Between Obama and the NRA, another path to stopping mass violence, by Sen. Joe Manchin. Sensible, I think, except for the bit about making flying safer after 9/11. We tried to make flying safer, but I'm not convinced that we've actually succeeded. He's right that any solution needs to be comprehensive, and he reiterated his support for the NRA while making it clear that he disagreed with Wayne LaPierre about utterly rejecting any new gun regulations. I've come across rumors that he might run for President in 2016. If he continues impressing me like this, he might get my primary vote.

Reinforced cockpit doors and more Air Marshals. But mostly the doors.

Everything else was theatre.

Inquisitor wrote:Reinforced cockpit doors and more Air Marshals. But mostly the doors.

Everything else was theatre.

Not exactly. Check-in procedures were tightened up. For all the faults with TSA, mainly a distinct lack of common sense, the hijackers would hardly waltz through the check-in these days like they did then.

The checking procedures were there for the airlines. They couldn't enforce the id check so they used this as an opportunity to help limit ticket transfers without fees. It's theatre, since all you have to do is checkin online and use a laser printer to change the name. Not to mention the watch list is an abomination.

Zero effect on preventing terrorists from getting on planes. Same with liquids, body scanners, shoes, belts, etc. All theatre.

/hijack (no pun intended).

I appreciated the proposal to study the issues, and to bring all voices to the table. I have taken this opportunity to educate many folks on the data that we do have about violence in general, and gun violence in particular. I've also spent much time educating anyone who will listen about the real and imagined differences between assault rifles, assault style rifles, hunting rifles and target rifles. And I've done the same with wheel guns and semi auto pistols.

The task is just so daunting because most of my friends are progressives who don't know diddly about anything that goes boom.

Along the way, I've found myself defending owners of assault style rifles, even though privately I would prefer them to not be so darn prevalent at the local ranges because I fear that it sends an uncomfortable message to newbies that I manage to tempt into going to the range.

What I find disappointing is that I've long felt that progressives have data on their side to support most arguments, and I've been frustrated when conservatives ignore facts. Now it seems that some anti gun liberals want nothing to do with data because it doesn't support their calls for disarmament. I've even had numerous acquaintances call for the second amendment to be abolished.

I'm tired of fighting.

Anyone else share these feelings or experiences?

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