Jared Loughner is accused of emptying 31 rounds from his Glock 9 in front of the Safeway in Tucson, enabling him to hit 19 people before he had to reload.
It was when he needed that other clip, witnesses said, they were able to stop him.
But Gov. Jan Brewer told Capitol Media Services she sees no reason for Arizona to limit the sale of these high-capacity magazine. Neither does Senate President Russell Pearce.
And House Speaker Kirk Adams said through a spokesman he has no plans to alter any of Arizona's gun laws.
All three also defended last year's decision to let any adult carry a concealed weapon without a state permit, making Arizona the only state with large urban areas to do so. Vermont and Alaska are the other two.
And all three maintain their belief that more people carrying guns is the best thing for public safety.
The Tucson shootings also show no sign of slowing the move toward allowing people to carry guns even more places. Sen. Jack Harper, R-Surprise, continues to push his legislation to open the campuses of community colleges and state universities to those who have the still-available permits to carry concealed weapons.
Brewer, who has an A-plus rating from the National Rifle Association, is among the chief cheerleaders for broader gun rights.
"I think everybody knows where I stand in regards to the Second Amendment,'' she said.
Brewer said the sole blame for the shootings should be on the person who pulled the trigger.
"I don't think it has anything to do with the size of the magazine or the caliber of the gun,'' Brewer said.
"The guy is a mad man,'' she continued. "Our justice system will hold him accountable.''
The governor brushed aside questions of whether the shooter would not have been able to kill and wound as many as he did had his weapon held a fewer number of bullets.
"He'd have another gun, maybe,'' she said.
"He could have three guns in his pocket,'' Brewer said. "I believe in the Second Amendment, as did Gabby Giffords.''
Federal law banned the manufacture of magazines with more than 10 rounds from 1994 until 2004. But the sale of already existing clips remained legal.
Even after the federal ban expired, several states and a few cities have their own laws limiting how many bullets a gun can hold.
Pearce called the question of high-capacity magazines "a difficult issue.''
"But the real issue is about Second Amendment rights,'' Pearce said. And he said that it's wrong to look at the question of whether individuals need a weapon with 33 bullets to defend themselves.
"Our founders believed not only that it was your God-given right, an inalienable right to bear arms,'' said Pearce, who also maintains an A-plus rating from the NRA.
"They also believed as an adult citizen, 18 years old, you must be prepared to defend your nation,'' Pearce said, making that right about more than just self defense. "We all are obligated to protect and defend this republic.''
Pearce was the sponsor of last year's legislation to eliminate the requirement that those who want to carry a concealed weapon must first get a permit. That entailed not only a background check but also some basic training on when deadly physical force can be used.
The fact that the law allowed the alleged assailant was legally carrying a hidden weapon without a permit, Pearce said, is irrelevant.
"Bad guys are bad guys,'' he said, saying those seeking to kill and maim would not be deterred by a law making it a misdemeanor to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. "Whenever you pass those kind of restrictions, all you do is put citizens in jeopardy.''
In fact, Pearce said perhaps what was needed in Tucson was more people carrying guns.
"Somebody could have saved lives had they been armed and prepared to deal with that down in Tucson,'' he said. Pearce said an armed citizen "is the best security you can have anywhere.''
"Police come after the incident,'' he continued.
"You have a right to defend yourself and those around you,'' Pearce said. "I'm not going to un-arm citizens and allow them to be victims.''
Adams press aide Daniel Scarpinato said his boss, like Brewer and Pearce, is "a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and endorsed by the NRA.'' Scarpinato said that is reflected in the speaker's votes to ease restrictions on guns.
"His view is that Arizona protects the Second Amendment probably better than any other state in the country,'' he said.
"He doesn't want to change that and he's proud of having supported all of the laws that have contributed to Arizona being a pro-Second Amendment state.'' That includes the elimination of the requirement to obtain a state permit.
Scarpinato said Adams, rated A-minus by the NRA, was not prepared to address the question of high-capacity magazines -- or any of Arizona's existing gun laws -- right now.
"He also believes when we try to make policy decisions days after an event like this that we end up making emotional and reactionary decisions,'' he said.
National Rifle Association ratings of current lawmakers:
Arizona Senate:
Paula Aboud, D-Tucson -- F
Sylvia Allen, R-Snowflake -- A
Frank Antenori, R-Tucson -- A-plus
Nancy Barto, R-Phoenix -- A
Andy Biggs, R-Gilbert -- A-minus
Scott Bundgaard, R-Peoria -- A
Olivia Cajero Bedford, D-Tucson -- ?
Rich Crandall, R-Mesa -- B-plus
Adam Driggs, R-Phoenix -- A-minus
Steve Gallardo, D-Phoenix -- ?
