In the United States, there is a run on guns. Bob Hepburn writes:
Americans are leaving their homes and lining up at grocery stores in the desperate hope of buying not only food, but scarce toilet paper, given that so many others have panicked and horded enough rolls of toilet paper to last them until 2022.
However, in many U.S. communities you can also head out to your nearest gun store to pick up a new pistol, assault rifle or stock up on bullets. That’s because gun shops in those spots have been declared “essential services.” Also, the U.S. federal government has also issued a guidance deeming the firearms business “critical infrastructure,” which let it stay open.
The NRA is furious with New York governor Andrew Cuomo:
Even in these anxiety-ridden times, the NRA keeps driving ahead with its lethal agenda of more, not fewer, gun rights, launching lawsuits across the country aimed at overturning government moves to close gun shops.
Last week, the NRA sued New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo for declaring gun shops non-essential, forcing them to close their doors.
“There isn’t a single person who has ever used a gun for self-defence who would consider it non-essential,” said Wayne LaPierre, head of the NRA. “This is clearly another assault by Gov. Cuomo on the NRA, on the rights of New Yorkers to defend themselves and their families, and on our Second Amendment freedoms.”
And, Hepburn warns, Canadians shouldn't feel smug. We have our own loonies:
Pro-gun lobby groups, such as the Canadian Coalition for Firearms Rights, the Canadian Sporting Arms and Ammunition Association and the National Firearms Association, talk about protecting “firearm rights” and work hard to oppose any move to restrict gun sales. Thankfully, in fact, there’s no such thing as “firearm rights” in Canada.
It's wise to remember that, in times such as these, the crazies sprout up -- like dandelions in the spring.
Image: The Toronto Star
