Gun sales surge ahead of jury's Ferguson decision

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP-Excite

By ALAN SCHER ZAGIER

FERGUSON, Mo. (AP) — Some suburban St. Louis gun dealers have been doing brisk business, particularly among first-time buyers, as fearful residents await a grand jury's decision on whether to indict the police officer who fatally shot Michael Brown.

Metro Shooting Supplies, in an area near the city's main airport, reports selling two to three times more weapons than usual in recent weeks — an average of 30 to 50 guns each day — while the jury prepares to conclude its three-month review of the case that sparked looting and weeks of sometimes-violent protests in August.

"We're selling everything that's not nailed down," owner Steven King said. "Police aren't going to be able to protect every single individual. If you don't prepare yourself and get ready for the worst, you have no one to blame but yourself."

The store's waiting list for private lessons and concealed-carry training classes extends into 2015.

FULL story at link.



In this Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014 photo, Steven King works behind the counter at at Metro Shooting Supplies, in Bridgeton, Mo. St. Louis County gun dealers like King are reporting a surge in sales and an increase in first-time buyers as fearful residents await a grand jury decision in Michael Brown{2019}s police shooting death. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)


Read more: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20141119/us-ferguson-gun-sales-288271fd8f.html

---

Hosts I will be away from the net for a couple hours. I understand if this gets locked. I figured since it was Ferguson I'd post it.

[stone space]

1. This should warm the little hearts of the ammosexuals here. (nt)

[cosmicone]

91. Warm the hearts or something else? n/t

[valerief]

105. Yep, those assholes will be shooting off more than bullets and their mouths. nt

[belzabubba333]

2. just what the tptb want, us shooting at each other - the plan is going according to plan

[RKP5637]

6. The 1% will love it. Peasants killing peasants and the cops giving a helping hand. Today's America.

And gun sales are brisk, what more could the over the top capitalists want.

[valerief]

106. Right here in the UPSA, United Police States of America. nt

[FailureToCommunicate]

3. Sign: "Use our convenient layaway plan" !!

[joglee]

20. tell that

Last edited Wed Nov 19, 2014, 01:05 PM - Edit history (1)

Tell that to all the other races that were attacked and had their shops and homes burned during the L.A. riots.

If you do not see the vast similarities between the Rodney King beating and the Ferguson killing you need to look harder. If this racist pig gets off like those did that beat King there is a possibility that what happened in L.A. could happen in Ferguson.

60 people died in those riots, and plenty of places burned down and a lot of them where owned by races that were not white.

If only these people had been disarmed it would have been so much better. Look at all those racist white people on that roof top protecting everything they were just given.

[GGJohn]

24. Thank you for posting that picture,

I tried but couldn't.

[FailureToCommunicate]

34. ??? You're new here, so you may not have noticed I was commenting on the OP

("Original Post&quot with an ironic, and by this era, iconic book cover image.

The OP is about gun sales increasing ahead of the release of the jury findings. Those gun sales would be from white folks worried about 'all them other types' rioting, i.e. white fears.

Having lived in the times of the Rodney King aftermath, and having actually read the Kerner Commission Report long before that, I am fully aware that often the majority of victims of rioting are in the same community as those rioting.

Or maybe I missed your point.

[joglee]

36. sorry

I missed that was a book cover, I thought it was a current poster or something.

I apologize for the confusion.

[FailureToCommunicate]

40. No problem. Welcome to DU btw.

It's not a great book but an interesting one, delving into the black power movement of the sixties.

[joglee]

43. thanks

I may have to actually try and find it just out of curiosity.

[GGJohn]

37. How do you know it's only white folks buying firearms?

There's no breakdown of what ethnicity of buyers.

[FailureToCommunicate]

42. Reasonable assumptions. Do you have knowledge it's NOT mostly whites buying the guns?

I used to live in that region. The suburbs of Ferguson -where the article says reports the increase in gun sales - are mostly white.

[GGJohn]

45. I have no knowledge of what the breakdown is, I would like to see what it is,

but to say that it's just white folks buying firearms without a breakdown is somewhat misleading.

[FailureToCommunicate]

51. Well, I certainly don't want to mislead

anyone. Though I didn't actually say it was just (as in "only&quot whites buying more guns.

I will be interested to read if you find a breakdown that shows otherwise.

[GGJohn]

56. I looked and couldn't find a breakdown, but perhaps someone living in the area could

find out.
It would definitely be interesting to see what it is, and you could very well be right, that it's mostly white citizens buying firearms.