Ron Gould, R-Lake Havasu City -- A-plus
Linda Gray, R-Glendale -- A-plus
Gail Griffin, R-Hereford -- A
Jack Jackson Jr., D-Window Rock -- F
Lori Klein, R-Anthem -- ?
Leah Landrum Taylor, D-Phoenix -- F
Linda Lopez, D-Tucson -- F
John McComish, R-Phoenix -- A
Al Melvin, R-Tucson -- A-minus
Robert Meza, D-Phoenix -- ?
Rick Murphy, R-Glendale -- A
John Nelson, R-Litchfield Park -- A-minus
Russell Pearce, R-Mesa --
Steve Pierce, R-Prescott -- B-minus
Michele Reagan, R-Scottsdale -- A
Don Shooter, R-Yuma -- AQ
David Schapira, D-Tempe -- F
Kyrsten Sinema -- D-Phoenix -- F
Steve Smith, R-Maricopa -- AQ
Steve Yarbrough, R-Chandler -- A-minus
Arizona House:
Ed Ableser, D-Tempe -- D
Kirk Adams, R-Mesa -- A-minus
Lela Alston, D-Phoenix -- ?
Ben Arredondo, D-Tempe -- ?
Cecil Ash, R-Mesa -- A-minus
Brenda Barton, R-Safford -- AQ
Kate Brophy McGee, R-Phoenix -- A-minus
Judy Burges, R-Skull Valley -- A-plus
Chad Campbell, D-Phoenix -- D
Heather Carter, R-Cave Creek -- B
Tom Chabin, D-Flagstaff -- F
Steve Court, R-Mesa -- A-minus
Chester Crandell, R-Heber -- ?
Jeff Dial, R-Chandler -- AQ
Karen Fann, R-Prescott -- A-minus
Steve Farley, D-Tucson -- F
Eddie Farnsworth, R-Gilbert -- A
John Fillmore, R-Mesa -- AQ
Tom Forese, R-Gilbert -- ?
Ruben Gallego, D-Phoenix -- ?
Sally Ann Gonzales, D-Tucson -- ?
Doris Goodale, R-Kingman -- A-minus
David Gowan, R-Sierra Vista -- A-plus
Rick Gray, R-Sun City -- AQ
Albert Hale, D-Window Rock -- ?
Jack Harper, R-Surprise -- A-plus
Matt Heinz, D-Tucson -- C-minus
Katie Hobbs, D-Phoenix -- ?
Russ Jones, R-Yuma -- B-plus
Peggy Judd, R-Willcox -- AQ
John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills -- A-plus
Debbie Lesko, R-Glendale -- A
Debbie McCune Davis, D-Phoenix -- F
Nancy McLain, R-Bullhead City -- A-minus
J.D. Mesnard, R-Chandler -- AQ
Eric Meyer, D-Paradise Valley -- ?
Catherine Miranda, D-Phoenix -- ?
Richard Miranda, D-Phoenix -- ?
Steve Montenegro, R-Litchfield Park -- A-plus
Justin Olson, R-Mesa -- AQ
Lynne Pancrazi, D-Yuma -- B-minus
Daniel Patterson, D-Tucson -- B-minus
Frank Pratt, R-Casa Grande -- A-minus
Terri Proud, R-Tucson -- AQ
Amanda Reeve, R-Phoenix -- A
Bob Robson, R-Chandler -- B-plus
Macario Saldate, D-Tucson -- ?
Carl Seel, R-Phoenix -- A-plus
David Smith, R-Scottsdale -- AQ
David Stevens, R-Sierra Vista -- A
Andy Tobin, R-Paulden -- A-minus
Anna Tovar, D-Tolleson -- F
Michele Ugenti, R-Scottsdale -- ?
Steve Urie, R-Gilbert -- AQ
Ted Vogt, R-Tucson -- A
Jerry Weiers, R-Glendale -- A-plus
Jim Weiers, R-Phoenix -- A
Bruce Wheeler, D-Tucson -- A-minus
Vic Williams, R-Tucson -- A-minus
Kimberly Yee, R-Phoenix -- AQ
Ratings definition:
A-plus -- Excellent voting record on NRA issues and "vigorous effort'' to promote and defend Second Amendment.
A -- Solidly pro-gun candidate who has supported NRA on key issues.
AQ -- A pro-gun candidate whose has no voting record but is rated based solely on answers to questionnaire.
B -- A generally pro-gun candidate who may have supported some restrictive legislation.
C -- A candidate with a mixed record on gun-related issues.
D -- An anti-gun candidate who usually supports restrictive legislation.
F -- A consistent anti-gun candidate who is a "true enemy of gun owners' rights.''
