7 hurt when car hits Plymouth crowd
PLYMOUTH - It was supposed to be a solemn day. Scores of veterans and friends had gathered yesterday afternoon at a scenic overlook at Plymouth Harbor for a ceremony welcoming a traveling war memorial, when an elderly woman lost control of her minivan, jumped a curb, and plowed into the crowd.
At least seven people were brought to Jordan Hospital for treatment for bruises and chest pains, among other conditions. Police said none of the injuries were life-threatening, and the car was not traveling fast. But the incident was the second in as many days involving an elderly driver losing control of a car, terrifying a crowd of people.
When it dawned on me that I would be using the same tactics as the anti-gunners use against gunnies. Take an isolated incident, find another quasi-related incident to whip up public frenzy, then scream for legislation to "save the children". Well, okay, I wasn't really going to whip up any frenzy (maybe just a little), but I wanted to point out that we have yet another instance of an elderly person losing control of their vehicle and hurting innocent people.
Instead, I'll merely point out that I have harmed fewer people with my guns than either driver in the recent stories. Why, it's almost like the tool itself is irrelevant, but that it's the person wielding the tool that must be forever vigilant and careful. I know that's a difficult concept for folks like Sarah Brady to grasp - the idea that it's the person at fault, not the inanimate object.
One does have to wonder, though. Had it been gun owners harming random people through carelessness, inattention, or recklessness, we'd have heard an near-endless stream of politicians, do-gooders, and other public nuisances declaring that "something must be done" about these irresponsible gun owners. Why is it that we let slide stories of injury, destruction, and even deaths when it involves automobiles, yet when it's an accident involving a firearm (like the unfortunate boy in Westwood at the machine gun shoot), the howls of righteous indignation are deafening?
Why, it's almost like the politicians only grandstand when it's a "safe" target of ire!
In any case, the thing to remember is that we need always be careful. Whether you're behind the wheel of your 3,000 pound automobile or about to send rounds downrange, taking an extra moment or two to assess your surroundings and abilities is always a good idea. Listen to that little voice in your head that says "Aren't you a little tired to be driving?" or "Are you certain that the range is clear?" Ounce of prevention/pound of cure, that sort of thing.
Above all, don't let a moment's distraction provide an anti - of any stripe - with another anecdote about why [GROUP X] can't be trusted and must be banned/regulated/further taxed...
That is all.
3 comments:
I have to do "consistency checks" on myself all the time. It's so easy to jump on the "somebody has to do something" bandwagon these days, since that sentiment is so pervasive. I agree, its really hard to resist the impulse sometimes.
I'm not always successful in seeing the big picture and sticking to my guns, but I try.
I like the way you pointed out the inconsitency in most anti's views. Most rational people wouldn't dream of blaming cars for car wrecks - but many of those same folks don't hesitate to make guns the root of all violent evil.
You could make like Talkshow Host Michael Graham and cite statistics.
http://www.michaelgraham.com/post/2009/06/03/Is-This-The-Dumbest-Member-of-Massachusetts-Government.aspx
Then you'd be acting like a Pro Gunnie against the antis!
Hey there,
Just stumbled on your blog, I really love it, very well spoken. I'm stuck here in Springfield myself, the armpit of New England.
Anyway you raised a very interesting point with this entry. It's a subject that I've been watching and I'm interested to see if anything comes of it. In fact I can even recall debating the issue with the police officer who gave me my driving exam!
Anyway, have you seen the latest issue of 'Outdoor Message?' It looks like our man Patrick has a new gun control bill (H.4102). Among other things, it would make it illegal to purchase two firearms in one month, and eliminate private transfers.
Thanks again for the blog!
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