[Hoyt]

55. Here's a couple of photos for you GG, exactly what I'd expect.

?w=620&h=349&crop=1

[GGJohn]

58. How about a link to these phots Mr. Hoyt?

For all we know, these were taken years ago.

[Hoyt]

84. Mr. GG, see post #83. Those arming up are in your demographic, although I'm sure most don't

have as many gun safes as you do.

[GGJohn]

89. Do you have a link to when those photos were taken>

Simple question.

[ManiacJoe]

120. According to the available data,

the URL suggests that the pictures were posted to the blog in August 2014.

The EXIF data in the photo says it was taken on 2012-06-19 19:22:23.

[GGJohn]

121. So Mr. Hoyt was less than honest with those pictures?

No wonder he wouldn't provide a link to when those pictures were taken.

[joglee]

61. does it matter?

The race buying items will depend upon the area. If this was L.A. again there would be more non white races and such buying them.

You cannot really say it is racism(nothing implied) when a gun shop in a predominantly white are is selling more to white people.

If you have a gun shop in a predominantly black are you will of course sell to more black people.

[sweetapogee]

90. is it normal

for customers in the gunz shops to wear ID tags or only those in the reloading department???

[Hoyt]

96. You gotta be able to recognize the white yahoos who love gunz

and help you buy the best weapons and loads to kill people.

[Oktober]

130. Well... That was racist...

[Hassin Bin Sober]

114. Hey. The guy six people back, with gray hair and a blue shirt....

...... has a black best friend. So there's that.

[Feral Child]

75. And your post is somewhat

nit-pickie. I don't think the intent was to be misleading nor was it agenda-driven. It's a common assumption, whether literally accurate or not. Personally, I believe it to be close enough for a working model, but you go ahead and defend the poor, persecuted whiteguys, 'cause they sure got it rough, with all the bigotry and the Christmas Wars and all.

[GGJohn]

79. Ridiculous.

[Feral Child]

85. Such staggering wit!

Last edited Thu Nov 20, 2014, 07:26 AM - Edit history (1)

I'm shocked and awed by the sheer weight of your eloquent response!

I guess if you don't have an argument that even you can pretend is valid, then a cute little emoticon will save face.

[GGJohn]

87. Thank you.

[Feral Child]

131. Transparent.

I see right through you.

[Iamthetruth]

104. I fail to see

Why anyone would not want to defend themselves. Depending on what the result is of the grand jury will most likely determine what the response will be. After the arching the complete failure of the police department protecting the assets of innocent people last time why not try to protect your personal assets yourself.

[Hoyt]

107. Yeah, why not kill people over things. Besides, there may not even be any riots. Did you think

of that? The right wingers told us there would be massive riots if Zimmerman walked from murdering Trayvon Martin. Didn't happen.

[GGJohn]

108. You know something?

I actually agree with you, don't kill anyone over property, it can be replaced, and I don't believe the good people of Ferguson will riot, there may be some outside agitators looking to start shit, but for the most part, the demonstrations should be peaceful.

[branford]

110. However, there have already been riots in Ferguson and elsewhere.

It's hardly surprising if anyone wishes to prepare themselves if riots break-out. This includes are variety of actions, including means of defense (firearms), but also items like fire extinguishers and masking tape. There is nothing wrong with preparedness, your hatred of guns notwithstanding.

If someone is not actually threatened with serious injury, they may not (generally) lawfully use a firearm in self-defense (some jurisdictions, such as in Texas, permit defense of property). However, few would argue that a large group of people approaching someone with menacing threats and throwing things like rocks or setting property on fire does not in fact present a realistic risk of injury.

I very much hope no violence erupts if the grand jury decides not to indict. However, although I almost always support those who peacefully protest, I have little sympathy for individuals who threaten others, regardless of their cause.

[Iamthetruth]

119. I'm not a big gun guy

Although I own a few through inheriting them but I'm a big guy on protecting my family. I'm fortunate enough to have four dogs that would do more harm than a gun but I fault no one for doing what they must legally to defend themselves.

[Iamthetruth]

113. For some people

Those businesses are their life work and life savings. I don't blame those that want to protect their means of income, I blame those that desire to destroy it for no reason.

I hope there are no riots but there is nothing wrong with planning.

[Oktober]

129. You know what helps? Leaving things alone that don't belong to you...

[Feral Child]

132. I fail to see

the significance of your post.

