Not one to disappoint her fans at NewsBusters, PBS "To the Contrary" host and U.S. News & World Report contributing editor Bonnie Erbe again shot from the hip with factually-challenged anti-gun rights bluster in an August 18 blog post.
Watching CNN between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Monday, I was treated to the sight of a young man with an automatic weapon strapped to his back across the street from a presidential rally in Arizona. This is not the first time armed persons have appeared outside a building where the president is making an appearance.
Of course the man she is referring to, who identified himself to the media only by his first name "Chris," was carrying a semi-automatic AR-15, not an automatic weapon. Yet in the next paragraph, perhaps thinking automatic and semi-automatic are as interchangeable as the terms flammable and inflammable, Erbe described the AR-15 as a "semiautomatic mass killing machine":
Story Continues Below Ad ↓This is a horrifying and, quite frankly, ridiculous development. It is perfectly legal, according to the CNN anchor I watched, for Arizonans to parade in public with all manner of weapons, including semiautomatic mass killing machines.
Open-carry laws in states like Arizona and New Hampshire are "tantamount to allowing children to play with live hand grenades" insisted Erbe, before ending her blog post by citing mental illness, a sour economy, and conservative talk radio as virtually guaranteeing that someone somewhere will "be maimed or killed" as a result.
Yet Erbe has no evidence to cite of past incidents that would predict future behavior, nor does she seem aware that the police and the gun-packing protesters had been in contact with each in advance (emphasis mine):
Phoenix police spokesman Sgt. Andy Hill on Monday said officers explained the law to some people who were upset about the presence of weapons at the protest.
Hill told CNN on Tuesday that the widely broadcast protest was no different than any other for law enforcement, in that investigators with the "community response unit" had communicated with the group ahead of time.
"We try to have as much open communication as possible so we know what to expect and how to prepare," he said, adding that the police department relayed information about Monday's to federal law enforcement.
He added that because of Arizona's open carry law, it's not uncommon for protesters to pack heat at demonstrations.
So the police know what the law says and what to expect. Demonstrators openly carrying firearms also know the law and that police will respect their rights while expecting civil protests. Open carry, it seems according to both police and protesters in Arizona, seems to work for Arizonans.
The rules and regulations for open and concealed carry differ from state to state and it seems the Secret Service is well-equipped to handle the varying laws and customs of the several states the President to which the President travels.
That may be good enough for the professionals, but honestly, what do they know? It's not like they ever hosted the taxpayer-subsidized version of "The View."
—Ken Shepherd is Managing Editor of NewsBusters
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Or
August 19, 2009 - 12:32 ET by slickwillie2001...or like letting Bonnie Erbe publish a column?
She really is dumber'n a
August 19, 2009 - 14:11 ET by HockeyKidShe really is dumber'n a bag o' hammers.
Here, for your amusement, is her (obviously self-penned) bio from the "To the Contrary" website:
"Ms. Erbé is non partisan and toes no party line. She is not an
affiliated Democrat or Republican, nor is she uniformly progressive
or conservative. Labels of all types make her nervous. Ms. Erbé
finds partisan politics tiresome and believes she represents the
majority of Americans who think for themselves and do not subscribe
to any partisan or ideological prescribed way of thinking. She believes
the only people who think that way are either angling for political
appointments or trying to impose their moral beliefs on the nation's
laws.
"She is, however, passionate about women's advancement in the U.S.
and worldwide, about preserving green spaces and maintaining an
environment that can support the human race and animal species for
millennia to come. She is also a strong supporter of compassion
for animals."
Bwaaahahaha! No ideology, eh, Bonnie? 'smatter, that word too big for you to understand? Note the little tips throughout: "non-partisan": suuuurre. The use of "progressive" to describe the opposite of conservative. The use of the "not affiliated" dodge to avoid party identification. She's the worst of the worst: an ideologue posing as a moderate.
"Beauty is only skin deep, but liberal's to the bone." - me
She got the name right?
August 19, 2009 - 12:34 ET by IckYou mean to tell me that some anti-gun nut actually called it a "semi automatic"? .... Wow, that is what it is mind you. I am so used to media types calling it an "assault rifle"..... which is a hype-term that has no meaning.