? -- Refused to answer questionnaire which is considered indifference or hostility to rights of gun owners.
-- Source for ratings and definitions: National Rifle Association.
ttjp79 posted at 1:42 am on Sun, Jan 16, 2011.
When are lawmakers going to wake-up and recognize that they are mis-speaking when talking about gun rights? It IS NOT A GOD-given right!!!!!!! NO WHERE IN THE BIBLE DOES GOD TELL YOU YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO HAVE A GUN!!!!!!!! It proves the stupidity of the lawmakers creating these laws when they say things like that. Owning a gun is a priviledge. These are much different times then when our forefathers wrote the 2nd amendment. Back then, you needed to own a gun to hunt for food, protect yourself from people fighting wars in your backyard, etc. Now, too many irresponsible, stupid people have guns, and making looser gun laws does not mean responsible people are buying them. I guarantee there were people at the shooting in Tucson that had guns on them, but did not use them because they either didn't have time to pull it, or were already shot. Plus, many times, with a crazed man like that, showing you had a gun would've definitely killed you. Guns=violence. Violence=violence. Guns DO NOT=peace. I am not against gun-ownership, but I am for stricter laws that make it a priviledge, rather than a right. Otherwise, we need to make a new amendment to the Constitution making it a right for all to drive cars since that is a necessity of life these days, rather than just a priviledge. I choose to practice my faith in God that he will protect me, and that I do not need to live in fear of people who may or may not have guns. Jesus did not bear arms against those that hated him, nor did he show fear to them. He showed love and understanding and asked God to forgive those that betrayed him and crucified him. I will not give into fear.
cactusjumper posted at 2:48 am on Sun, Jan 16, 2011.
I'm all for society being able to protect themselves by ANY means when it comes to having to fear for your life or the lives of your family or the rest of the public. I agree GUNS DO KILL but when a life is theatened that's beyond thier control, how else are you going to protect yourself? A butterknife or your fist will NOT stop a bullet. I carry a weapon everyday and I feel assured I can protect my loved ones. My wife also carries so 2 against 1 is better odds of surviving We also practice fairly often at a gun range and our accuracy is very good.This also includes MOVING TARGETS which definately increases our ability to hit our 'mark' ACCURATELY. This DECREASES 'accidents'. I truly wished I could've been near that madman in Tucson. The outcome would've saved the country a trial. Now the madman will cost us MILLIONS of dollars to put him in a ward and then prison for the rest of his life. That day in Tucson was a nightmare.
Leon Ceniceros posted at 3:12 am on Sun, Jan 16, 2011.
You have to start wondering when the Liberal/Left is going to start ......."practicing what they have been preaching"???
President Obama has called for and end to the... ."blame game".
Poll after National Poll shows that the vast majority of American people do not place any blame on the State of Arizona, the Arizona Legislature, the Arizona Governor, SB 1070, Arizona's gun laws. The American public logically places the blame on a mentally ill young man who had been stalking his victim before there was such a thing as the ...."Tea Party" ...or .."SB 1070" or the 2010 Arizona gun-carrying Law.
So you have to ask yourself what was behind the reasoning for this article? What was behind the printing of all the Republican State leaders' .."quotes"? What was behind the printing of every single Arizona Senator and House member's .....National Rifle Association...."Ratings"? Did this reporter ever list the NRA Ratings before the Tucson shooting tragedy? Was this article printed to promote this reporters almost "permanent" seat at the PBS Channel 8, ASU sponsored KAET'S Friday night "Horizon Show Journalist Roundtable"?
The "hate talk" and the "ridiculing" and the "bashing" and the "reputation trashing" have been mostly coming from the Liberal/Left of the Democratic Party, it's TV/Cable show moderators, commentators and "gurus". That is to be expected, they are coming from a "political" position.
But more and more we are seeing the "BLURRING" of the line between journalism and agendas. This is not what America needs at this time of healing. Just because your politcal party lost a local, State or National election in 2010...now is the time to..."move on"...to stop and think before you say or print something that will only foster contiuned "hurt and anger". That is what Congresswoman Giffords would want. Let's us all try to follow her compassion and leave the rhetoric behind. Let us all give "bi-partisanship" a chance to flourish again in America. Let us turn "swords into plowshares" once again.
MsLiberty posted at 3:24 am on Sun, Jan 16, 2011.
ANyone there with a gun still would not have had it in their hands ready to shoot when the madman pulled his and fired his first shots. You react to the shooting by pulling your gun and shooting him (and your distance from him and the fact there are people between you and the madman and he has his gun out and is still shooting and moving among moving people). Hunting and target practice aren the same as shooting a moving target that is shooting at you. Ask other ex-military or those currently serving or police officers.
