God and Guns: CNN's Costello Pits Jesus Against Gun Ownership

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Owning an semiautomatic AK-47, much less giving them away free with the purchase of a pickup truck, seems just "a tad irresponsible" to Carol Costello. The CNN anchor, who said she grew up with guns in her house as a teenager, tacked to the left on gun rights in her interview with Kansas City auto dealer Mark Muller, who is giving away vouchers for the Russian-made rifles with the purchase of a new truck.

Although Muller explained that only customers who pass a federal background check at a licensed firearms dealer will be able to get a gun, Costello arbitrarily drew the line of responsibility at owning a handgun:
COSTELLO: You know, some people watching this might think, you know, owning a handgun is one thing, but owning an AK-47 is something else, and maybe this is just a tad irresponsible.

As if to put icing on the proverbial cake, Costello also hit Muller by trying to pick a theological fight of sorts, wondering if Jesus would approve of carrying guns. [CNN video embedded below] 

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It’s a bit odd that one would resort to the eminent theologian’s argument of “WWJD” to disapprove of one’s gun choice – but nevertheless, Muller tied the accidental theologian in a logical knot:

COSTELLO: I understand evil in the world, but I'm just questioning the - like, a semi-assault weapon to protect yourself. That's all I'm saying. Your motto is God, guns, guts and American. Why did you come up with that particular motto?

MULLER: Actually it's God, guns, guts and American pickup trucks, because we sell cars.

COSTELLO: Right, but you include God in that and, you know, some might wonder why God is included in a motto that it also includes guns.

MULLER: You don't have a problem with God, do you?

COSTELLO: No, I don't. But the combination some people might between God and guns, some people might have a problem with that.

MULLER: We're a Christian nation. We're Christian people. I believe that 70 percent, 80 percent of this nation would classify themselves as Christians. I'd say 90 percent of the people in this country believe in God, whoever their God is. And to try to remove God from everything. I think is (INAUDIBLE).

COSTELLO: That's not what I'm saying.

MULLER: I think -- I don't think we need AK-47s if more people...

COSTELLO: I'm saying putting God in a motto that also includes guns might be a little upsetting to some people.

MULLER: You don't think God wants us to defend ourselves? I'm confused. You know.

COSTELLO: I don't know. I mean, I could ask you the question, you know, we could do the what would Jesus do, would he carry a gun?

MULLER: No, they didn't have guns back then, but I do believe he would carry a sword if he needed it. But he was so powerful, he didn't need any weapon.

COSTELLO: That is true. Thanks so much for joining us, Mr. Muller. We appreciate it.
Oh my.  Well it would seem that Costello is attempting to marginalize Muller, pointing out the ‘God and guns’ connection.  The problem is not necessarily God, nor is the problem necessarily guns; it is the combination of the two which classifies Muller – at least in Costello’s judgement – as a right-wing gun nut.

And this isn’t all.  Muller clearly points out at the beginning of the interview that he does not give away the weapon itself.  Instead, he gives a voucher for the value of the weapon, which an individual may use to buy whatever weapon they wish – not necessarily a Russian-made assault weapon:
MULLER: You know, we're not just going to give people an AK-47 gun. You know, felons buy cars, too. What we are going to do is we're going to give them a voucher where they can go to their local gun dealer and/or we have local gun dealers we would strongly recommend where they can go buy a gun and go through the proper background checks and so that, you know, the guns end up in the right hands.

COSTELLO: So, how much money, how much does an AK-47 cost, I'm just curious?

MULLER: It depends. You can get a good AK-47 for $450, maybe $500.
Not that Costello could be expected to know, but that amount will buy a fairly nice handgun as well – well within Costello’s view of the norm.

On a humorous note, for someone who grew up around guns, Costello sure has trouble with some of the terminology:
COSTELLO: I understand evil in the world, but I'm just questioning the - like, a semi-assault weapon to protect yourself.

What, pray tell, is a “semi-assault weapon?”  And would the correct tactical use thereof be to partially assault one’s attacker?

