Michael Z Williamson opinion published in Indystar

[Night Guy]

Arguments for ban laden with emotionalism


August 24, 2004


The Star's Aug. 20 editorial position, "Time to outlaw assault-style guns," would be improved if the facts were straight.

The Simonov (SKS) design predates the Kalashnikov (AK-47) by several years; it is not a derivative. The SKS was not banned by the 1994 law, as it lacks the cosmetic features that make it an assault weapon. This proves, ironically, the stupidity of the law. Lacking a pistol grip and muzzle brake, it is deemed politically correct.

http://www.indystar.com/articles/8/172698-4648-022.html

Also, virtually any rifle bullet will pierce body armor. Common hunting calibers are substantially more powerful than the intermediate cartridges used in assault weapons. If one chooses jacketed bullets, one is accused of having armor-piercing ammo, and if one uses an expanding projectile, it is called a "dum-dum" or exploding round.

Nor have manufacturers found loopholes in the law. They have complied with the law. That the law was written by incompetents who are too emotionally laden to study the subject before ranting about it is another issue.

It would be far better if any arguments against the expiration of the ban on so-called assault weapons were divested of emotionalism and inaccuracy. But of course, that would mean there would be no arguments.

Michael Z. Williamson

Greenwood

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Anybody local have an actual paper on hand to see just how buried was his response?

 

[swingset]

Awesome! You concisely and clearly made the paper's paid writers look like idiots, as well as most of the lawmakers responsible for the ban. My hat's off to you.

 

[Johnson]

Arguments for ban laden with emotionalism

Ban Laden? I thought he was still on the loose in Afganistan?

 

[madmike]

My original was slightly different before they edited it. I listed my credentials with my name, and asked them, AS A VET, not to use an officer's death for political pandering.

It was on the editorial page, letters. The editing is about what you expect--they don't want anyone to appear to actually KNOW anything.

Two morons variously claimed that the SKS has an accurate range of over 1000 yards, and that a man with an axe instead could have "Easily" been stopped with tear gas.

But hey, the more paranoid ranting they make about how every gangbanger in the country will go out on the 14th and buy a semiautomaticassaultweaponofmassdestructionrambokillingmachine, and then go hose a school with armorpiercingexplosivesuperpowerfuldepleteduraniumtefloncoatedslugs, the better it is when that doesn't happen.

Right?

So if you're bent on suicide, have the courage to kill yourself quietly in the closet and not on the headline news.

 

[Standing Wolf]

It would be far better if any arguments against the expiration of the ban on so-called assault weapons were divested of emotionalism and inaccuracy. But of course, that would mean there would be no arguments.

Definitely a worthy thought!

 

[Sawdust]

Mr. Williamson shoots...and he SCORES!!!!!

And the crowd goes wild.

Very nice letter.

Sawdust

 

[SteveS]

Two morons variously claimed that the SKS has an accurate range of over 1000 yards, and that a man with an axe instead could have "Easily" been stopped with tear gas.

I'll take that challenge, as long as I get the axe! BTW, excellent letter Mr. Williamson.