Only armed security with guns ready could have prevented what happened. Not stronger gun laws and not more armed citizens. Unless they had their guns in their hand ready to shoot they werent going to stop it. Reacting means you wait til something happens so the badguys get the jump. Armed secret service didnt stop previous presidents getting assassinated so armed civilians won't either nor could they have stopped the assassinations.
.
MsLiberty posted at 3:27 am on Sun, Jan 16, 2011.
ANyone there with a gun still would not have had it in their hands ready to shoot when the madman pulled his and fired his first shots. You react to the shooting by pulling your gun and shooting him (and your distance from him and the fact there are people between you and the madman and he has his gun out and is still shooting and moving among moving people). Hunting and target practice aren the same as shooting a moving target that is shooting at you. Ask other ex-military or those currently serving or police officers.
Only armed security with guns ready could have prevented what happened. Not stronger gun laws and not more armed citizens. Unless they had their guns in their hand ready to shoot they werent going to stop it. Reacting means you wait til something happens so the badguys get the jump. Armed secret service didnt stop previous presidents getting assassinated so armed civilians won't either nor could they have stopped the assassinations.
.
disgusted posted at 5:28 am on Sun, Jan 16, 2011.
Perhaps if a child or spouse of one of these MORON'S had been in Tuscon on Saturday, Jan. 8th, 2011 and had just happened by a certain Safeway Store, they would have a different perspective! I DOUBT IT!! That would mean that they actually have some VALUES, MORALS and HEART!! I am GRATEFUL for this list, NOW I HAVE NAMES of my, let's see, I'll use terminology that they understand, TARGETS!! NO, NOT with their "chosen weapons" but to GET RID of ALL through PEACEFUL MEANS, VOTING, ACTIVATING MY RIGHTS and those of THOUSANDS who are FED UP with the NRA and all of their NEANDERTHAL, ARROGANT, SELF-RIGHTCIOUS IDIOUSY!!! I don't care WHAT "POLITICAL" ideology you may have, if YOU are CONCERENED about this COUNTRY and want to see it GROW and PROSPER as an INTEGRAL part of CIVILIZATION, JOIN ME to RID this STATE and NATION of this PLAGUE that is the NRA!!!
Tokarev posted at 6:40 am on Sun, Jan 16, 2011.
According to ttjp79, the Founding Fathers were lunatics. THEY are the ones who said the 2nd Amendment was a God-given right, but you know more than they do. You say they needed guns "back then to defend themselves against people"..Amen. Nothing has changed.
You cannot legislate morality, responsibility, or common sense.
Tokarev posted at 6:48 am on Sun, Jan 16, 2011.
While everyone has a "God-given Right" to purchase and carry a handgun anywhere they choose, and have the riight "not to retreat", even the most Conservative member of the SCOTUS agreed that some rights could be subject to "reasonable restrictions"--but no one can agree on what that is.
I do think that allowing someone to buy a handgun and carry it anywhere in the state without so much as firing a qualifying shot is NOT reasonable.
Leon Ceniceros posted at 7:20 am on Sun, Jan 16, 2011.
Guess what Arizonians?
This article has made the the "Front Page" of MSNBC On-Line and it wouldn't surprise me to see it on MSNBC TV News too. What next a Pulitzer Prize?
Here we see the... MT. EVEREST... of the Left-wing/Liberal TV/Cable National Media shows the Nation and the World how "DESPICABLE" and a certifiable "MEMBER OF THE TEA PARTY LUNATIC FRINGE".
Here we see another citizen of Arizona "shoot it's self in the foot". Let's see we had Steve Nash (and all the members of the Phoenix Suns Basketball team wearing a "protest" uniform that had everything but the Mexican Flag on it), Democrat Congressman Raul Grijalva (calling for a "Boycott" by every convention, symposium and meeting of every and all Arizona tourism destinations, hotels, resorts and convention venues) and just this past week, Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik (we all know what he "said" and contiues to say on MSNBC, CNN and other media outlets).
How can intelligent, well-educated and well-meaning people "befoul their own nests" to use an oldtime metaphor"???
And yet these are many of the same people calling for an end to Political Rhetoric and a Call to Bi-Partisanship and Healing our Country. Well, folks, to use yet another old time adage this time........................CHARITY (LOVE) BEGINS AT HOME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
aristeo1 posted at 8:49 am on Sun, Jan 16, 2011.
You anti-gun people will never get rid of guns. No matter how much you try. Whether you take away peoples rights. If you do that then only criminals will have guns. Law abiding citizens will have to wait 20+ minutes for the police to come as someone is breaking into our houses. You will never stop people from hurting other people. Then you will need to outlaw rocks, boards, knives, cars, and whatever you can get your hands on. Gun is a right, but God-given is a little ridiculous. We are slowly loosing all our rights. Our 1st ammendment is going fast. Soon enough we will have nothing. And when you can't make anymore choices for yourself, you have no right to cry about it.
aristeo1 posted at 8:51 am on Sun, Jan 16, 2011.