I made no statement concerning self-defense. I merely defended an opinion that the majority of gun purchasers are white. Just that. Nothing about whether they should or shouldn't.

"After the arching the complete failure..." What the fuck does that mean? Who "arched"? I tried to parse that sentence and it just makes no sense whatsoever. Is it a question? A statement?

Are you drinking?

[Iamthetruth]

143. It's a foolish statement all together

When you consider the as you say "whites" are a majority anyway. Common sense would be that whites would buy more guns. Next why not tell us that water is wet.

[Feral Child]

153. First, you tried to suggest that I was against self-defense when I said no such thing.

Now your objection to the phrase I successfully supported is that it's redundant, since it's actually a true statement.

Perhaps you should whine about that to the poster that originally made the statement.

But, to rebut your mis-targeted "sour-grapes" post, sometimes things need to be put into perspective. Besides being the primary purchasers of firearms to defend property, white men are also known to run shady businesses in minority neighborhoods. Does the phrase "Slumlord" mean anything to you?

And before you quote the misleading posts showing one single photograph of Asians posted on a rooftop, let me point out a that it's only one photograph of a group of non-whites, supposedly an Asian business owner and employees/family and or gun-club buddies. The scenario supported by these posters plays thus: armed men on a rooftop prepared to shoot into a crowd of protesters on the chance they can single out an alleged "looter" in that crowd and execute him/her without due process, but without endangering any lawful protester. This in a protest of a killer-cop's murder. So, those posters' response is too justify more unlawful murders.

I have real difficulty understanding a progressive that aggrandizes vigilante murder endangering citizens enjoying their right for peaceful assembly. How the fuck is that in the least honorable? It sure isn't lawful and those lynchers should be ordered to disband by the proper authorities, except they're too busy trying to instigate riots and intimidate journalists.

[AnotherDreamWeaver]

49. Rodney King was beaten, and it was filmed. He wasn't killed. nt

[jeff47]

64. Yay! Lousy example with little facts behind it!

First, Rodney King was beaten. He wasn't killed. And he's still alive today.

Second, the riots were in generally African-American communities. While there's lots of pictures of Asian-Americans guarding their stores with guns, as you showed, the riots were elsewhere. The guns in your picture were as effective as guns in NY and Florida during the riots.

Third, the riots weren't really about King. Some protests started at a major intersection, which drew media coverage from helicopters. A small number of protesters started attacking motorists. Police chief Daryl Gates ordered the police to not respond. He was pissed at local politicians who were angry about the verdict, and wanted chaos to show them that they needed his police, and that they should just shut up about the verdict.

Other people saw the lack of police response, realized law enforcement would not respond to any crime, and decided to take advantage of the situation. They looted their own neighborhoods, instead of heading to nearby, more expensive neighborhoods and looting them.

So no, the King riots aren't a good example for why it's a good idea to go buy a gun when those other people across town are upset. In fact, they show the exact opposite.

But them black folks sure are scary!!! ( )

[joglee]

68. where

Where did I say black people are scary?

Though I am sorry I confused the fact that he survived his beating, though you confused the fact that he is still alive(he died in 2012).

[jeff47]

70. Your post makes no sense without that.

Your post is essentially saying that the people in LA during the riots had to protect their businesses with guns, and that it was sensible to do so. You're also responding negatively to a post mocking fear of African-Americans.

That only makes sense if angry black people are scary, and guns are necessary to defend against the horde.

[joglee]

76. i though

I thiught that was a new poster, did not know it was an old book. I clarified that btw.

[jeff47]

82. The age doesn't change the content. (nt)

[GGJohn]

69. Rodney King is not still alive today,

he drowned in a friends pool in 2012, and Korean businesses were attacked and looted, which led to the business owners taking up arms to protect their livelihood.

[jeff47]

72. The picture in question is from about 10-20 miles away from the riots.

And yes, I had forgotten about his death.

[GGJohn]

78. There were Korean businesses attacked and looted in the area of the riots,

those that were protected by their owners were generally left alone, those that weren't were looted and burned.
There are lots of article that covered this.

[jeff47]

81. Yes, clearly I should abandon my memories of living through the riots

in favor of articles discussing them. Those articles are bound to have absolutely no bias, while my knowledge of where cities are in the Los Angeles area is clearly biased.

Those Asian-American businesses in Cerritos were clearly threatened and desperately needed guns to protect them!!! Riverside was even more threatened!!! And don't get me started about the danger to Seal Beach!!

