Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

applegrove

(123,030 posts)
Thu Apr 25, 2013, 08:30 PM Apr 2013

"Gun Zealots: Shooting Victims Should Stay Out of the Debate"

Gun Zealots: Shooting Victims Should Stay Out of the Debate

By Alex Seitz-Wald at Salon

http://www.salon.com/2013/04/23/gun_zealots_shooting_victims_should_stay_out_of_debate/

"SNIP................................


But it’s not just Taranto. From Sen. Rand Paul to small-time radio hosts, gun rights absolutists seem eager to dismiss gun violence victims and condemn them for daring to speak out.

The National Review’s Kevin Williamson criticized Giffords in a particularly ugly way, saying, “It should be noted that being shot in the head by a lunatic does not give one any special grace to pronounce upon public-policy questions.” A Washington Times editorial said that Obama was “exploit[ing] the grief” of the Newtown families by “using them at every opportunity as props to make a political argument.” Breitbart’s Ben Shapiro likewise decried Obama for “exploitation of victims of violence using guns.” Another conservative blogger accused Giffords of “emotional bullying.”

Of course, Republican Paul called gun violence victims “props,” but even conservative Democrats were not above rejecting the right of victims to participate in the debate. “It’s dangerous to do any type of policy in an emotional moment,” Alaska Democratic Sen. Mark Begich told the New York Times. “Because human emotions then drive the decision. Everyone’s all worked up. That’s not enough.”

A radio host in Minnesota even told gun violence victims to “go to hell.” “I’m sorry that you suffered a tragedy, but you know what? Deal with it, and don’t force me to lose my liberty, which is a greater tragedy than your loss,” said Bob Davis on AM 1130.


................................SNIP"
15 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies

applegrove

(123,030 posts)
1. Psychopaths too like to control the parameters of any negotiation/debate/fight. Giving themselves
Thu Apr 25, 2013, 08:30 PM
Apr 2013

the advantage because they want to knock some real truths out so they don't have to deal with them or they'd lose. Next they'll be making themselves out to be the victims. I totally expect this from the right at this point.

sigmasix

(794 posts)
5. why do gun nuts protect the rights of pedophiles?
Thu Apr 25, 2013, 08:37 PM
Apr 2013

The NRA and other domestic terror organizations work very hard to destroy America and our children. The NRA is responsible for pedophiles like Ted Nugent having the right to own guns. What does this say about someone that would join such an organization?

mokawanis

(4,472 posts)
10. Sorry, but if you get shot in the head
Thu Apr 25, 2013, 10:52 PM
Apr 2013

and survive you must surrender your right to be part of the debate about gun control.



Paladin

(28,739 posts)
11. And how many times have DU Gun Enthusiasts griped about "emotionalism"?
Fri Apr 26, 2013, 07:48 AM
Apr 2013

Countless times. This is the truly dark underside of the gun militancy movement: victims of gun-related violence just don't count for much. On a typical thread involving a gun massacre, the Enthusiasts concentrate on the make and model of the weapons used, and gripe about the media incorrectly describing intricate details of said weapons, and that's it---nothing in the way of sympathy for the victims and their families. I often wonder what sort of homes our resident Gun Enthusiasts were raised in; I believe they are missing vital segments of their personalities, and the guns they own obviously offer nothing in the way of restorative power.

Robb

(39,665 posts)
13. Remember, the internet tends to amplify nuttiness as a rule.
Fri Apr 26, 2013, 10:53 AM
Apr 2013

It's not that there are more "glib sociopaths" than there used to be; it's that their voices are amplified more than ever before. Sadly a lot of the media -- and lawmakers -- don't quite get that volume is not the same thing as importance; it's important that we hammer the difference as often as we can.

 

premium

(3,731 posts)
14. Shooting victims have just as much right to participate in the debate
Fri Apr 26, 2013, 11:09 AM
Apr 2013

as anyone else does, and those that think they should just STFU, are clueless assholes.

Kalidurga

(14,177 posts)
15. Sadly many victims of gun violence can't join the debate...
Fri Apr 26, 2013, 12:07 PM
Apr 2013

Or be their for there children, or grow up and go to a prom, or hug their mom and dad, or enjoy a sunny day. So, I guess they are the proper victims according to the gun nuts.

Latest Discussions»Issue Forums»Gun Control Reform Activism»"Gun Zealots: Shooting Vi...