Would it be dismissed as “irony” if he were not one of the exalted “Only Ones,” treating gun laws as they apply to himself “with a mischievous laugh”? [More]Today's Gun Rights Examiner column looks at a "Fauxnly One" and an authority-worshiping "Authorized Journalist"--are there any other kinds?
Thursday, April 05, 2012
Is uncertified ‘top Philly cop’ breaking gun laws he’d break us for?
Who Will Watch the Watchdogs?
I got an email in response to yesterday's Gun Rights Examiner column that gives further examples of journalistic malpractice I think you'll find illustrative. Correspondent Chris Meissen shared his experiences with me and kindly gave me permission to share them with you:
Meissen continued:
I just read your column on sloppy mainstream firearms reporting and wanted to say that it's not only firearms where "reporters" are too ignorant and/or sloppy to check their facts. Or to even use a modicum of common sense, for that matter.Why do I assume she must have been a Tony Orlando fan?
I worked as a field engineer maintaining the satellite dish distribution equipment for a major network from July 1985 until Feb. 1995. During that time, I had primary responsibility for five TV stations in several Midwest states. I became especially good friends with the engineering staff at one of the stations I serviced as we shared a common interest in firearms and shooting.
One day in 1989 (I think) I arrived at the station and the chief engineer told me he'd saved a tape for me. It was shortly after the very first discovery of an extra-solar system planet. The tape that they'd saved for me to watch was of their evening (6:00 P.M and 10:00 P.M.) news anchor-bunny reporting, quite soberly and seriously, that:
"British astronomers announced the discovery over the weekend of a new planet *in the upper atmosphere.*" The chief engineer and his evening master control operator said that everyone in master control and all three cameramen cracked up laughing when she reported that for the 6:00 P.M. news. Her reaction was to reply, "What? That's what the AP wire said." She then repeated it exactly verbatim on the 10:00 P.M. news.
Meissen continued:
A year or two later, there was a multiple homicide in a nearby city in which a man stabbed his wife and mother-in-law to death. That same anchor bunny reported it with a handgun graphic behind her and reported that the man was arrested for "two counts of homicide and two counts of using a handgun to commit a homicide." Note: this was before the days of the tactical pistol bayonet.In an addendum, he also informed me:
Those two incidents alone were sufficient to teach me that reporters are journalism majors skilled at stringing together emotionally evocative words but often sadly lacking in common sense or the most fundamental facts about the physical world. But they do "feelings" well and get hired on that basis.
Another reporter, at a larger station in a much larger city, gave me an unforgettable memory back in 1993, one that is brought to mind all too painfully today.What can I say, but "Authorized Journalists"...?
He and I were talking of the then-ongoing Randy Weaver standoff near Ruby Ridge, ID. In the course of our conversation regarding the accuracy (or not) of the reports being given out, he told me of his first meeting with his current news director, stressing that the news director was not hired by the station but rather by the station's owners.
My friend said that at that first meeting, the news director had stressed that their job as reporters was "to shape public opinion." My friend argued that their job was to find and report the truth. He said the director responded by saying, "Whatever the public's perception of the truth is is the truth and it's your job to make certain that perception matches station and network editorial policies."
I cannot help but think of that as I read the distortions, half-truths, edited recordings, and hyperbole being disseminated with regard to George Zimmerman's shooting of Trayvon Martin this past week or two.
The Content of His Character
“We got to do something about these Asians coming in and opening up businesses and dirty shops,” Barry said in remarks first reported by WRC-TV. “They ought to go. I’m going to say that right now. But we need African-American businesspeople to be able to take their places, too.” [More]Naturally, he's running unopposed, and naturally, he's a shoo-in.
And if you have a problem with that, you're a racist.
An Underscored Need
Any bets that when it happens, it'll happen in a "gun free zone"? [Read]
You don't think something so big could happen that they'd suspend elections, do you?
[Via Jess]
You don't think something so big could happen that they'd suspend elections, do you?
[Via Jess]
That All Depends on the Meaning of the Word "Conclusively"
At this early stage of the litigation, in the procedural posture of this case, it cannot be said conclusively whether “assault weapons” as defined by the ordinance fall within or outside the scope of the rights protected by the second amendment. [More]Sure it can. Just try saying it doesn't--on a national scale--and then enforcing it.
Damn, Nature, You Scary!
A question about "duty to retreat": What does a predator on the hunt usually do when its targeted prey runs?
Boss Agrees to Schedule Personnel Interviews
Holder said he would talk to the inspector general investigators when they request it. [More]Yeah, when are employee performance assessment/merit increase reviews this year...?
What? They're the ones who said they're treating this as a personnel policy matter.
You've done a great job, Cynthia. And welcome aboard, Mike--I can't tell you how highly Lanny speaks of you!
Workman has more.