[KingCharlemagne]

146. Small technical correction (and sad): Rodney King died a couple

years ago from accidental causes (drowning).

http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodney_King

[Live and Learn]

4. The police were encouraging citizens to get guns to protect themselves.

Hard to believe but true.

[GGJohn]

14. During the Rodney King riots in LA,

those Korean shop owners who guarded their stores with firearms were generally left alone, while those that weren't guarded were looted and burned to the ground.

I have no problem with shop owners defending their businesses IF, and that's a big IF, riots break out.

[branford]

109. I have no problem with people lawfully protecting themselves regardless of whether there is a riot.

The laws of self-defense do not change because of a riot.

Of course, this works in both directions. If someone is threatened, particularly by a violent mob, they are entitled to defend themselves, and a firearm is the most effective tool when presented with multiple assailants. Often a shoot need not even be fired to deter aggression. However, no one can just shoot at protesters, even if they are generally violent, unless they present a contemporaneous and serious risk to an actual person.

I'm hardly surprised by the increase in gun purchases in and around St. Louis and Ferguson. If you're a local shop owner or resident, or simply watched some of the rioting after the Brown shooting, no less remember incidents like the L.A. Riots, why wouldn't you want the means to protect yourself, family and friends. If you or someone else is seriously threatened, you may act. Otherwise, the gun will not be used. I would be similarly unsurprised if purchases of fire extinguishers have also increased in response to the upcoming grand jury announcements. Preparedness is not necessarily racism.

[In_The_Wind]

88. !

[GGJohn]

93. Pretty much my reaction also.

I see it was hidden, good.

[In_The_Wind]

97. The Jury voted 4-3 to HIDE IT.

ALERTER'S COMMENTS

Racist post, racism should never be tolerated, whether it's against African Americans, Asians, or Caucasians, or any race for that matter, poster is using the term whitey in a racist way, I would expect better here on DU.

JURY RESULTS

You served on a randomly-selected Jury of DU members which reviewed this post. The review was completed at Wed Nov 19, 2014, 01:09 PM, and the Jury voted 4-3 to HIDE IT.

Juror #1 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: I was going to vote to hide-- and I suspect this will be, but I think the poster was using strong context to make a point, rather than intend bigotry. Leave.

Plus, alerter, there is no such thing as 'reverse racism'
Juror #2 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: I understand the idea. Please repost without ad hominem terms.
Juror #3 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: OMG Need I say more?
Juror #4 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #5 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: I don't agree that it is "anti-white racism" but it is an expression of hatred, and it seems to say that riots are justified by something that happened nearly 50 years ago. As such it is also disruptive.
Juror #6 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #7 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: The truth is the truth and is the best defense against a charge of libel.

Thank you very much for participating in our Jury system, and we hope you will be able to participate again in the future.

IMO: This was beyond bad!

[GGJohn]

98. I'm kinda shocked that 3 people voted to leave it.

Well, no not really.

[Oktober]

141. 4-3... Not that comforting... Morons still abound who believe and spout this ...

[meanit]

5. The media

and the NRA have done their jobs well in getting the population in and around Ferguson to be on the lookout for rioters under their beds.

Maybe they should wrap their houses in plastic too?

[RKP5637]

7. And the media is pre-counting all the $$$$$'s they are going to make off of this. n/t

[KingCharlemagne]

54. The only way the media makes $$$$$'s off this is by increasing their viewership, since

ad rates are based upon Nielsen ratings (for broadcast television). The MSM will have to spend $$$$$ from their news budgets to cover. Unclear to me whether it will be a net revenue generator for the MSM, although your point bears considering.

[GGJohn]

62. Human garbage?

I'll wager that the vast majority of Ferguson residents will protest peacefully and those few that want to start shit will be taken care of by the good citizens of Ferguson themselves.
Welcome to DU, enjoy your stay.

[KingCharlemagne]

52. And duct tape. Mustn't forget to stock up on duct tape! :sarcasm: - nt

[nichomachus]

8. Wow, frightened, nervous, untrained people with lethal weapons

Whatever could go wrong?

[Orrex]

9. Golly! Is there any problem that guns can't solve?

[Quasimodem]

125. Guns can't knock down a house.

That's why you need a cannon.

[Orrex]

127. Finally, a voice of reason!

[7962]

10. Why the hell isnt all the attention on Eric Garner's case?? I've been saying it.

I'll keep saying it. No one REALLY knows what happened in Ferguson. But EVERYONE knows what happened to Eric Garner in NYC.
I know there have been some protests in NY, but all this attention on Ferguson should be relocated to NYC. All the groups in Ferguson should be in NY.