 


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Moron MSM knows nothing about guns

Of course the talking head morons know absolutely ZIP about guns. The AK's that you can get with the vouchers are NOT AUTOMATIC! REPEAT NOT AUTOMATIC! US citizens have (some with a licence) not been able to buy automatic weapons since the early 1930's. It's the "look" that they hate. Little do they know that you can get a very nice Ruger mini-14 with same capacity and similar caliber it just does not "look" like an assault rifle. Dummies.

I would understand if she

I would understand if she made some attempt to fix it, as if she knew what she had said.  But she didn't.  I know I'm a gun-loving gearhead, but seriously?  What in the world is a "semi-assault" weapon?  That sounds like a Taser to me...

Did she say automatic?  I

Did she say automatic?  I thought the whole point was that she tried to say semi-automatic and flubbed it.

Two swords ought to be

Two swords ought to be enough for anyone.

"And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, 'it is enough.'" - Luke 22:38

Two swords ought to be enough for anyone.

...and sell your coat if you need to buy one. 

He said to them, "But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. - Luke 22:36

v

I'm no good with citing

I'm no good with citing chapter and verse, but didn't Jesus at one point say that  a man who has a cloak should sell it and buy a sword?

I didn't think it was physically possible, but this both sucks and blows.  -Bart Simpson

 

KJV 1611 version says

KJV 1611 version says this:

 Luke 22

36: Then said he unto them, But now, he that hat a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hat no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

37:For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.

38: And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords.  And he said unto them, It is enough.

On a side note, Google knows the entire text of the Bible.  That's unreal, the scope of the info they can access *grin*

Luke 22:36

Jesus was talking to His disciples:

Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take [it], and likewise [his] scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

 

"I dont need to read a newspaper to know the world's been shaved by a drunken barber."

Walter Brennan, The Colonel, Meet John Doe, 1941

Free gun with purchase of a

Free gun with purchase of a pick-up?  Is this a giveaway or a contest to see which local dealership can enact the biggest possible redneck stereotype?

Oh my God, she mixed up 'assault' and 'automatic'!  That proves that the position that Kalashnikovs, the weapon of choice for terrorists and the Russian mafia, are a perfectly reasonable incentive to buy a truck.

Redneck?

Hmmm...

I own a pickup truck.

I own firearms.

Am I redneck?  If so, proud to be one.

The only redneck stigma associated with that combination is in the mind of liberals, and I really don't care what they think.  And I don't mean Democrats, either.  Go to the heartland, where people break their backs working in manufacturing every day... they own guns and drive pickups.  Sam Walton (RIP)... wow, another dumb redneck.  

JasC, your commentary was far more suitable for Huffpo.(but it does liven things up here a little)

Oh, and semi-automatic AK-47s (yes, one of the Kalashnikov variants), are not the weapon of choice for terrorists and Russian mafia... the full automatic, readily available from the Chinese, AK-47s and AK-74s on the other hand, are.  

Heck, if I lived in his state, and he's selling Fords, and giving away the AKs,  I would have been there yesterday,  traded my POS GMC in on a capitalist vehicle, and added an excellent piece of russian designed, stamped sheet metal to my modest collection.

retrocon, I didn't mean to

retrocon, I didn't mean to imply that owning either or both is a negative thing.  I don't own either but I know people who own both (maybe not an AK, but something similar) and I assure you they are among the more fun people I know to hang out with.  I was simply pointing out that the offer "Buy a truck get a free gun" has an undeniable redneckish ring to it.  That's why I said "stereotype."

Sorry if I offended.

Unfortunately...

Unfortunately, it did come off pretty negative. 

I know i was a bit direct, too, but these stereotypes are designed strategically by the left and the mainstream media to infiltrate our vocabularies and influence peoples thoughts about such subjects.  

I just won't buy into them anymore, and anyone who believes in freedom of any sort has got to stand up and call them the propoganda that they are.

Stereotyping is a key weapon of the propogandists... so i tend to jump right in and take the stereotype on just to prove it's nature.  In this case, i'm a redneck with credentials as a leading IT enterprise architect for a major corporation.  

