The Media's War on Guns: Are You a Victim?

With Obama's push for more extreme gun control measures at full swing and the media now reporting on every American shooting they can get their grimey little fingers on, I'm left wondering. Will the illusion that our streets are less safe today then they were before Sandy Hook, essentially blind side the right to keep and bear arms?

The media is using fear tactics to try and scare the American people into believing that less guns equals less death. The less informed citizens are easily swayed by the media and take their reporting at face value. Through the Sandy Hook tragedy we witnessed first hand how irresponsible the media can be in reporting inaccurate information. Even worse, when they do recant their original statement and replace it with the accurate intel, they don't focus the same attention on correcting their mistake as they did in their initial report. Therefore people are left believing fallacies. An example, despite major outlets reporting that they were wrong when they said the Sandy Hook shooter used an AR-15 in his mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary, but rather used several handguns, the majority of American's still believe the initial report. Hence the attack on semi-automatic rifles. This could be in part a result of our elected officials push for strict gun control and unwarranted bans on certain firearms, yet it is a complete bait and switch.

Now I'm not claiming that all news agencies are left leaning democrats. But the scales are definately tipped in the wrong direction. How many other political agendas have been pushed through Congress right before our eyes using the same dirty tactics and outright lies that is occuring right now?

Anybody who does a little research on guns in the news will stumble upon a few articles from Chicago and Massachusetts where gun control is stronger than anywhere else in the nation. Yet despite having these repressive laws on the books, gun violence is out of control. How can that be? If the mantra less guns equals less death, then these laws should single handedly be driving gun violence into the ground. But they're not. They aren't working because these laws do nothing to stop criminals from finding guns and using them during their crimes. Some politicians will claim if we make it even tougher for legal citizens to aquire guns it will make it that much harder for criminals to get them. Let's be real, only a fool would believe that. Drugs have been illegal in this country for decades, yet the war on drugs proves those laws do little to stop criminals from distributing drugs inside our borders. Those laws ban everyone from buying or selling these substances, so how can we have a drug problem at all if laws stop criminals?

If you are one of the people wondering why it seems like there are so many shootings this year compared to years past, then the media is getting to you. Guns are no more a problem today then they were in the past. Gun violence has been decreasing for years and despite what liberals will tell you we are far safer as an armed society than not. The minute criminals realize that law abiding citizens won't fight back, not only will gun violence increase, but every other type of violent crime will increase with it. America doesn't need thousands of more rapes, assaults, and robberies a year. Our citizens don't need the government to control every aspect of our lives. Obama now controls our healthcare, he can leave our guns the hell alone.

Misconceptions In the Media

I think there is a serious misconception among the media reports about pro-gun supporters as well as the NRA. Strongly left outlets like to portray us as gun hugging crazies who want everyone to have a gun. Unfortunately that is so far from the truth. Gun supporters like myself understand the need for reasonable regulation. We know that a person with serious mental health issues that is a threat to themselves and others should not have access to a gun. We also know that felons with a violent history should not own or possess a firearm either. The government has laws already on the books that are supposed to prevent said individuals from purchasing these firearms. A perfect example is Adam Lanza, the Sandy Hook shooter. Prior to committing his terrible crime he attempted to purchase a rifle. However due to the safeguards in place, his application was denied. We know he then went on to murder his mother in order to gain access to her firearms, illegally.

The NRA has openly said that they support closing the so called "gun show loophole." This would require all firearms sales whether private or through a dealer be accompanied by a background check. I personally am on the fence regarding this matter because the background check is an ideal cover for the federal government to track and register all firearms. As many have said before, registration is the first step to confiscation. If the people could be assured that firearm data was not being transmitted through the background checks, then I would support this measure 100%.

With the "gun show loophole" closed and effective enforcement of existing laws there is no need for an assault weapons ban or a magazine capacity limit. The system would make it far more difficult for felons and the mentally ill to gain access to firearms. From there it is the responsibility of law enforcement to get illegally owned firearms off the streets but still leaves the public capable of defending themselves when someone with an illegally owned firearm or ill intent threatens their life.

Firearm discrimination is not the answer. I've seen endless flawed data and heard outright lies from congress all the way to the White House. Even writing this blog I have received hate mail egging me on, trying to make me snap. It won't work. This is a very serious issue that requires adults not childish games. I take my rights seriously and I will fight to protect them. I hope you will do the same.