[Shemp Howard]

46. Very good point.

I too am very puzzled by the lack of attention to the Garner case.

[Ash_F]

111. I think the main issue was intent

Intent is an aggravating factor in any crime.

I could be wrong, but I do not think the officer in Garner's case intended to kill him.

Brown's killer definitely did.

To me, there is a big difference.

[7962]

122. He's on the ground telling them he cant breathe and the guy doesnt stop.

Again, whether we like to admit it or not, we do not know for sure what happened in Ferguson. There have been witnesses all over the place, some with conflicting stories. But Garner was not fighting or attacking or anything and he got killed. Sure, you couldnt get murder on the cop, but you could get manslaughter or negligent homicide.
THAT cop has to be fired at the very least.

[Ash_F]

123. I agree for the most part. I wasn't trying to defend the cop in Garner's case

As for Brown, to most people including myself, it looks like the cop just lost his temper because he was not unable to restrain Brown with his own hands so he decided to kill him.

The law prescribes for certainty within a reasonable doubt, not a shadow of a doubt.

[ileus]

11. If you're serious about personal safety you don't wait until an event.

Whiles it's nice to see folks taking personal responsibility for their security it's too little too late. How much training and experience can one get with a newly bought firearm?

[Hoyt]

15. You think the gun store cares. You guys promote gunz and this is what we get.

A bunch of scared yahoos arming up to shoot anything that moves.

[GGJohn]

16. Worked pretty well in LA during the 1992 riots,

those shop owners who defended their businesses with firearms were generally left alone while those that weren't defended were generally looted and burned.

[Hoyt]

17. This is a different situation. Gunners might not have an opportunity to shoot anyone.

There may well be no riots, so don't get your popcorn and gunz ready.

[GGJohn]

19. How is it a different situation? It's almost exactly the same situation.

And I don't believe there will be rioting by the good people of Ferguson, there may be some outside agitators like the KKK, militia groups, Black Panthers, but for the most part, I believe it will be a peaceful protest.

[Hoyt]

21. Then, no need to arm up or for you to encourage it.

[GGJohn]

23. They apparently feel the need to protect themselves, I don't live there,

I don't have the pulse of the area, but I do support freedom of choice.

[logosoco]

12. How convenient for the gun store owners.

Actually, in the past couple of years I have been seeing gun shops open up in areas i never would have expected it. In West St. Louis county, like Ellisville for those familiar with the area, a somewhat middle class area. I live in an area with a lot of hunters, and even over the past year a gun store has opened in my little town. I live about 30 miles from Ferguson.

Fear sells.

What is really sad to me about this is the whole Mike Brown getting shot was because of a scared and angry cop who thought his gun could solve anything.

So, now we have more guns out there and no shortage of things to make people afraid and think that the gun is the answer.

[Hoyt]

13. And the gun cultists are greasing theirs up, scared of Black folks. They said there'd be riots

after Zimmerman was let go for murdering Trayvon Martin. But, there were none.

What's a shame is that if there are no riots this time, the gun cultists will claim their arming up was responsible. Sick bunch of racist yahoos.

[EEO]

18. Fear plays. Most Americans are paranoid children trying to protect what little the rich...

have allotted them. Useful idiots.

[turbinetree]

22. Normally

Normally during a grand jury investigation, we do not have a police chief, prosecutor, and Governor eliciting ANY information about what is going on, but apparently these three have decided upon themselves to prepare for Armageddon, what a comforting thought. They have been stock piling weapons mind you to used in what fashion, and its not a good thought, this is just like a police state, using the media to stoke this inflammation, and have leaked information through the media to further justify this act.
My question to everyone in that particular state how does it really feel to live there, how does it really feel to live in a state fear.
If this officer had been thrown in jail and been given due process, it would be a different outcome, but that has not been the case, it appears to be the use of intimidation, that is really sad.
Then to have a gun shop owner eliciting that the police and whoever is not able to protect everyone further inflames the situation, I really have to ask this question should he the gun dealer be held liable and should this gun dealer be held responsible he has a responsibility for selling that gun to someone, is he not liable in the transaction for the aftermath, I mean really.
Its like going into a Radio shack on property owned by someone or private entity and an individual walks in packing heat, and if, and this is a big if, something should happen is Radio Shack responsible for renting the building, or is the property owner responsible, I say the property owner, they should have sign posted on there property that says no guns are allowed on the property, even if you have the right to carry a gun, who is liable and responsible that is the question.
I know I am going to get the good old second amendment crowd but you know what read the amendment one more time from front to back, its really simple

[joglee]

25. L.A. riots

The L.A. riots were a very similar scenario to what happened in Ferguson.