So much for stereotypes ;-)

 

In other words

You would say: "An enterprise architecture is a conceptual blueprint that defines the structure and operation of an organization... ya'll.  : )

Gary

Hey, Jimmah Che Obama!  I want my country back!

Might also say...

"Togaf or not togaf, that is the question..."

But since i'm a redneck EA, i might be talkin 'bout the BDAT:  Budweiser, Dollar stores, Ammo, and Trucks.

 

LOL!

You go techno-bubba! : ) 

Gary

Hey, Jimmah Che Obama!  I want my country back!

My highly attuned Trolldar

My highly attuned Trolldar senses the presence of a troll.

 >.>

 <.<

Hmmmmmmm...

 KIDDING.  On a more serious note, I did happen to include a link to the google map to all businesses named Max Motors in that state...Just in case you were interested ;)

Hey man, I'm not trying to

Hey man, I'm not trying to defend her veiled anti-2nd Amendment stance.  Just pointing out that:

a) You can't offer a free gun w/ purchase of a pickup and not have it perceived as redneckish.  Again, that's why I said "stereotypes".

b) Annoying as the reporter might be, one person confusing automatic with assault hardly torpedoes the point she was (flailingly) trying to make.

A little far from home...

too many states to cross just for a 500 dollar AK ... but hey, maybe one of our local Ford dealerships will take the hint! 

Anyway, i'm more of an AR guy ;-)

My wife won mine

In a raffle, seriously. And I got a great deal on the plunger and spring from,,,,,,,,,,,,,? Ahh never mind.

 

My Gov. thinks I am dangerous, so be careful

"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg

It is ok. You are a liberal. Racist remarks are allowed.

Binky Braveheart JasonC: Is this a giveaway or a contest to see which local dealership can enact the biggest possible redneck stereotype?

Liberals are allowed to say any racist/bigot/stereotype statement they like as long as -

  The statement is directed at any group of white people. 

or

The statement is couched in racist lingo like stereotype.

You are now officially free to whip out whatever offensive word you desire. Go for it Binky.

Sincerely,

a Veteran of a 1000 psychic wars.

I am starting to detect some nervousness on the part of the...

...pro-socialists in this country.

That is a good thing.

-Dave

"...stimulus plan is 'working exactly as we had anticipated.'" - PrezBO

I think "He" would take a crew cab and choose a .223 caliber.

I could ask you the question, you know, we could do the what would Jesus do, would he carry a gun?

What a Twit.

 

"Live for yourself...there's no one else more worth living for.
Begging hands and bleeding hearts will only cry out for more"- Rush--Anthem

'wondering if Jesus would approve of carrying guns'

I knew this would happen, our constitution has become a living breathing document and they are working on the Bible to be the same. 

JDW

DAILY WAVE

Jobs, jobs, jobs ... Spending, spending, spending

 

If Jesus had packed heat,

If Jesus had packed heat, surely it would have been the classic...

Colt 45 Peacemaker?

Obama Lied... Jobs Died.

"Thinkest thou that I

"Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?" - Jesus (mt. 26:53) 

Who needs a gun when you have that kind of power?

It's so funny when these ignorant libs try to ascribe their silly liberal pacifist notions to Jesus who in Revelation is depicted as returning with his saints to smite the nations. (Rev. 19:15)

"...silly liberal pacifist notions to Jesus..."

Luke 2:14 (New American Standard Bible)
    14"Glory to God in the highest,
         And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."

Did Jesus come to bring peace or not? Answer here.

v

 

Answer Here

"Think not that I am come to send peace on earth; I came not to send peace, but a sword." Matthew 10:34

The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.
The US Constitution

Unless you're a fetus.
The US Supreme Court

1911

1911

Glock...

...as recommended by my FBI friend, as necessary for home and personal protection - modern-day sword!

v

vrwc, Gee mighty fine weapon

However for one that is machinery impaired ,have a revolver with an empty chamber. All one needs to do is pull the trigger, NO slide, NO jams... just pull the trigger.  BTW point first, use both hands.

Firepower the great equalizer.

