Gun Control & RKBA
Related: About this forumHere is an idea for our Bloomie fans
to pass up to their dear leader:
Article by: William D. Cohan , Bloomberg News Updated: December 31, 2012 - 6:30 PM
Business moguls who favor stricter gun-control laws - among them Bloomberg LP founder and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, financier George Soros and entertainment honcho David Geffen - are in the unique position of being able to put their money where their mouths are, and with a single bold move can change the raging gun debate in a way that intransigent politicians cannot.
These well-intentioned billionaires (and others) should buy Freedom Group Inc., the world's largest gun manufacturer, from Cerberus Capital Management, which has put it up for sale, and literally liquidate it.
http://www.startribune.com/opinion/commentaries/185295522.html?page=1&c=y
Probably cheaper than buying, er... financing elections around the nation and would have an immediate visible, measurable effect.
gejohnston
(17,502 posts)all of the gun industry is in the US? how many US and European companies that are not part of Freedom Group? So they liquidate the equipment and someone else buys it.
The biggest reason? Bloomburg and Soros are businessmen first. Their bottom line would say "bullshit" and it would stop there.
AtheistCrusader
(33,982 posts)gejohnston
(17,502 posts)IIRC, that is what Poppy did after being convinced by Bill Bennett.
ileus
(15,396 posts)Tempest
(14,591 posts)No one or group is rich enough to buy up every single gun manufacturer and continue to buy up all new manufacturers that would be created in the vacuum.
Loudly
(2,436 posts)If a new manufacturer can legally commence business, it would be a waste of money.
Better to spend those dollars influencing public policy.
sarisataka
(18,216 posts)would this not help get guns off the streets? Shut off the supply is a mantra that has been heard many times.
Yes, a new manufacturer could fill the void, but starting aq new gun manufacturing company is not like opening a cupcake shop. There is a very significant up front cost.
As for a waste of money, that is very debatable. The billionaires referenced have pledged large sums to stop gun violence. This is an opportunity for them to show their dedication. How often will a majority of the U.S. gun manufacturing business, and the world's largest manufacturer, be available for sale at a price any of them could pay personally? The PR would be a huge boost towards public policy and show that these elite do actually value lives over dollars. They are not even being asked to give up their armed guards.
DonP
(6,185 posts)Billionaires would spend the majority of their fortunes to shut down successful, profitable businesses.
Crime would most likely be unaffected, even after years of no new firearms, considering their useful life with even minimum care.
Eventually supply and demand would incentivize new manufacturers to start new manufacturing operations.
kudzu22
(1,273 posts)And wait for the billionaires to buy me out as well.
holdencaufield
(2,927 posts)... and now I just wait for that sweet, sweet VC money to pour in.