Racist white cops beat a black male, get off without charges, and a riot ensues that kills 60, 2,000 injured, and $1,000,000,000 in property damage.

If this cop gets off the situation is very similar and could happen again. Remember it took the National Guard to stop the riots.

Lets not forget that it was not just whites that were target, hispanics, and koreans were targeted and it is a good thing koreans were allowed to protect their shops and their lives with "evil rifles for those with small penises" otherwise the death toll and damage total would have been higher.

Just look at these racists on their rooftop, should have disarmed them.






Should I go on?

[GGJohn]

26. Actually they didn't kill Rodney King, they just beat him to a pulp

and a jury in Simi Valley, CA acquitted the cops, which triggered the riots.

[joglee]

27. thanks

Edited and fixed. Had it in my head he died from his injuries.

[GGJohn]

29. He did die years later, but not from the beating he took,

he drowned in 2012.

[otohara]

28. Oh Look Cars - Good Thing I Got My Headband On

Last edited Wed Nov 19, 2014, 01:17 PM - Edit history (1)

for protection.

No people on the streets, the curfew was in effect and working.

[joglee]

32. good to know.

They should have let looters steal all their stuff and burn down their buildings, at least that way they wouldn't suffer small penis syndrome. Crazy Koreans, how dare they protect their livelihood.

[GGJohn]

35. Yeah, those crazy Koreans,

how dare they protect their livelihood and lives with firearms.

[cpwm17]

47. Oh look - an internet tough guy sitting safely behind a computer

unlike the Korean businesses that were deliberately targeted by some racist rioters, where the police wasn't able to protect them.

[otohara]

59. There's No Rioting At This Store

no people on the sidewalks - curfew was working, the worst was over.

[7962]

128. Rioting went on for 3 days; many Korean stores were looted.

How do you know when those pictures were taken? NONE of the stores that were protected by armed owners were among those looted.

[Agnosticsherbet]

30. It would be interesting to know the ethinic makeup of the new buyers.

[GGJohn]

33. It would be interesting,

[Hoyt]

53. Here's a couple of photos -- exactly what you'd expect, scared yahoos.

?w=620&h=349&crop=1

[GGJohn]

66. Got a link to when those photos were taken Mr. Hoyt?

It's easy to post photos without a link claiming to show what isn't really true, RW'er's do it all the time.
So, how about a link to those photos?

[Hoyt]

83. It's also very easy to look up the gun store name in the OP. Try it, rather than trying to deny the

truth. The folks buying gunz are in your demographic. Face facts. Look it up. You can also use the URL from the photos to help in your search.

[GGJohn]

86. One more time,

Do you have a link to when this photo was taken?

[Travis_0004]

133. Look up the exif data in the photo.

It was taken before Mike was shot. And who wears name tags when shopping?

[Agnosticsherbet]

67. Well that says something.

[chrisa]

31. Once again, the racist media is trying to incite riots that won't happen.

They're creaming their pants at the thought of riots happening, so that they can have dramatic news coverage and commentaries about it, leading to more ratings. It's the same crap as the Zimmerman verdict. Look at all the riots that happened (not)!

This is more racism. Black people are assumed by the media as violent, and therefore, of course, will riot at the drop of a hat (and never do, despite the chicken littles and gun humpers proclaiming that they will every time).

The media wants gun fights, thugs running around attacking people, and riots. They want the common paranoid right-wing racist's fantasy to come to life, and it won't. It didn't after the Zimmerman verdict, and it won't now. Faux will be very disappointed.

[onehandle]

38. The preferred 'tool' of racism. nt

[GGJohn]

39. The preferred tool of racism is hate speech.

[Hoyt]

57. And gunz. They go together like . . . . . . .

[GGJohn]

60. Gunz?

Firearms are the preferred tool of many citizens, hunters, competitive shooters, cops, security officers, military, those that enjoy a day at the range, etc.

[LanternWaste]

41. NRA is good at commercially branding and exploiting circumstances to increase industry sales.

NRA is good at commercially branding and exploiting circumstances to increase industry sales.