The 2nd. Admendment is BRILLIANT.... basic logic, more honest folk than CROOKS...

Reagan VS Liberalism

I'd invest in a few more AK's, not necessarily a Chevy tho......

Although I don't know what they sell in that dealership.

I think the guy defended his point very well, against an ignorant lib, she was somewhat frustrated.  That's probably why she effed up with a semi-assault weapon, what ever the hell that is.  Partially-semi-assault-ish?

Maybe the gas station down the street is giving away vouchers for ammo......

 

 

ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

Better resale value

I'd invest in a few more AK's, not necessarily a Chevy tho......

That's a wise decision. An AK-47 (even a "semi-automatic" one) has a much better resale value than any Chevy.  There's no "blue book" for guns, you know. They are also far more reliable than a Chevy.

The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.
The US Constitution

Unless you're a fetus.
The US Supreme Court

A Deadlier Weapon.

Some needs to ask Costello what's the deadlier weapon, a gun or a truck?  I can pretty much guarantee you far more Americans have been killed by trucks than any firearm, let alone a semi-automatic AK-47.

The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.
The US Constitution

Unless you're a fetus.
The US Supreme Court

No doubt, how about ......

 
Alcohol, or the combination of alcohol and vehicles.  Bet that's killed a few more people than lawful armed citizens.

But I believe one of her issues was including God in the advertising.  Seems companies will have to check with the new "God Used in Marketing" Czar to make sure it's ok. 

We can bet money that any use will be prohibited, especially when Guns is in the same line.

 

 

ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

Tyranny/guns/2nd Amend.

Anybody ever heard of this fine woman from Va.?

She speaks volumes for millions of us out here in the real world.

Thought you might like to watch this...it's only like a minute and a half.

Catherine Crabtree is her name...and she has some guts...along with conviction.

You go gal!

Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart

bt,

Tee, hee, hee, I left a comment over there.

LOL-It was one of my blue-smoke specials, too.  :-)

-Dave

"...stimulus plan is 'working exactly as we had anticipated.'" - PrezBO

Two comments by Dave

First one got 86'd.  What did it day??  Gotta know!  : ) 

Gary

Hey, Jimmah Che Obama!  I want my country back!

Ruk,

LOL-I killed the first one myself.

That's the cool part about having a blog on Blogger. I can delete my comments on other blogs carried on their site.

:-)

-Dave

"...stimulus plan is 'working exactly as we had anticipated.'" - PrezBO

Hey Dave...have to go back

Hey Dave...have to go back there and check that out....there was a comment by some gal, I think it was Connie or something that had to use foul language to get her leftist comments there, I knew immediately she would be whining leftist who fear women like Cathrine...

She was only about one of the first five or so.

What did you think of what Crabtree said?

I love the ballot box/bullet box reference...leave it to the left to try to politically correct shame her...they can stick it where the sun doesn't shine....she spoke for millions of us.

Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart

bt,

Somehow, I don't think Connie the Commie will be messing with me again anytime soon:

http://snafu-ed.blog...

Seriously, I am sick to death of people like her. I cannot even be civil to them anymore. When I read that crap about how GWB had "diminished us" in the eyes of the world, I started thinking about how much Obama has REALLY diminished us, and my BP literally tripled.

You really have to wonder anout people like her, who cannot see what is happening to our country right in front of God and everybody.

After all, this nation belongs to We the People, not Them the Government. Our founders new full well that we owners may have to eventually take it back someday.

LOL-Maybe I should have dedicated this to her:

http://davesnotepad....

-Dave

"...stimulus plan is 'working exactly as we had anticipated.'" - PrezBO

Lol Dave...saw your post,

Lol Dave...saw your post, haven't been there today yet to see if Connie the Commie has commented back though.

I also commented too.

Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart

bt....

Thanks for that link, I found it extremely invigorating.....

I only had a problem when I really thought abut the impact this will have.

I am definitely a patriot, conservative, definitely pro 2nd Amendment (2A) , most definitely armed to the teeth..  But, maybe this is an example of what libs will use against the 2A and against patriots and conservatives.   They will definitely use this to scare other libs, and some on-the-fence so-called conservatives into enacting all the rules we all view as anti-constitutional and anti-2A.

