Guns and Dogs

With the "assault weapons ban" set to expire this year, expect to hear a lot of political posturing on both sides of the issue. Do not expect to hear much discussion of what defines an assault weapon. For the record, an assault weapon, as defined in this law, is a gun which bears two of the following four features: a flash supressor, a collapsible stock, a bayonet lug, or a pistol grip. Note that each of these features pertain to the appearance of the gun, and not to its operation. No mention of the rate of fire (machine guns have been illegal since the 1930s), power of the round, accuracy, propensity to misfire, or any other characteristic relating to the actual lethality of the weapon. In fact, The main difference between an assault rifle and a semi-automatic hunting rifle is that the assault rifle looks more "military."

Remember, as the gun-control advocates predict carnage in the streets if this law expires, the only differences between these guns and a common hunting rifle are purely cosmetic. This law is all about banning guns that liberals think look scary.

Meanwhile, in New York City the Director of Animal Care and Control has renamed the Pit Bull Terrior the "New Yorkie" because they "need to have the same opportunities as any other breed of dog." Apparently, when people become frightened by an especially aggressive breed of animal, an appropriate course of action is to rename the breed.

If we rename our assault weapons "toy guns," can we have 'em back?