[KingCharlemagne]

44. Since actuarial studies indisputably demonstrate that households with

firearms are roughly 8 times more likely to suffer death or injury from gunfire than households without firearms, I think it is probable that the St. Louis area will soon witness a spike in domestic firearm 'accidents' as these new firearms, particularly those in the hands of first-time purchasers, come into play in day-to-day life. That's independent of any use during the Michael Brown Grand Jury decision aftermath.

[jonno99]

65. How about ladders?

My guess is that actuarial studies will also show that households with ladders are more likely to suffer death or injury from falling off a ladder.

Same with automobiles, motorcycles, swimming pools, baseball bats, or anacondas.

Simple logic dictates that the availability of something that can kill you - increases the chances that it WILL kill you.

You could live your life encased in bubble-wrap; but then I'm sure that the actuarial tables will demonstrate that households with bubble-wrap increase the chance of death - by suffocation via bubble-wrap.

It's like to old saying: "if I knew where I was going to die, I'd never go near the place."

My two cents...

[KingCharlemagne]

71. What exactly is your point? - nt

[jonno99]

134. My point is simply that

having ANYTHING around that could kill you - increases the chances that it WILL kill you.

Actuarial tables are used by insurance companies to calculate risk and set premium prices.

But you can't live your life by actuarial tables. Otherwise I certainly wouldn't drive a car or have a swimming pool (which I don't).

All of life contains risk. About all we can do is try to make wise choices - encourage others to do the same - and hope for the best...

[KingCharlemagne]

135. I would say keeping firearms out of your personal residence is pretty much a no-brainer

myself, given the actuarial statistics. If you keep a firearm in your residence, you are 8 times more likely to be killed or wounded by a firearm discharge than if you do not.

[jonno99]

138. I don't disagree with you.

I don't keep guns in the house - I'm afraid my wife would shoot ME.
8^)

[KingCharlemagne]

139. Asks my wife: "What have you done to deserve

being shot?"

[jonno99]

140. I always chuckle at the song..

"some days are better than other days, these days life is better with you."

the "other" days? yikes! Let's just say that we are both passionate, demonstrative people.

Ever seen that kids movie Ratatatoolie (sp?)? There is a scene in Paris where the rat is walking through the building and glancing through the holes in the various room walls - showing cameos of life in France. In one room a couple is arguing - with the woman holding a pistol. As the rat walks on he hears a shot - and rushes back to see what happened. No worries, the couple is now in a kissing embrace. Crazy French!

But that seems like us "some" days (and a good reason for US not to have weapons 8^).

[NutmegYankee]

144. 8 times what though?

In increase 8 fold of a very small number is insignificant to the choices of daily life.

[KingCharlemagne]

145. I am not a statistician by profession (perhaps in the next life) and I am relying

Last edited Thu Nov 20, 2014, 11:52 PM - Edit history (1)

on some memories of having read an article or story some 5-6 years ago. I no longer remember the provenance of this story, nor do i remember any of the details.

That said, let us say hypothetically that households without fireamrs experience a rate of injury and mortality of one-tenth of one percent (0.1%). That would mean that, in a sample of 100,000 households without firearms, one would expect some 100 deaths or injuries per year from the discharge of firearms. Taking that ratio of 'eight times more likely,' a sample of 100,000 households where firearms are located in the household would expect, all other things being equal, to experience some 800 deaths or injuries per year 04 eight-tenths of one percent (0.8%).

I have no idea whether that hypothetical baseline of one-tenth of one percent is valid, nor do I have any desire to engage in semantic battles with those who favor private ownership of firearms. Suffice it to say that households with firearms are at a sharlply elevated risk of death or injury from firearms discharge.

[NutmegYankee]

147. I do not agree with your conclusion at all.

The risk is such a low percentage, such that even an 8 fold increase isn't a "sharply elevated risk". Of that higher risk, most are suicides. Americans choose they consider as the best option for that, whereas many other countries with similar suicide rates choose rope or poison. At the end of the day, the death %'s are the same despite the method.

[KingCharlemagne]

149. Then we shall have to agree to disagree, my friend. - nt

[jtuck004]

100. I know. Just the other day a 5 year old shot another with a ladder someone left laying around.

Not even close to the same.

"My two cents.." < overvalued.

[jonno99]

136. Please see my reply to KC...

[TimeToEvolve]

63. i don't consider gun-humpers to be real people any more; they are still monkeys

on the wrong side of the evolutionary bell- curve

[GGJohn]

73. Perhaps you can define what a "gun-humper" is for us?

[joglee]

74. racist?