We really have to think about using some restraint so that our cause is not misconstrued as extremism and used as a vehicle to scare the nation into thinking and believing we are a violent bunch, or terrorists. Then a lot of people and a lot of laws are against us.  Just the thought of being considered a terrorist scares the sh!t out of me. Barry only likes terrorists who are not US patriots.

We have to think, is this the right time??  I'm not sure what the right time would be, maybe if/when  vans start taking people away, or maybe if/when pro 2A people start being "silenced" or deemed terrorists or something.   When we see legislation against 1A or 2A being pushed through....

I don't know what the signs will be, and I also know that maybe it will be too late when we DO see the "silencing" going on.  People need to be vigilant,  and we and our representatives need to be aware of the crap they sign, and I also know that stuff like this WILL be used against us and against our cause in the MSM.

I'll really be concerned when I start seeing legislation against 2A, and would hate for it to be because people didn't show restraint with something that can be taken care of at the ballot box first, and by doing what libs do so well, really jump on representatives, senators, etc..  We all have to become lobbyists against the stupid stuff being proposed. Non-stop communication with our state reps, senators, calls, emails, fax, letters, post-cards, and we'll take care of this next year anyway.

As to the original article, I think it's great to offer AKs with the purchase of a vehicle!!  Way weirder things have been offered as marketing tools!!  Why not guns? I'm sure we all agree!  Plus AKs are moron-proof, and very low maintenance.  What would really get buyers in their show room would be AMMO.  That is in extremely short supply right now.   You don't know how far I've had to go to stock up!

This is just my opinion anyway, I know folks will have other opinions about it.   

 

Keep all mags full at all times...... But don't scare the civilians, that doesnt' help our cause..... (until we really HAVE  to)

 

 

ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

ac... You're welcome for

ac...

You're welcome for the link, I'm glad you watched the gal from Va.

Everything you have stated above has crossed my mind also...I'm just glad to hear somebody running for congress start speaking out and saying what millions out there are already thinking and worrying about, especially if there isn't much of a gain in '10...and the do double down on messing with the 1st and 2nd Amendments....as if they aren't anyway, slowly and slyly.

Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart

I hope my local Ford dealer

gets this idea--although I would prefer something in a .308 caliber for my next truck purchase. 

"If everyone is thinking alike, someone isn't thinking." - General George Patton Jr

hahahahhahahhahahaha

... as I listen to Eric Clapton's "I shot the sherriff"

HHAHAHAHAHAHAHHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA

 

Jesus Had No Problem With Swords

A semi-automatic AK-47 does not perform any better than any other semi-automatic rifle.

By the way Jesus told his disciples to arm up with swords just prior to his capture.  Here it is in the Bible:

"Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one...And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough." (Luke 22:36,68)

Perhaps

He should have reminded her of the story of Jesus clearing the Temple of the moneychangers with a whip.

Luke 22:36 -- THAT's how GOD winds up in the same motto as Guns

But now, whoever has a money belt is to take it along, and likewise also a bag, and WHOEVER HAS NO SWORD IS SELL HIS COAT AND BUY ONE ....

The truth, in a dangerous world, Jesus kept company with armed men -- and it's clear fom Luke 22:36 that he expects his foloowers to be able to defend themselves ... and others as well. 

COSTELLO: No, I don't. But

COSTELLO: No, I don't. But the combination some people might between God and guns, some people might have a problem with that.

Most likely people who don't care for either.

A free AK47? 

A free AK47?  Sweeeeeet.

Of course, it's not free and I believe you can get them for under the prices quoted above.

One of the 34% who thinks George W. Bush was a great President. One of the 61% who wants to bring back the stock and pillory (yep...approval for Congress now at 39%...do you believe that!?).

              

                    Ok. The next time someone attacks this country, WE send in the liberals, first. They can have their choice of an assault rifle or a big sign that reads " Give up or we will cry". Let's see which one they choose.