I'm their will be no changes to the gun and ammo restrictions. Yay!
aristeo1 posted at 8:53 am on Sun, Jan 16, 2011.
I'm happy their will be no changes to the gun and ammo restrictions. Yay!
Dinosr posted at 8:56 am on Sun, Jan 16, 2011.
Where were all you experts when it would help the U.S.?
...Everyone seems to know how to cure the problem now!
Big talk does not make one bit of difference. After the fact
is the time to score your big chested ideas.
...Where was all you know-it-alls when it counted? Just
think, if your loved ones was in danger, and a man or
woman with a hidden gun saved them, would you be mad
at them?
...Get Real. You are saying that no one has the right to bear
arms because you think everyone should think like you.
...The NRA was formed to insure our God Given Rights
were protected. It is a freedom of the people, for the people.
...As for the Bible thumper that says there is no rules in the
Bible saying we have the God given right to carry a gun?
Does that mean our police should only carry a club? Does
that mean we should just give up? Mister Bible thumper,
do you have locks on your doors? Why? The Bible say you
must trust God to protect you? Then why the Locks?
...The list merely shows a free people, the thoughts of the
law makers, that is a public record. Don't you think there is
enough secrets? Remember--- You are only Free if you
protect that right. I am Free and I have the right, in the state
of Arizona, to protect that right with a hidden gun.
...Yes, I am a member of the NRA and I am very proud to
have that right. I am Free and I'm going to stay Free.
...........Are You Free???????
aristeo1 posted at 9:51 am on Sun, Jan 16, 2011.
Well said Dinosr.
rrjenn posted at 11:36 am on Sun, Jan 16, 2011.
The only question you need to ask yourself is, how much freedom are you willing to give up to feel secure? Do you think you will finally feel safe when all guns are removed from private ownership? Will a few less rounds per magazine make you safer? How many rounds will make you feel safe? Remember, only honest folks obey any gun laws you might make, and criminals can always get guns, and tend to ply their trade where they are least likely to meet resistance. If you don't believe me, put up a gun free zone sign on your front lawn. Make it a big sign with easy to read lettering so everyone knows there are willing victims inside. Good luck.
azrepublican posted at 12:00 pm on Sun, Jan 16, 2011.
I understand a lot of people are upset over this shooting. The liberal media always plays up this kind of tragedy, but they never give you the bigger picture.
Data from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation show that America has been on a firearms buying spree since the end of 2005. Meanwhile, the FBI recently released preliminary 2009 crime data indicating that violent crime has been dropping at an accelerating rate since the end of 2006.
The FBI reports the number of background checks, by month, requested for potential firearms purchases through licensed dealers. When a prospective buyer wants to buy a gun, he fills out a form which the dealer submits to law enforcement. If approved, the sale proceeds. This system is called the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, or NICS for short.
Between November 2005 and October 2009, nearly every month’s requests were higher than the year before. (For example, there were 12.4% more NICS requests in September 2009 than in September 2008.) The sole exception was December 2007, which saw 1.9% fewer requests than December 2006. On an annual basis, each year’s total saw double-digit growth over the previous year beginning in 2006.
NICS data mirror the estimated sales data from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, which also show double-digit growth beginning in 2006. (Not all background checks result in one gun being purchased.)
More guns, less murder.
Murder rates are perhaps the best indicator of violent crime trends, compared to the other FBI major violent crimes. A dead body with bloody wounds clearly indicates violence, but living victims don’t always tell police they were assaulted. The FBI calculates violent crime rates based upon what’s reported to police.
After the Virginia Tech shooting, Katie Couric interviewed Paul Helmke, president of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. Said Helmke:
“While it is ‘people who kill people,’ they do so more often, and more successfully because we make it so easy to get such lethal weapons [guns].”
It’s true that NICS data show how easy it is for Americans to buy guns, but FBI crime data shows that law-abiding gun owners are not the problem.
More guns, less rape, robbery, and aggravated assault
Elizabeth Hellmann, program director for NRA women’s shooting sports programs, says:
In 2000, our first year, Women on Target had 13 clinics with 496 participants. Based upon attendance reports submitted so far this year, WOT is slightly above the figures for last year, which had a record of over 9,000 attendees.
Most women who call about WOT clinics say they are interested in learning to shoot for the purpose of personal protection. Generally, the NRA finds that women who are interested in learning to shoot often state that they want to obtain concealed carry permits.
Pistol training is our most popular class, whether it’s for Women On Target or basic NRA courses.