Opinions are Like Andres Oppenheimers--Everybody Has One
My opinion: The NRA and U.S. gun manufacturers have the right to defend the U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment provision allowing Americans to keep and bear arms. But the Second Amendment doesn’t say that Americans have the right to buy bazookas, or AK-47s, or other military-style weapons, or to purchase dozens of them and sell them to whoever they want. [More]And my opinion: I'd like to see you come take mine, you ignorant fool.
Gee, and not a word about "Gunwalker." I wonder why that is?
NRA Should Take Hit for Gun Deaths in Schools
I agree. [Read]
And I'll continue to agree until I hear Wayne publicly apologize for and loudly repudiate this.
And I'll continue to agree until I hear Wayne publicly apologize for and loudly repudiate this.
Ancient Chinese Secret, Huh?*
In 2000, police dealt with about 5,000 gun-related crimes across the country. The number dropped to about 500 in 2011, down 46 percent from 2010, according to the latest figures from the Ministry of Public Security.And here's that Ancient Chinese Secret...that somehow doesn't get factored into the totals.
The decrease is mainly due to China's strict policy on gun control and tougher policing measures, said Yan Zhengbin, deputy director of the ministry's security administration. [More]
* "My husband, some hotshot."
Coffee, Tea, or First-Degree Burns on Your Face?
The government certainly does hire the best and brightest to abuse us. Where else would this rabid, low-wattage...thing be employable? [More]
Anyone who thinks the feds aren't more than capable of surpassing the Brown Shirt experience is simply delusional.
Anyone who thinks the feds aren't more than capable of surpassing the Brown Shirt experience is simply delusional.
Pigs is Pigs*
 |
| Humphrie the Wonder Pig says "I'm 'tupid-- but I'm not that 'tupid." |
My first thought was, what the hell's a 28-year-old still doing living in a dorm? [More]
My second thought was darker--any society where the central government--under the guise of "federal housing rules"-- can compel this level of control on a non-federal institution, under ultimate force of arms, cannot be sustained.
* Remember this...?
The Capital of Colombia Says, “Farewell to Arms”
Sure it does. Along with any other body parts those who disregard such foolishness may be inclined to destroy. [Read]
How does that Beatles song go?
Anybody who wants to take a good look at what the Bradys, the VPC, CS....uh...whatever group the ugly little dwarf and that stupid bald guy are feeding off of, etc., dream about before waking up with sticky sheets and hand cramps, you're seeing it here. Although the idea of stripping them down to their skivvies and painting them red does have a certain elegance--both as an illustration of their ridiculousness, as well as a pretty damn accurate metaphor for what they're all about...
How does that Beatles song go?
You say goodbye, and I say hello...My favorite line from this gushing testimonial:
It may seem paradoxical that members of an insurgent movement that once sought political power through armed struggle would now use the mayor’s office to disarm the citizenry of the capital of Colombia...That's comedy gold right there, useful idiot Alex Sierra R, not to mention masterful propaganda... Goebbels was hardly that skilled in irony. I mean, on the one hand, you tell us "According to a recent survey, 90 percent of those interviewed in Bogotá agree with the ban," and on the other we're informed "voluntary citizen disarmament campaigns" didn't work.
 | |
| Colombian Eloi prepare to enter the Morlock's Sphinx... Mmmm...taste like gallina! |
Anybody who wants to take a good look at what the Bradys, the VPC, CS....uh...whatever group the ugly little dwarf and that stupid bald guy are feeding off of, etc., dream about before waking up with sticky sheets and hand cramps, you're seeing it here. Although the idea of stripping them down to their skivvies and painting them red does have a certain elegance--both as an illustration of their ridiculousness, as well as a pretty damn accurate metaphor for what they're all about...
Living Socialist?
[Click to enlarge]
I'll let you know if I get a response.Someone may just be getting an earful about "elevated public sensitivity of gun control." Not that I expect most of our more serious ranks have anything to do with this shallow, chic urban liberal folderol...
Vanderboegh Medical Update
Mike is back in the hospital, in emergency. He woke up around 2:30 in great pain, as if, in his words, his ex-wife was taking a hunting knife to him through his left ribcage.
They're going to give him a CAT scan. The good news is it's not a pulmonary embolism, which is what he first thought it was. But he is leaking and his white cell count is elevated, so peritonitis may be at work.
He was in good enough spirits when I spoke with him and his voice did not sound weak--he was lucid and able to express things with humor. He does request we reactivate the prayer circle.
As always, when I know more, you'll know more.
They're going to give him a CAT scan. The good news is it's not a pulmonary embolism, which is what he first thought it was. But he is leaking and his white cell count is elevated, so peritonitis may be at work.
He was in good enough spirits when I spoke with him and his voice did not sound weak--he was lucid and able to express things with humor. He does request we reactivate the prayer circle.
As always, when I know more, you'll know more.
This Day in History: April 5
By April 5, 1780, when British General Clinton demanded the surrender of Charleston, the American General Woodford and his 700 Virginians, including Isaac Anglin, had just marched 500 miles in 28 days to support General Lincoln in the defense of Charleston. [More]