Gun Control & RKBA
In reply to the discussion: The stupid media called the gun used in the Oregon Shooting Fest an "assault rifle" [View all]discntnt_irny_srcsm
(18,483 posts)Distinctions important enough to be the subject of state and federal litigation and legislation really don't qualify as "quibbling".
Disparaging the use of precise terminology certainly doesn't advance your views and thoughts. The principle focus here is discussing a proper balance of rights and restrictions regarding firearms. There is not much room for exaggeration nor for understatement. Further, your readers here may see your disrespect as hostility.
I'm here to learn and share ideas. Hostility is of no benefit. I hope and expect that posters here reference the use of firearms in violent crimes as examples for what changes they see as needed. These examples most often are from third hand accounts published by the news media. I don't need to mention how some outlets (fox, for example) color their portrayal of events, their reports of the actions of public figures and even their choice to cover (or not) various events.
Separating the media imposed connotations of certain terms (used inaccurately) in favor of an understanding that can be found by reading the law and a dictionary is action of a truth seeker. Young people today have more contact with information than was even conceived of a generation ago. When the meaning of the terms used to discuss important social issues change from one source to another, people are confused, deceived and mistrustful. If there is any legacy most important that I leave for my children it is the ability to understand the world and people around them free from confusion. To those ends the media must be held accountable.