MSNBC recently ran an article entitled “Record numbers now licensed to pack heat.” An ABC affiliate in California noted:
With budget cuts depleting local police and sheriffs [sic] departments, concealed weapons permit applications have bumped up slightly.
The Boston Globe noted that even in Massachusetts — where gun ownership is restricted to those who complete coursework and pass a police background check — gun ownership increased over 15% during the 2008-2009 period.
All across America, concealed carry permits are on the rise. Between 2006 and 2009, Florida issued over 271,000 new licenses, a 66% increase to over 684,000.
During the same time period, Texas saw a 56% increase, bringing their total to over 402,000; Michigan saw an 80% increase in licensees; and Utah experienced a 78% increase.
Since 2005, there has been a 25% increase in justifiable homicides by private citizens, 31% more by citizens with handguns. (Justifiable homicides result when citizens stop felonious attacks against themselves or another person, killing the attacker.)
While few defensive gun uses result in the attacker’s death, justifiable homicide data serve as an indicator of how more citizens are choosing self-defense over victimhood.
News items abound where armed citizens successfully defended themselves. A perusal of The Armed Citizen contains a generous sampling of successful self-defense articles going back to November 2003, and Keep and Bear Arms usually posts a number of stories each day.
More guns. More gun owners. More law-abiding citizens carrying handguns in public. More caution amongst violent predators?
When interviewed by the Christian Science Monitor, Violence Policy Center founder Josh Sugarmann complained about how much influence pro-gun writers and organizations have gained in recent years, saying that pro-rights bloggers “clearly have more free time than people on our side of the issue do.” He conveniently overlooked the fact that he has plenty of time to promote his side because he receives over $135,000 yearly from the Joyce Foundation, compared to these volunteer “bloggers.”
In 2009, Gallup found that support for a handgun ban had faded to its lowest level (29%) since they began the survey in 1959. Gallup got similar results when asking people whether or not they supported stricter gun control laws.
Organizations like the Brady Campaign and Violence Policy Center like to blame the “gun lobby’s undue influence” on policy makers for their difficulty in passing “sensible gun laws” that “the public supports.”
The numbers speak louder than anti-rights rhetoric: more guns, less crime.
Is this because criminals know more people have been buying guns and getting concealed carry permits? Even old media has been reporting the surge in gun sales.
In 2006, ABC reported:
More women, from soccer moms to professionals like the ones at the Blue Ridge Arsenal gun range in Chantilly, Va., are packing heat for sport, self-empowerment and protection.
In gun-unfriendly California, ABC recently reported:
Local gun shop owners are seeing an increase in the number of women customers. Personal protection is the main reason they’re shopping. According to the national shooting sports foundation, almost half the people taking their first handgun class this past year were women.
These are just two examples of the numerous articles about new women shooters and their desire to empower themselves with effective self-defense tools.
http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/fbi-crime-stats-show-an-armed-public-is-a-safer-public/2/
Dinosr posted at 12:32 pm on Sun, Jan 16, 2011.
There seems to be one thing that is being overlooked by
all you peaceful peace makers.
...Do you know? The freedom and peace you are now
living was brought about by the use of guns? When the
whole world was in danger of losing their freedom, How
was it stopped? Guns! Many free men and women gave
their lives without a second thought, to protect the rights
that are being removed one at a time, today. Freedom.
...Now, the rights and freedoms of this world are being
attacked again. This time it is being attacked by words.
...Don't be mistaken, words are just as deadly as guns.
First they lull you into believing everyone else is to blame
for your troubles. Then a cure is promised if you will only
trust in them enough to give up your guns.
...Do you care about your freedom enough to at least try
to think? What is the new world order? If we give up the
rights to protect ourselves, who will?
...When we pass to the next life, who will we blame for
losing the freedom we didn't fight to keep? A TALKER?
...Remember--- No one fully enjoys the rights of being
free until the rights of freedom are gone.
...The next time you meet a member of the NRA, Thank
them. They are the only reason we still have the right to
tell the talkers NO. They can't tell, if you hold a gun. They
have to ask.
........Want to know why you are still Free?
Ask a gun owner.
rrjenn posted at 12:38 pm on Sun, Jan 16, 2011.
FBI data shows violent crime continues to decline
Source: AP
1:07 p.m. Monday, December 20, 2010
By ALICIA A. CALDWELL
WASHINGTON — Reports of violent and property crimes continued to decline in the first half of 2010, according to preliminary crime report released by the FBI Monday.
The FBI's semiannual uniform crime report shows that reports of violent crime dropped 6.2 percent from January to June and property crime reports were down 2.8 percent.
The dip in reported crimes follows a three-year trend of decreasing crime rates despite a sagging economy.