So do you feel black gun owners are monkeys? Thats a mighty racist remark given that plenty of blacks own guns.

Here is a gun club with a lot of black gun owners, most are very very nice people as well.

https://mobile.twitter.com/hueygunclub

[TimeToEvolve]

115. absolutely not

this was not directed at any race or ethnicity

the term "gun humper'' refers to the average NRA member, you know, those whom support an organization that is well known to stir up the irrational fears of ignorant americans nationwide.

i called them un-evolved because it seems that fear is their only motivator, rather than more rational modes of thinking.

[jonno99]

150. You should google "bench-rest shooting".

These folks are motivated primarily by making tight shot groups with highly accurate "simple machines" (guns).

No fear at all - just an appreciation of accurate weapons - and accurate shooting.

A little anecdote: my junior high (MN) had a shooting range in the basement of the school. Kids would actually bring weapons to school - and nobody thought it unusual...

What do you think has changed?

[Blue_Tires]

77. Yup...More fear of the black man

leads to tidy profits for weapon/ammo manufacturers...

Mission Accomplished, NRA, Gov. Nixon, and FBI...

[Red State Rebel]

92. UNLESS YOU LIVE HERE AND READ THE THINGS BEING WRITTEN ABOUT

the plans of the protesters you have NO idea what it's like.

St. Louis is my home!! There are protest groups saying "white people won't understand until we make them feel the fear we have felt", etc. What are we supposed to think? I'm a single woman in my late 50's - am I supposed to lock my doors and hope nothing happens with all of this craziness going on??? One of their targeted places is within a mile of my house - yes, I'm nervous. If it were just peaceful protesters I wouldn't worry, but there are a number of groups co-opting this situation for their own benefit and we have no idea what will happen.

Unless you have been in the middle of something like this, you cannot know how it feels. Do I have a weapon? You bet I do. I don't plan to use it, but I know how to if it's necessary.

[GGJohn]

94. Great post!!!!!

It's easy to sit behind a keyboard, all safe and sound in another state, city, and ridicule the notion of buying a firearm for protection of what MIGHT happen, but it's very relevant to those that actually live there.

Stay safe and hopefully the coming protests will stay peaceful.

[Blue_Tires]

99. Sadly, all your post does is illustrate how much white folks really don't understand...

As long as black folks continue to be an entity to "fear" and "protect yourself against", this mindset will continue

[Red State Rebel]

103. My reaction is in direct correlation with the threats issued.

What else is there to understand? When someone states publicly that they must make the white people feel fear in the process of their protesting, what am I to believe? What am I to feel? I don't know if everyone in this group is black, white or purple and I don't care. I care about someone threatening the safety of "white people" in the St. Louis area because I am one.

[Ash_F]

117. And their reaction is in direct correlation to the violence they have experienced.

You are going to be fine.

[KingCharlemagne]

148. Links to 'threats' or just reports of 'threats' please - nt

[840high]

152. I read the same threats - wish

I could remember where. Was a couple of days ago.

[840high]

151. Wonderful post. Be safe.

[sakabatou]

95. "They're after our guns" mentality?

This happens almost every time there's a famous shooting or a massacre.

[vkkv]

101. Watch for all of the Glock, S&W, Kimber, Colt adverts coming up on the Tee Vee!

God bwess the G.O.P.

- Wayne Lapierre,
CEO NRA

[GGJohn]

102. Really?

When was the last time you actually saw an advertisement on TV for firearms?

[ileus]

112. Never...

Unless he/she watch outdoors or shooting programs.

[Odin2005]

116. Sick racist fucks itching for a race war.

[wheniwasincongress]

118. One of the gun shop owners

on CNN claims most of the guns bought recently were bought by women. mmhmm.

[Hoyt]

126. Probably afraid of their gun loving yahoo husbands.

[paper boy]

124. It's just a race riot. Why should anyone be afraid?

[Kurska]

137. If anyone thinks there isn't the POSSIBILITY of a major and deadly riot are fooling themselves.

Granted, a lot of people predicted mayhem and destruction after the Zimmerman verdict which never materialized, so I would hardly say that such a thing is guaranteed or even likely. However, there is a track record for major riots after police don't face charges for highly publicized racially charged incidents (like the Rodney King beating).

Which isn't to say anyone should go around shooting protesters (obviously), but a lot of bad actors take advantage of major civil disturbances to do counter-productive things like robbery. Rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it, seems to be somewhat reasonable.

[Arkana]

142. Lunatics and their ersatz penises.