Perhaps there is some progrress!
Oh, wait, my bad. I just read the rest of the non-sensical comments.......
I beg to differ with you.
August 19, 2009 - 14:00 ET by JackrvI beg to differ with you. The hype-term that has no meaning is assault "weapon".
An assault rifle has a meaning. It is a medium, note the word medium, powered rifle capable of select fire, meaning semi and either 3 shot burst or full auto.
Jack
You're splitting hairs that
August 19, 2009 - 14:27 ET by HockeyKidYou're splitting hairs that the non-shooting civilian public doesn't even know you have. To them, it all ends with the word "assault". You could say "assault peashooter" and they'd start quaking. That's exactly why the anti-gunners use the word.
The correct (i.e., undebatable) term for the item you call an assault rifle is "mode selectable automatic rifle". No bearing on its cosmetic appearance, supposed design market, etc. No ambiguous terms. Just plain and simple "what it is" language. You know--the kind of words liberals just can't understand or use.
(Incidentally, the AR-15 is a "semi-automatic repeating rifle". It's also usually black--what does that say about libs who hate it so much?)
"Beauty is only skin deep, but liberal's to the bone." - me
Actually, he was correct in
August 20, 2009 - 10:52 ET by kg333Actually, he was correct in his use of the word "assault rifle". It's commonly used to describe military weapons slightly smaller and lighter than a battle rifle, that are capable of selective fire. "Mode selectable automatic rifle" could also apply to several kinds of battle rifles, such as the M14, so your "undebatable" term is imprecise, although technically correct.
Also, "semi-automatic repeating" is redundant.
This sums up my thoughts on socialist America...
August 19, 2009 - 12:36 ET by unkeeafhttp://www.youtube.c...
MSM = PR firm for the Democrat Party
In their eyes we're all children
August 19, 2009 - 12:38 ET by katainkentstupid, ignorant and in need of a nanny from cradle to grave. Incapable of making decisions and certainly shouldn't have, in our possession, the means with which to protect ourselves.
That's why its so easy for her to make such a rediculous analogy.
___________________________________________
"The tax imposed under this section shall not be treated as tax" - HR 3200 (Health Care Bill) Pg. 203. Ln 14 & 15
Open Carry
August 19, 2009 - 12:54 ET by dvdaughtryThat was my first thought, too.
People that carry a gun in the open, are taking a defensive approach. It is saying, stay away from me.
www.opencarry.org has a ton of material.
You trying to say Jesus Christ can't hit a curveball?
SECURITY SYSTEM ADS...
August 19, 2009 - 22:05 ET by danybhoyIf you are like me(& I hope like hell you are not)you have been at home, watching TV sitting in your underwear eating chips, & an ad for home security systems comes on. You know, some angry white guy kicks in the door of a home, triggering an alarm while the woman yells/screams at them. Could be for Brinks home security, maybe ADT, does'nt matter, it's a white guy trying a B & E.
My thought is, this should be an ad for the NRA promoting gun permits. Or gun makers like Springfield, Kal Tec, or Smith & Wesson, the woman, maybe with kids, should be shown plugging the invader with a 9mm pistol.
More guns, less crime, look into the stats Bonnie. If you based your opinion on actual facts, people might take you seriously.
"...How blind can you be, don't you see...
...that the gambler lost all he does not have..."
Nightwish
dany... You aren't alone
August 19, 2009 - 22:08 ET by bigtimerdany...
You aren't alone in your sentiments...not by a long shot.
We say the same here at home, those ads drive me crazy!
Obama's a Community Agitator, a walking, talking destroyer. ~ Rush Limbaugh
BIGTIMER...
August 19, 2009 - 22:13 ET by danybhoyYou avoided 1 of my main points in that post. You don't sit around watching TV in your underwear eating chips, do you?
"...How blind can you be, don't you see...
...that the gambler lost all he does not have..."
Nightwish
dany... LOL...Not
August 19, 2009 - 22:27 ET by bigtimerdany...
