Quote:
Originally Posted by KirStang
Curious. Do tell. (I'm not challenging you, really am curious).
|
On restrictions of a free and unfettered press guaranteed by the 1st amendment:
In the last eight years, federal agencies had restricted media and public access to government documents because of a 2001 memo from Attorney General John Ashcroft....according to a GAO report.
Almost a full third of the total number of FOIA officials surveyed (31 percent) reported that because of the memo there was a decreased likelihood that their agencies would make a discretionary release of information. Additionally, one-fourth of the FOIA officials surveyed reported that Ashcroft’s memo has changed the use of specific FOIA exemptions. For a single memo the impact indicated by this simple survey is considerable.
GAO Report Indicates Less FOIA Information Under Ashcroft - September 22, 2003 Vol. 4 No. 19 - OMB Watch
Quote:
Lack of direct experience undermines some credibility as compared to those who do have experience. Compare, the attorney to the layman about the Criminal Justice system. Who's more credible?
I'm not saying you don't know what you're talking about, I'm saying getting direct experience will balance out your opinion and give you greater credibility.
I've been on both sides of the fence regarding guns. I do think guns have been politicized far too much. They used to sell pistols at Sports Authority. Then Columbine happened and all of a sudden guns were treated like radioactive substances.
|
I find this amusing if not insulting.
Its funny how many conservatives like to describe liberals as "elitist." IMO, to suggest that someone needs experience with guns to have a knowledgeable opinion is far more "elitist" than anything I've read from any gun control supporters in this discussion
In fact,
as far as experience = knowledge, I havent seen "greater credibility" but rather quite a bit of misrepresentation (by gun rights advocates) of Obama's position and voting record on gun control, on how gun amendments can be "snuck into bills," etc.
The opinions and knowledge on the 2nd amendment of those who have no direct experience with guns may differ from those who have weapons for sporting purposes whose opinions and knowledge may differ from those who want a gun for home protection whose opinions and knowledge may differ from those who just want to own a gun for whatever reason whose opinion and knowledge may differ from those who have used a weapon against another human being.
All of the above represent segments of society that are impacted by gun legislation and no one groups opinion is more valid than the others.
-----Added 4/2/2009 at 09 : 20 : 10-----
Quote:
Originally Posted by timalkin
Please explain why some people want to ban guns. If it's not fear and ignorance, what is it?
|
I dont speak for people who want to ban guns and I dont presume, like you do, to know their reasons.
And I respect their right to express their opinion for whatever reason. They are citizens too and I dont treat them as less than equal to have an opinion with which I might agree or disagree.