol grip
Bayonet mount
Flash suppressor, or threaded barrel designed to accommodate one
Grenade launcher mount
********************
Semi-automatic pistols with detachable magazines and two or more of the following:

Magazine that attaches outside the pistol grip
Threaded barrel to attach barrel extender, flash suppressor, handgrip, or suppressor
Barrel shroud safety feature that prevents burns to the operator
Unloaded weight of 50 oz (1.4 kg) or more
A semi-automatic version of a fully automatic firearm.
************************
Semi-automatic shotguns with two or more of the following:

Folding or telescoping stock
Pistol grip
Fixed capacity of more than 5 rounds
Detachable magazine.

Specific models by specific manufacturers were also banned.
Most state laws have or had similar criteria.

[lyle]

I'm okay with you using me as the impoverished unwed mother of eight. What, is that fraud? So?

[Janet - the districts lie fallow, while the Capitol gorges itself]

Just tell them you feel like an impoverished unwed mother of eight, lyle.
Self-certification is great!
Tell 'em you considered farming too & maybe you can get some Pigford $$$$!

[Jeff Dobbs]

I was born a poor black child. I remember the days, sittin' on the porch with my family, singin' and dancin' down in Mississippi...

[lyle]

I like the way you think, Janet. How could I have missed the farming angle?

[Soylent Red]

Isn't that the sushi chick?

I wonder if he met her here.

Stephanie, I'll be in touch about the Atlanta meet-up

And here I'm getting ready to move further away. When was the tentative date again?