LOL...Not lately!
Obama's a Community Agitator, a walking, talking destroyer. ~ Rush Limbaugh
BIGTIMER...
August 19, 2009 - 22:29 ET by danybhoyThanks for understanding my Levin style smartass humor on that one.
"...How blind can you be, don't you see...
...that the gambler lost all he does not have..."
Nightwish
So you want to promote
August 19, 2009 - 22:19 ET by balboaSo you want to promote vigilantism?
BALBOA...
August 19, 2009 - 22:28 ET by danybhoyDoes supporting laws like The Castle Doctrine make me a supporter of vigilantism?
Or does it me a person who promotes the idea that a law abiding citizen has the right to protect themselves, their families, & their homes?
Nice try, Bal.
"...How blind can you be, don't you see...
...that the gambler lost all he does not have..."
Nightwish
Oh boa...give it a
August 19, 2009 - 22:30 ET by bigtimerOh boa...give it a rest...if you want instant protection, you have a gun in your home...get a grip.
Phone calls aren't instant solutions in life or death situations.
Obama's a Community Agitator, a walking, talking destroyer. ~ Rush Limbaugh
???????
August 19, 2009 - 22:37 ET by MrShyBal, that's gotta be one of your dumbest posts.
Vigilantism commonly means going out and enforcing the law or finding the perpetrator on your own. This means protecting and defending yourself, your loved ones and your home, in your home, against a criminal that at that moment is invading your home and immediately threatening you and your family's life.
LOL MrS, coco etc... He
August 19, 2009 - 22:44 ET by bigtimerLOL MrS, coco etc...
He knows what he's doing, he's just stirring things up.
Come on....hey, it's boa.
Obama's a Community Agitator, a walking, talking destroyer. ~ Rush Limbaugh
Apparently you don't approve
August 19, 2009 - 22:34 ET by cocodrieof self defense or defense of your family.
Jesus Loves You so much He died for you
balboa, Give me a link to
August 19, 2009 - 22:45 ET by hydrodynDMbalboa,
Give me a link to a Brinks add that has a non-white burglar breaking into a house.
I'll wait.
LOL hydro... If you don't
August 19, 2009 - 22:55 ET by bigtimerLOL hydro...
If you don't hear back soon, you know he is photo-shopping or such.
Obama's a Community Agitator, a walking, talking destroyer. ~ Rush Limbaugh
bigtimer, balboa usually
August 19, 2009 - 23:01 ET by hydrodynDMbigtimer,
balboa usually doesn't have a point - other than to make a point.
LOL hydro... I know...but
August 19, 2009 - 23:09 ET by bigtimerLOL hydro...
I know...but at least he got his responses.
Agenda and all that jazz. ;-)
Obama's a Community Agitator, a walking, talking destroyer. ~ Rush Limbaugh
Uh, Hydro, I never contended
August 19, 2009 - 23:10 ET by balboaUh, Hydro, I never contended that Brinks had such an ad.
I was more pointing out the inevitable reaction to a commercial that portrayed someone "plugging the invader."
balboa, I know - I was
August 19, 2009 - 23:17 ET by hydrodynDMbalboa,
I know - I was just doin a little straw man thing there.
PLUGGING THE INVADER...
August 19, 2009 - 23:28 ET by danybhoyYeah Bal, I said the woman in every one of thoses ads should be shown "plugging the invader", & I stand by that statement. Abusive relationships & the fact that women are usually the victim in them is just 1 of several reasons I support the right to bear arms.
"...How blind can you be, don't you see...
...that the gambler lost all he does not have..."
Nightwish
Security Co. Ad - Instant call back
August 20, 2009 - 08:57 ET by MaximusBraveheartFrom my experience w/ security cos., they do not call back in seconds of the alarm going off. Even in intant mode, there is typically a dial delay so you can void the alarm. Then they have to get routed, que to someone, and call back. Lucky if you get a call minutes later, not seconds. Then the police are going to come in say 5 to 10-min. She should be grabbing a .45 M-B
semiautomatic mass killing machine... oh really??
