Colum Lynch, Authorized Journalist

Scott G wrote the WaPo reporter who filed this story, wondering how a US government UN diplomat could have an AK-47 in his office. Here is the reply:

From: Colum F Lynch <lynchc@washpost.com>
Date: 2008/4/21
Subject: Re: Banged up AK-47

It is an A47 on a plaque: a gift from General Petraeus and the members of the multinational force. I've seen it and Ambassador Khalilzad has displayed it in a prominent site, on the wall of the living room of the residence. I'm sure it is not loaded, and I suspect it has been rendered inactive.

I'm delighted reporter Lynch's firearms expertise surpasses that of the late Col. Jeff Cooper, so that Rule One can be ignored and dismissed with such certainty, especially considering the firearm in question was never personally handled and examined.

What are your qualifications again, Colum?

As for what you "suspect," Colum, is that the extent of your nose for news? You really don't think there would be a story there if your suspicions (what known facts did you base them on again?) were unfounded? You're not in a position to ask a few questions and find out for sure?

And even if it has been somehow disabled, you're sure it wouldn't fall into one of those intentionally arbitrary areas continually and deliberately exploited by BATFU to determine whether it's readily restorable and subject to NFA jurisdiction?

"Authorized Journalists." Is there anything they don't know?