Progressives are pointing to Arizona and using it is an example as to why Americans have far too many liberties – we might just hurt ourselves.
A New York Times article demonstrates how the left is using the horrific tragedy in Arizona to push Progressive agenda items: gun control.
..[Arizona’s] gun laws are among the most lenient, allowing even a disturbed man like Mr. Loughner to buy a pistol and carry it concealed without a special permit.
Loughner was committed and delusional. He was going to kill people even if he didn’t have a gun. Since he seems to have committed himself to the act, regardless of the consequences, he may have just stolen a car or delivery truck and driven it through the crowd and right on top of Rep. Giffords, after having plowed through tens of people. He could have made a bomb similar to that of Timothy McVeigh’s using fertilizer and diesel fuel. Jared Lee Could have killed just as many people so many different ways that no set of laws or regulations on the method were going to prevent it from happening.
Have no fear though, it is far beyond the ability of a true progressive to let any crisis go to waste. Politico is reporting that Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) is getting a Federal gun and ammunition control bill ready for presentation to the house on Monday (emphasis mine).
Many said that people with a history of mental instability, like the alleged shooter, Jared Lee Loughner, should not be able to buy a gun — and no one should be able to buy stockpiles of ammunitionused by the 22-year-old assailant.
While crazy people with guns is certainly not desirable, the government is not going to be able to prevent these tragedies. It never has been and never will be able to. Even in complete police states, the evil-doers get guns and bombs and still kill huge numbers of innocent bystanders.
The Politico post continues with a total politicization of the event:
Another vocal supporter for gun control, Illinois Rep. Mike Quigley, told POLITICO that he hopes “something good” can come from the Arizona tragedy – perhaps discussion on a new assault weapon ban, sales at gun shows and tracing measures
uh, Jared didn’t use an assault weapon – or will their be a new class of assault weapon? .. this is about Mr. Quigley’s agenda.
If attacking the second amendment wasn’t enough, Rep. Robert Brady is going after free speech.
Pennsylvania Rep. Robert Brady, a Democrat from Philadelphia, told CNN that he also plans to take legislative action. He will introduce a bill that would make it a crime for anyone to use language or symbols that could be seen as threatening or violent against a federal official, including a member of Congress.
I can’t wait to see the definition of “threatening”.
I hope this is taken the right way. I in no way condone the horrific acts allegedly committed by Jared Lee Loughner. I have the families of the deceased and injured in my thoughts and prayers, but this is not the time to push a progressive agenda.
