First amendment in danger

[Barrett]

Please excuse the duplication if this has already been explained, but I lack time to read each entry.
Since 1934 US citizens without criminal records have been able to own fully-automatic weapons that range from Thompson submachine guns to tripod-mounted, belt-feds like Vickers, Maxims, etc. A $200 federal transfer fee is necessary on top of the cost of the hardware, IF the applicant lives in one of the 30-odd states that permit such equipment.
My two states--Oregon and Arizona--both are "Class III" states which allow MGs. Some other states that technically approve 'em (I think Texas is one) hardly ever grant the authority.
there have been 2 MGs in my family over the years: a .303 Bren Gun and a belt-fed .223 Stoner. They were used by my brother and me for baseline comparisons in weapons and military related writing & research.
Out of something over a quarter-million Class III transfers over the decades, I am told by law enforcement sources that there is one documented misuse of a legally owned full-auto gun: a cop used his Uzi to snuff a snitch who tried to set him up. I'm not sure, but I sorta remember that the cop got off because of mitigating circumstances; perhaps his atty made a case for self defense.
BTW: MGs are great therapy. I could put two mags thru the Bren on Monday and remain stress free all week.

[mike_baram]

Axel,
While I support freedom of speech and of the press with every fiber of my being, there are bounds beyond which a writer may not go. In this case, White's labelling of Horowitz as a bigot, in a public forum, can be considered libel.
If you haven't read anything by David Horowitz yet, I heartily recommend "Radical Son" and "Destructive Generation", as well as several other books and numerous articles (many of which are archived at salon.com).
As someone once pointed out many years ago, it's illegal to call someone a Communist in a public forum if the person is not a Communist, especially if the intent is to defame or cause damage to his ability to function in his profession. In the absence of an apology, I would consider this a case of malicious intent, and Time would do well to prepare to write a very generous check to Mr. Horowitz.
Regards,
Mike

Mike,
seems that in this case all depends of wether he can back up the term bigot by facts. As you stated it is not allowed to call someone a communist IF he is none. I am not deep enough into Horowitz publications to judge it. Here I have seen nothing that would defend him, though. But I will drop out of this discussion, with has transformed once again from another topic to the second amendmend.

I just will state that I do prefer the logic of Devils Advocate. Fire weapons kill innocent people, and if they are necessary for the US to keep their freedom, than the innocent victims are just the price you have to pay.

regards

Axel

Long ago a wise Roman wrote a dictum: "Si vis pacem parabellum." If you want peace, prepare for war. War, not peace, is the natural state of man. During the years you have been alive, no less than 3 wars have been going on at any given time. Argue forever, but you won't change the nature of man. Billy Mitchell sacraficed his career to try to convince the military that escalation and a show of force are the best deterrents. We now know it works on a personal or national level. The important thing is, it works.

[mike_baram]

Horowitz responds to Time.....it's worth reading to find out how he feels about being slandered publicly. It might be one of us next time.

http://www.salon.com/news/feature/19...nse/index.html

I know I "signed off" on this topic, but I wanted to share with you all something from my morning paper this AM- ....from the AP News=

>Texas Gov. George Bush told reporters that he backed raising the legal age to 21 from 18 for handgun posession and outlawing imports of certain high capacity ammunition clips-two measures in gun control legislation the Senate passed, but the House rejected earlier this year. "These are all reasonable measures" he said.<

(Neither the Senate response(usually reasonable) or the House response(generally, a group of abject idiots)surprises me....)

I'm going to consider voting for the guy- which should make those of you who thought you had my politics pegged fall out of your computer chairs!
I leave you again! Cheers! DA

[Vic_Mouton]

Hi All
The AK47 on full automatic is no more dangerous than any semi automatic. After the first round the barrel starts to climb and the other shots are just wasted ammo. My guess is that this is the case with almost all automatics that bleeds gas upwards from the barrel.

VBR
Vic (Ex South-African Defence Force Infantery)

[mike_baram]

Vic,
That depends on the version you're using. Comrade Kalashnikov added a small extension to the bottom of the muzzle. The gas pushing out the bullet hits that "lip" as the muzzle starts to rise, forcing it back downward. The net result is a fairly steady platform. (I once fired an Uzi, fully automatic, from the hip "a la John Wayne". The first round hit a foot left of the target. All the rest of the clip could have been considered anti-aircraft fire.)
Regards,
Mike

Vic, turn the AK on its side and it won't climb, it will traverse the target. I'm a firearms instructor, and I'll gladly demo this.
Devil's Advocate, we know that a DA is not arguing what he personally believes, but to bring out new facts. You were never thought of otherwise. If you... or any of you want to contact me, just click on my name and then on write.

"What the bloody H**L does this have to do with WW1 aviation?"

Nothing, and everything to do with bi-polar individuals who can not compartmentalize information, or even imagine the concept.
"First Amendment in danger"? More like First Amendment in action.