According to the FBI, murders dropped 7.1 percent in the first six months of 2010 while robberies decreased by 10.7 percent. Reports of vehicle thefts also dropped by 9.7 percent.
FBI crime reports have shown a steady decrease in crimes rates since 2008. In the annual report for 2009, released in September, reports of violent crimes dropped 5.3 percent and reported property crimes fell 4.6 percent.
Even if you refuse to believe that these statistics have nothing at all to do with increased gun sales, you must admit that increased gun sales haven't caused an increase in violent crime.
Every time an emotionally charged shooting death occurs, the liberal gun grabbers come out in force to try to convince you that there is some kind of epidemic of gun related murders going on. The truth is that guns save ten times more lives than they take.
Don't let yourself be a tool for these liberal gun grabbers that refuse to show you the facts. If you do, you certainly won't be the sharpest tools in the shed.
professor posted at 12:55 pm on Sun, Jan 16, 2011.
This shocking turn of events in Arizona where innocent are killed by a person so easily in our society brings up other issues to me. 1. The use of God-given rights as a reason for human actions without any reference to where they got that information, I guess that means they have a direct line that isn't available to all. 2. Why does the AZ legislators support policies or laws created by people outside of AZ. I would be surprised if all the people in AZ fully support the NRA. We know that S.B. 1070 came from Kansas, and the constitutional amendment came from California. Please think about people in Arizona and don't just go lockstep with ideas from outside.
snipes posted at 1:27 pm on Sun, Jan 16, 2011.
Brewer, Pearce, Adams, Harper.
This is why Arizona has become a national embarrassment.
Slabside posted at 2:13 pm on Sun, Jan 16, 2011.
snipes, I'm a native Arizonian and am proud of my state. If Arizona embarrasses you, please leave. If you are posting from another state, we Arizonians really don't give a rat's patoot what you think. Crime happens in every state not just in Arizona.
Cerulean posted at 2:22 pm on Sun, Jan 16, 2011.
I frequently walk in the Tonto National Forest just north of Apache Junction. At the trail head that I use there is a large white sign that says NO hunting, NO target practice, NO shooting and the ARS is cited that qualifies the post.
Last week as I started on my walk I noticed that a middle aged man, woman and two children were out for a hike. The young girl, maybe 7 or 8 years old, awkwardly carried a rifle (of what variety, I do not know). Maybe her father had told her to carry the rifle with the nuzzle faced down for safety, but it was clearly an obstacle for her small size. She and the young boy were talking and he told her to 'shoot the rattle snakes in the mouth if she saw one'.
It took every ounce of restraint that I could muster to keep my thoughts to myself. The only thing that gave me solace is the knowledge that snakes are in hibernation and so these stupid, stupid people could not shoot one.
The gun lunatics are out in force now. Everybody WATCH-OUT, these people are dangerous.
rrjenn posted at 2:25 pm on Sun, Jan 16, 2011.
Snipes, the bulk of America is envious of Arizona's permissive gun laws. Oh, you didn't really have an on topic argument. You just wanted bad mouth a few people with a drive by? Good, it really makes you look very intelligent. Well said.
rrjenn posted at 2:28 pm on Sun, Jan 16, 2011.
"He could have three guns in his pocket,'' Brewer said. "I believe in the Second Amendment, as did Gabby Giffords.''
Snipes, why didn't you list Gabby with the other three?
snipes posted at 11:02 pm on Sun, Jan 16, 2011.
Snipes, why didn't you list Gabby with the other three?
--------------
Perhaps you haven't heard, but sadly Ms Giffords is unable to speak for herself.
rrjenn posted at 10:24 am on Mon, Jan 17, 2011.
You don't have to tell me what her condition is fool. I know her personally, and she shares my views on the 2nd amendment. Now you and your ilk go find someone else's tragedy to exploit.
TOOBAD2 posted at 11:44 am on Mon, Jan 17, 2011.
SLABSIDE ; DON'T BE DOWN ON PEOPLE FROM OTHER STATES. WE 'GUN OWNERS' ARE ON YOUR SIDE. I'M FROM CALIF. AM LOOKING FORWARD TO MOVING TO ARIZONA WHEN MY WIFE GETS TO RETIRE. AND I WILL BE BRINGING MY ARSENAL WITH ME. CALIF KEEPS CHANGING THE LAW ABOUT WHAT IS LEGAL. JUST KEEP YOUR GUN RIGHTS GOING THE WAY IT IS. CALIF HAS WAY TOO MANY LIBERALS , I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN OUT NUMBERED. I CRAVE THE FRESH AIR OF FREEDOM WE HAD BACK IN THE 50'S AND 60'S. HOLD THE FORT ARIZONA I'M A COMING AS FAST AS I CAN .
