It’s hypocritical of pro-gun lawmakers to hide behind metal detectors in their workplace

24 comments July 27th, 2009

 

 I remember writing a column some 26 years ago about a speech then-President Ronald Reagan delivered at an annual meeting of the National Rifle Association in Phoenix.

 Predictably, Reagan spoke against gun control and extolled the freedoms afforded by the Second Amendment.

 The irony, as I pointed out in the column, is that Reagan was decrying gun control while hiding behind it. None of the ordinary citizens in his audience for that speech was packing heat. Everybody had to pass through metal detectors before entering the hall. Nor did the president object to this violation of the citizenry’s right to be armed.

 These days, we have a similarly hypocritical  situation in Washington. The same federal lawmakers who argue that restrictions on guns do nothing to prevent criminal violence enjoy the protection of such restrictions in the buildings where they work.

 E. J. Dionne SARCASTICALLY ARGUES that it’s “time to dismantle the metal detectors, send the guards at the doors away and allow Americans to exercise their Second Amendment rights by being free to carry their firearms into the nation’s Capitol.”

Birther movement born of four major factors

11 comments July 27th, 2009

Austin Cline ARGUES that the birther nonsense arises from the convergence of these factors: racism, xenophobia, the supposed illegitimacy of liberalism and a tendency to embrace conspiracy theories.

Governor Palin, you’re no Hillary Clinton

13 comments July 27th, 2009

 

 Nate Silver EXAMINES the theory that Sarah Palin isn’t doing much worse in the polls than Hillary Clinton did at the same point in the electoral cycle four years ago.

 The point of that theory is that since Clinton eventually overcame her poor standing in the polls and almost won her party’s presidential nomination, Palin could do the same on the Republican side.

 Silver also offers this view:

 ”Palin absolutely could become President someday. But it isn’t very likely. If the Republicans nominate her (which is certainly possible), I think Obama could get away with having approval ratings in the low-to-mid 40’s and still be at least even-money to win.”

 UPDATE: Three conservative pundits — Bay Buchanan, David Frum and Ann Coulter — discussed Palin’s future on CBS this morning. Pay special attention to Frum’s remarks:

Liberty Patriot Freedom Republic University introduces Climate Change Denial 101

6 comments July 27th, 2009

 Steven Andrew has the GOOD NEWS.

 By the way, if you or any of your offspring gain admission to this prestigious school, mention my name. I get a commission for referrals.