August 19, 2009 - 12:40 ET by wizardjrThe utter ignorance of the leftists in the media is truly jaw dropping.
As all adults know, this semi-automatic rifle is not basically different from dozens of hunting rifles in common use. Are all hunters carrying "mass killing machine(s)"?? Yeah. Sure. Butt biscuit.
I have 2 semiautomatic mass killing machines
August 19, 2009 - 13:00 ET by obageegeeFor Ducks that is. And I can only get 3 shots off at a time!
SHEESH!
It's the "Look"
August 19, 2009 - 13:02 ET by obageegeeAnything that even remotely looks like an assault rifle is a "killing machine" Of course a lot of people like me own Mini 14's It will do the same damage, but does not have the "look"
No, Bonnie. That would be
August 19, 2009 - 13:07 ET by mattmNo, Bonnie. That would be putting unqualified, inexperienced, incompetent, statist community organizers in the Whitehouse.
BTW - Isn't this the same dingbat that doesn't bat an eye at 1000 abortions a day?
Right you are. Any and all
August 19, 2009 - 13:12 ET by Ken ShepherdRight you are. Any and all abortion restrix she has a problem with, but she's perfectly fine with trampling on your 2nd Amendment rights.
She's such a drama
August 19, 2009 - 13:18 ET by BKeyserShe's such a drama queen.
As a former Marine Cannoncocker, I'm advocating open artillery laws...
Semper Fi BK.
August 19, 2009 - 13:35 ET by SentryDanSemper Fi BK.
Isn't it truly interesting how all of these far left liberals know what at "mass killing machine" is? I'm never known an M-16 or AR-15 that has taken it upon itself to go on a killing spree. I always thought that in order to fire, some living body had to pull the trigger on a loaded weapon.
I guess based on far left liberals logic, anything that results in the death of more than one person can be classified as a "mass killing machine". So, I guess this would be a partical list of "mass killing machines": a building collapse, a dam break (Johnstown PA), air plane crash, passanger train crash, a ship/ferry boat sinking, earth quake, building fire, vehicle crash, etc.
Remember folks, Freedom isn't Free. It was bought with the blood and sacrifice of the men and women who are serving and who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
For those who fought for it, Freedom has a flavor that the protected will never know.
Also remember folks, that the way to SUPPORT THE TROOPS is to support their mission. Anyone who says that they support the troops but don't support their mission is lying about supporting the troops. And if you want to know, yes I do have a dog in the fight, he is a United States Marine.
Oh please, if it was up to Erbe, rubber bands would be outlawed
August 19, 2009 - 13:20 ET by SickofLibsErbe states "Such public policy is tantamount to allowing children to play with live hand grenades."
Does she not know the difference between policy and law? (Don't answer that)
Funny comment at her blog: "I fear you more than a gun owner at a political rally."
Well, word is that Erbe is
August 19, 2009 - 20:47 ET by celatorWell, word is that Erbe is soon going to call for a national ban on dinner forks. Research has now proven beyond doubt that all morbidly obese individuals have used forks to get that condition.
Rubber band ban comes after the dinner forks ban.
No citizen's right to life, liberty, pursuit of happiness, or property is safe as long as Obama is President of the United States.
Still my favorite bumper sticker:
August 19, 2009 - 14:03 ET by HockeyKid"Teddy Kennedy's car has killed more people than all my guns put together"
"Beauty is only skin deep, but liberal's to the bone." - me
Dear Bonnie...
August 19, 2009 - 14:47 ET by GeneralAlDear Bonnie,
The danger with weapons only comes from the gangbanger and criminals you leftist Commie Loons defend! Those people with permits to carry are doing such to ward off these brain dead idiots that you folks have rolled out the red carpet for for the last fifty years! We have an idiot in Chicago who believes that outlawing guns will put an end to drive by shootings. Thats akin to the outlawing of sex will put an end to prostitution or liquor will put an end to drinking. As usual, only the law abiding citizens are hurt, but why should the truth get in the way of a good, tax payer funded story?