EmperorSmith posted at 3:11 pm on Mon, Jan 17, 2011.
pulling a gun is as easy as pulling out your wallet. That is where I hostler mine in my right side back.
Slabside posted at 4:55 pm on Mon, Jan 17, 2011.
TOOBAD2, believe me, I welcome all to Arizona (except illegals) and only get down on the ignorant idividuals that verbally trash my state when they have no room to talk.
Dale Whiting posted at 7:35 pm on Mon, Jan 17, 2011.
Edmund Burke once wrote,”A man always has a right to self-defense, but he does not have, in all times and all places, a right to carry a drawn sword." Where Burke, the father of modern conservative thought, wrote this at the end of the 18th century not long after our 2nd Amendment was adopted, was he taking a "moderate stance" on what has become yet one more time a major point of contention between today's pro-gun and pro-gun control nuts?
I see little if any moderation in the foregoing debates. Yesterday's conservatives are today's moderates and even liberal democrats. Yesterday's liberals are gone and burried. Today's conservatives did not exist in the time of Burke. Had they, Burke would have burried them in their false logic.
Lenapelou posted at 10:17 pm on Tue, Jan 18, 2011.
I can not beleive the pro-right are still running around, saying things like " guns don't kill people, people do." Would not that also apply to a-bombs? As a history teacher I can tell you the founders would have never written the second admendment if they knew that weapons like the one used in Tucson were ever going to be created. 3 or 4 of these handguns, in the hands of the British would have stopped the revolution cold in it's tracks. Everybody knows it was written to allow for a National Guard, and not for any other reason. The NRA is a criminal enterprise which is fighting laws to allow the government to trace the purchase of machine guns ( not handguns) from the US to DRUG gangs in Mexico. You NRA guys know this is the truth, and you look the other way. What big crime fighters you are.You are as sick is that punk in Tucson. It has been 47 full years since 1963 and you have learned nothing.
Dinosr posted at 9:31 am on Wed, Jan 19, 2011.
To the bleepers-
...You say the truth is profane, yet you let this so
called teacher rewrite history to suit the story.
...Talkers are not telling me they have the right
to take my gun. This (teacher)? has forgotten
it was a gun that won freedom in the first place.
EmperorSmith posted at 1:30 pm on Wed, Jan 19, 2011.
Humane existence is conflict. The gun is that which won are freedom to take conflict to words. That said take way the tool that gave us freedom of words where are we then?
rrjenn posted at 2:31 pm on Wed, Jan 19, 2011.
Lenapelou says "I cannot believe the pro-right are still running around, saying things like " guns don't kill people, people do." Would not that also apply to a-bombs?"
The pro-right?
How about knives or #2 pencils? I could kill you with either one. England doesn't allow people to walk around with even small folding pocket knives concealed. In Oakland, California pencils cannot be carried concealed. They are considered deadly weapons. What's it going to take to make you tards feel safe?
EmperorSmith posted at 12:31 pm on Thu, Jan 20, 2011.
Give me a A-bomb and a nice place to set it off I'll have it. Of course I do not think I could afford one.
EmperorSmith posted at 12:32 pm on Thu, Jan 20, 2011.
safe place can't think of one on the earth though.
ernie13x posted at 7:59 pm on Wed, Feb 9, 2011.
Freakin' brilliant. Criminals and cartels were dancing in the streets when those two won their elections.
wangly posted at 12:17 am on Wed, Nov 7, 2012.
and running mate Paul Ryan's plan to privatize parts of of jordan 11 concords of Medicare.Obama also passed up the opportunity to question Romney's
that his health care plan would cover people with "preexisting "preexisting cheap replica designer handbags "preexisting conditions," an assertion one of his top aides, Eric
qualified in the post-debate "spin room.""We'd like to see states states moncler jackets men states do what Massachusetts did," Fehrnstrom said. "In Massachusetts we
a ban on pre-existing conditions." The Massachusetts law, which provided provided cheap moncler jackets provided the blueprint for the Affordable Care Act, requires insurance
take all comers. By contrast, candidate Romney's proposal would not, not, jordan 11 not, instead leaving that decision to the states.Romney also refused
provide any more specifics on how he would pay for for designer replica handbags for 20 percent, across-the-board tax cuts and military spending increases
to come in at $2 trillion. On the stump, Romney Romney cheap jordan shoes Romney has promised to close tax loopholes, but last night
would not name the particular deductions he planned to wipe wipe jordan 11 concords wipe out.When Obama suggested Romney's declared "love" of teachers was
backed up by his budget plan, the challenger was prepared prepared moncler down jackets prepared with one of those much-anticipated "zingers.""Mr. President," he said,