I know plenty of gun folks get all giddy when they see a newspaper-written editorial headline like this. “Gun control: Misfire” And then to see that the piece goes on to talk about how gun control advocates are completely unwilling to admit they are wrong on the blood in the streets predictions no matter how much evidence is thrown in their face – that’s just happy dance territory.
I guess the pessimist in me just had to come out and play. Because it seems rather odd that the newspaper staff would condemn anti-gun groups & politicians for not being willing to concede when they are wrong when traditionally the media has been wrong on this, too. Google, being my friend, helped me out in quickly finding an editorial in the very same paper pulling out the lethal mix rhetoric.
In Virginia, those who possess concealed-carry permits cannot possess their weapons in establishments that serve liquor or beer. Some in the state legislature believe it’s time to scrap that restriction. Yet guns, booze, anxiety, and stress can combine for a deadly mix.
Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the side they are taking today. I don’t expect them to publicly lash themselves for engaging in the same kind of rhetoric they now condemn. But, just remember that if you’re doing the happy dance now, they could bring back the blood-in-the-streets rhetoric depending on who mans the editorial desk.
In Virginia, we have been able to carry concealed firearms into restaurants which serve alcohol for a year now, with no incidents. We are not allowed to drink. We have always been able to carry openly, and when doing so we may drink if we wish. Most do not.
Bitter, you found a ten year old article. Attitudes change.
However, even if they just changed their minds last week I’m fine with that. Besides, they are probably getting good link traffic for breaking the original story about lower crime after restaurant carry, so maybe they want that link love to continue and are therefore doubling down.
It’s all grist for the cheap gin-mill: guns, booze, anxiety, and stress can combine for a deadly mix. Unless if you’re a writer and need some quick and easy copy to paste into today’s birdcage liner, then they provide a cheap blend of traditional Liberal Arts bogeymen who are familiar friends of the copy-writer – except for the guns part – booze, anxiety, and stress, yes – but Journalism majors are hothouse flowers and delicate snowflakes who seldom have had access to actual guns.
Andy, did you miss the part where I said: “I appreciate the side they are taking today. I don’t expect them to publicly lash themselves for engaging in the same kind of rhetoric they now condemn.”
I recognize that attitudes can change. I also recognize that, more often when it comes to newspapers, changes come from changes in who is contributing to the editorial process. We can appreciate what they are saying now, but just don’t come to rely on it. Attitudes (and staff) can go back to a far less friendly time, too.