All that firepower
August 19, 2009 - 16:05 ET by doug1950being openly carried by a law abiding citizen, exercising his 2nd amendment right and yet no one was slaughtered in the street.These people are so stupid I wonder how they feed themselves.
And, notice the gentleman
August 19, 2009 - 18:05 ET by MikeBAnd, notice the gentleman carrying the AR-15 was a black man. So, Bonnie, your very mentioning of his action in a disapproving way is racist. Report to the nearest re-education camp immediately.
The incident happened in Arizona, where open carry is legal. Both Maricopa Sheriff's Dept. and the Secret Service was informed ahead of time by the Arizona Shooter's that they would be there, armed, and carrying openly. They had a Sheriff's Department liaison officer accompanying them at all times. If the activity had been illegal, the Sheriff's Department and the Secret Service would have placed the group under arrest. And, did you notice, Bonnie, that there were no shootings? Did you notice that none of those evil black guns jumped out of the holsters to open fire on the public? Idiot!
"A communist is someone who reads Marx. An anti-communist is someone who understands Marx." Ronald Reagan
and I thought
August 20, 2009 - 05:44 ET by spmcintyreguns were like SUVs, just unable to resist the urge to leap outta control and kill people
August 19, 2009 - 16:21 ET by jessieHIf we had hand grenades, there would probably be a need for more congressmen.
guns
August 19, 2009 - 22:44 ET by sudmuf"We don't let them have ideas. Why would we let them have guns?" -Joe Stalin
sud... Bulls-Eye! Obama'
August 19, 2009 - 22:53 ET by bigtimersud...
Bulls-Eye!
Obama's a Community Agitator, a walking, talking destroyer. ~ Rush Limbaugh
semiautomatic mass killing machine on his back?
August 19, 2009 - 23:06 ET by maggieqpublicI’ve never owned a gun and know next-to-nothing about gun laws, but seems to me the open carry law has certain risks.
If our friend ‘Chris’ took a stroll through West Oakland with the rifle strapped to his back, he would stand a good chance of being ‘relieved’ of his rifle by one of the neighborhood regulars. Isn’t it a bit like carrying a sign that says ‘mug me’?
(The thugs in West Oakland prefer the concealed carry rule…. without a permit.)
Interesting opinion.
August 20, 2009 - 06:35 ET by HockeyKidInteresting opinion. Since you admit your ignorance (nothing wrong there--it's the first step to enlightenment), go do some reading on the research that's been done, and see what you find. I suggest you start with John Lott's "More Guns, Less Crime".
"Beauty is only skin deep, but liberal's to the bone." - me
OK, fair enough... will
August 20, 2009 - 10:44 ET by maggieqpublicOK, fair enough... will check it out. I don't question the premise inherent in the title of Lott's book.... was thinking more in terms of how long would it take Chris to get the rifle off his back to defend himself if confronted by a ghetto mugger. Seems to me the deterrent value of a weapon decreases if the carrier doesn't have speedy access.
Chris is also displaying something prized by the thugs (not cash and jewelry)... a gun.
Or am I wrong... could Chris quickly defend himself with the rifle in a bad neighborhood.
Fair enough question. From
August 20, 2009 - 11:02 ET by kg333Fair enough question. From the pictures I saw, the man at the rally was carrying his rifle on his shoulder, tied down at his side with Velcro. This makes sense, given the context of a political rally; he wanted to make a statement while making it quite clear he was not threatening anyone. I would estimate maybe 3-4 seconds to move the rifle up to fire from that setup. Although the rifle looked like it was "on his back" and out of reach, he had it on a sling and facing forward, meaning he would simply have to swing the rifle forward and up and he'd be ready to shoot.
If he were carrying in a bad neighborhood, I might expect the velcro to be off, with the rifle just loose on his shoulder. Perhaps a second or two to get to a firing position with that setup, probably a quick enough reaction to defend himself.
Thanks, KG. One thing's
August 20, 2009 - 11:17 ET by maggieqpublicThanks, KG. One thing's for sure... open carry laws intimidate the MSM.
Logic Test
August 20, 2009 - 07:50 ET by dvdaughtryPerson A has a bag with $1000 and is openly carrying his (georgous) Kimber Custom Carry II 1911 .45 ACP.
