Reply #105: why do you

[one-eyed fat man]

characterize virtually every progun advocate as a right wing crank?

When George Orwell makes a statement like, “THAT RIFLE HANGING ON THE WALL OF THE WORKING-CLASS FLAT OR LABOURER’S COTTAGE, IS THE SYMBOL OF DEMOCRACY. IT IS OUR JOB TO SEE THAT IT STAYS THERE.” does that make him a right-wing hack as well?

Is he no longer a progressive thinker? How did the notion that only the state is to be trusted with firearms get to be a progressive policy decision?

Some pigs do seem to be more equal than others. Used to be disarming the peasants was the darling policy of Colonial Empires, Fascists, and benevolent or malevolent despots of every stripe. Only the government was wise enough to be trusted with firearms. If we were important enough to deserve protection, the government would provide us with armed bodyguards.

I don't see where the author's premise is invalid. He said that armed terrorists tried to shoot up London in 1909 only to be met with return fire from ordinary citizens. He surmises that a similar attack in London today would fare no more difficulty from the citizenry than the the shooters in Mumbai.

I suppose that being part of a target rich environment, there is the chance that the thug will run out of ammo before he gets to you. Whatever blows your skirt up!