Final straw in gun crime reports
The New York Times headline incorrectly said it all: “Weapons in San Bernardino shootings were legally obtained.” The media and lawmakers continue to perpetuate a narrative on mass shootings that is less than honest. The assault rifles used in the murders of innocent people were actually purchased through a straw party and then transferred to the killers. Is it a legal purchase, as alleged by The Times?
In 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that straw purchases of guns were illegal.
A straw purchase occurs when a citizen purchases a gun legally and then transfers the weapon to a third party illegally.
While President Obama continues to lobby for “common sense” gun reform, the problem with straw purchases is never discussed. If you look at many of the shootings over the years, there is a pattern of straw purchases without any honest reporting by much of the media.
The question is what law could prevent a mass shooting if the gun ends up in the hands of a third party illegally? Arresting the straw purchaser will not prevent or deter these heinous crimes. The media are continuing to perpetuate a lie when they report “legal” gun purchases to support their anti-gun narrative.
Of course, some lawmakers may simply dismiss straw purchases with the usual “what difference does it make?”
Mike Suley
Mt. Lebanon