Person B has a bag with $1000 and no gun visable.
Who has the higher probability of being robbed?
Or, if you want a more "realistic" example see if the Brinks drivers will give up their guns while they make their rounds.
Ignorance I can toloratem because you don't know, simply, because you don't know. But when people are oblivious, its a choice.
You trying to say Jesus Christ can't hit a curveball?
hmmm.... oblivious is a word
August 20, 2009 - 11:06 ET by maggieqpublichmmm.... oblivious is a word my husband has been known to use to describe me. But he has my less than enthusiastic permission after 35 years of marriage.
Hmmm...I sense a
August 20, 2009 - 11:12 ET by dvdaughtryHmmm...I sense a trend.
You trying to say Jesus Christ can't hit a curveball?
uh oh
August 19, 2009 - 23:24 ET by WesenI'd bet that Bonnie would enjoy throwing hand grenades. Her scribbling is proof that a woman's womb is a weapon of mass destruction.
bonnieerbe@CompuServe.com
~A woman's womb
August 20, 2009 - 08:32 ET by choselife3xBirthed your ungrateful @ss. The WMD remark is stupid as well as hateful to all of womanhood. Babies don't get there all by themselves, you know. Take your disrespect to women and shove it.
Dissent: It's not just for liberals anymore.-kudzupolitics, USA Today
hand grenades
August 20, 2009 - 13:29 ET by WesenWhere were you when feminists said the same thing about the male appendage... that all men were rapists? Deep breaths, deep breaths over there.
~Excuse me, while I roll my eyes
August 20, 2009 - 13:35 ET by choselife3xAre you a 'masculinist'? I didn't see anyone here saying that all men were rapists. If I did I'd torch them, too.
Dissent: It's not just for liberals anymore.-kudzupolitics, USA Today
it was news
August 20, 2009 - 20:37 ET by WesenMarylynn French was news some time ago and it was resurrected recently, sorry you missed it. http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,980115-8,00.html
Glad to see you connected the dots... that my comment was as absurd as the statements made by the author. Surely you've seen the news that women will be able to create sperm with their own stem cells... what a day of rejoicing that will be.
"I love following the womens movement" Rush Limbaugh
~Missed it?
August 20, 2009 - 20:38 ET by choselife3xI was 11. If you take a gander at my screen name you should be able to deduce my sentiments towards feminists.
That's a half-hearted takeback you're offering, but I could give a shi!t. Don't forget your /sarc tag next time you make a 17 year old oblique reference.
Dissent: It's not just for liberals anymore.-kudzupolitics, USA Today
most
August 20, 2009 - 23:29 ET by WesenYou were born smack dab in the middle of the womens revolution. It was the policies of Ronald Reagan that made the job growth possible for women to enter the work force en masse. Problem was that they made white men pay for it. You should ask your mother about that era, it's kind of where it all began. Can't believe you weren't better read at 11....
Bull Bull Bull Bull
August 20, 2009 - 00:48 ET by JWFThis is not the first time armed persons have appeared outside a building where the president is making an appearance.
The Secret Service is not going to allow armed persons anywhere near the President of the United States. These people are sufficiently separated from the President either by time or distance.
Sincerely,
a Veteran of a 1000 psychic wars.
I wonder how she would feel
August 20, 2009 - 05:41 ET by spmcintyreif we classified her mouth as a fully automatic WMD? Would Weapon of mass stupidity be more accurate?
One good thing comes from these people carrying weapons to the rallies, at least they dont have to worry about being beat up by an 0bama sponsered ACORN or SEIU mob. Chris should have been selling Dont Tread on Me flags
Danger, Will Robinson . . . !
August 20, 2009 - 10:07 ET by Galvanic"Such public policy is tantamount to allowing children to play with live hand grenades." - Bonnie Erbe
. . . or letting children watch To The Contrary on PBS.
*rolls eyes* The Rocky
August 20, 2009 - 10:35 ET by wiwf*rolls eyes*
The Rocky Mountain Collegian: Illustrating Idiocy