Mayor Gray protests a billboard advertising gun-safety classes
Washington politicians are so anti-gun that they oppose a mere photo of a paper target. With D.C.’s gun-grabber laws under fire and pressure rising to allow concealed carry, the city’s liberal political establishment is panicking.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) put up a billboard in July at 13th and L Streets, N.W., that says, “Hey D.C. — It’s time for your first shot,” with the organization’s website and a photo of a woman holding a red, shot-out bulls-eye. The advertisement is for the NSSF First Shots, which are free safety-and-training seminars.
Mayor Vincent Gray fired off an attack on the sign, calling it “offensive” and “irresponsible.” According to NBC4, the Democrat complained, “To promote the use of guns in the city I think really is just anti-safety.”
“His reaction is sadly predictable — a knee-jerk, anti-gun reaction to anything firearms,” responded NSSF General Counsel Larry Keane. “I don’t see how the billboard or people going to a First Shots program to learn about firearms safety threatens the public safety of Washington or in any way encourages anyone to violate the draconian laws of D.C.” Mr. Keane said, “We have a suggested summer reading list for the mayor: the Bill of Rights and the Heller decision.”
First Shots, which has been taught in 48 states, was brought to Washington and Chicago after the Supreme Court overturned gun bans in those cities in 2008’s Heller and McDonald cases.
Phil Mendelson, chairman of the city council, thinks the course is on target. “I see nothing wrong with promoting gun safety,” the at-large Democrat — who wrote the city’s gun laws — told The Washington Times. “If this is a program which helps people use a firearm responsibly then that’s a good thing.”
Childbirth classes promote child abuse!
Drivers Education promotes road rage!
I hear you, kenw, but be careful: there are those who suggest that grade school “drug awareness” classes contribute to drug use, and that “sex ed” classes contribute to a rise in unsafe sexual behaviors among children and young adults. Wait… That’s it! The proponents of social engeneering classes know that they actually WORK, just not in the way they say they do! Gents and ladies, I think we’ve just blown this whole thing wide open…
~_^