California police chief: The idea that a gun is a defensive weapon is a ‘myth’

Washington Examiner ^ | February 14, 2013 | Charlie Spiering

[Zakeet]

California Police Chief Ken James insisted earlier this month that the idea of a gun as a “defensive weapon” was a “myth.” Speaking at a news conference about gun control with California lawmakers, James explained that he was concerned with the amount of weapons owned by American citizens.

“One issue that always boggles my mind is that the idea that a gun is a defensive weapon,” James said. “That is a myth. A gun is not a defensive weapon.”

James is the Police Chief of Emeryville, California and the Police Chief Association’s Firearms Committee Chairman.

“A gun is an offensive weapon used to intimidate and show power,” he asserted, explaining to the audience that police officers don’t carry weapons to defend themselves, but to do their job in a “safe and effective manner.”

James’ statement has become a subject of ridicule among gun owners online.

[Zakeet]

For some inexplicable reason, James’ statement has become a subject of ridicule among gun owners online.

[353FMG]

California dreaming.

[TomGuy]

Probably better than throwing marshmallows.

Or running with scissors.

[yarddog]

I don’t think I have ever heard anything so stupid by someone who at least had “walking around” sense.

[SkyDancer]

It’s Kaliphornia - what does one expect?

[Above My Pay Grade]

So I guess he will disarm the police officers on his force? Or do they carry guns for offensive purposes, with the intention of initiating rather than responding to, stopping and deterring violence?

[goodnesswins]

Hmmm....The idea of a POLICE OFFICER as a defensive weapon is a myth...

[tgusa]

“A gun is an offensive weapon used to intimidate and show power,” he asserted, explaining to the audience that police officers don’t carry weapons to defend themselves, but to do their job in a “safe and effective manner.”

So what is this blow-dried girly-boy trying to say? His police use their weapons to intimidate and show power? Thanks - I’ll defend myself.

Nincompoop.

[The Sons of Liberty]

California police chief: The idea that a gun is a defensive weapon is a ‘myth’

I'm willing to bet that neither James, nor ANY cop in California (also known as the land of fruits and nuts), do not check their weapons into the armory, but take them home at night.

[SkyDancer]

He’s right you know. It’s an offensive weapon to gun down homeless people in the streets and family pets when they >ahem< go to the wrong house.

[goodnesswins]

Hmmm....The idea of a POLICE OFFICER as a defensive weapon is a myth...ask the people Dorner shot...ask the Ft. Hood victims...etc.

[Sir Napsalot]

>>> James’ statement has become a subject of ridicule among gun owners online.

As it should be. Doesn’t HAVE TO BE a gun owner to ridicule the statement though.

[NY Attitude]

and another one has inbibed the kool-aid.

[Brooklyn Attitude]

The problem is his perspective on who owns the gun. In the hands of a robber or gangbanger any gun is an offensive weapon. It is used to intimidate and prevent resistance. Probably 99% of the people he deals with are s-—bags like this. In the hands of a good guy, the gun is used defensively or recreationally.

[eeevil conservative]

then he and his fellow officers can just leave those “myths” in the station instead of carrying them on their hips....

[ArrogantBustard]

Has the Police Chief been hanging out with the pResident?

[I want the USA back]

Direct conclusion from his words: Police carry guns to intimidate and show power.

He is either stupid or repeating the words of the civil authorities who pay his salary.

[Bob]

So cops carry guns to “intimidate and show power”. Thanks for clarifying that, chief.

[Above My Pay Grade]

I guess we also need to either disarm our military, or rename the Department of Defense.

[FreedomOfExpression]

We could argue that the citizens are armed so that they can conduct their lives in a “safe and effective manner.”

[grobdriver]

Proof positive.

All the idiots (almost all) go to California.

[elkfersupper]

Well, okay.

As soon as the cops of all stripes and the military put theirs down, I'll put mine down.

[yldstrk]

You never want an armed govt and an unarmed populace.

Remember Tienanmen Square

[familyop]

"California police chief: The idea that a gun is a defensive weapon is a ‘myth’"

Yeah, we're hearing that fire is now the preferred defensive weapon.

[jazusamo]

He’s decked out like a South American dictator in his uniform and all the stars on it.

Emeryville has 1.2 sq mi of land area and .8 sq mi of water and is a stones throw from Berkeley.

Can anyone say liberal?

[ArrogantBustard]

.The idea of a POLICE OFFICER as a defensive weapon is a myth...ask the people Dorner shot...

And ask the citizens that the other police shot whilst looking for Dorner ...

[El Cid]

Emeryville -- adjacent to Berkeley and Oakland... I guess the idiocy just oozes over the borders.
The commie's dream is to disarm the people. Walking in the footsteps of their heroes (Lenin, Stalin, Mao ...).

[SandyInSeattle]

police officers don’t carry weapons to defend themselves,

Oh, the heck they don't.

[cripplecreek]

He might want to take a look at Detroit where there are about 5 defensive shootings per week. In fact, Detroit leads the nation in justifiable homicide.

[Tony O]

He Looks like Cliff Clavin in that pic!

[allmendream]

The idea that they are “Peace” Officers is a myth.

[Hang'emAll]

I guess we also need to either disarm our military, or rename the Department of Defense.,,,

Before my time it was called the War Department or so I was told.

[Brooklyn Attitude]

I cant believe he actually believes that idiotic comment. If he did he should be barely capable of passing high school.

[Osage Orange]

Hellofa post!!

Good job!!

[ArrogantBustard]

I guess we also need to either disarm our military, or rename the Department of Defense.

Back when we had a Department of War, we used to win wars.

[TigersEye]

“A gun is an offensive weapon used to intimidate and show power,” he asserted,...

That's why cops have guns, right, Chief?

"Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun." - Mao Zedong

[ExTxMarine]

A gun is an offensive weapon used to intimidate and show power...but they wear them to help safely do their jobs.

This man, and his entire department, should be brought up on charges for excessive abuse - as he himself admitted that he and his officers carry guns to intimidate and show power over the people in his city!

Plain and simple, either it is a defensive weapon, or you are purposefully intimidating the people of your city; how is this not an abuse of power?

But, here are the big questions:
You need a gun to collect information about the dead (since you showed up two hours after the murder)?
You need a gun to write a report about the house, bank or business which was robbed (since you showed up 24-36 hours after the event)?
You need a gun to safely eat your donuts?!?!?

These gun-grabbers are out of their effing minds! And this one may be trying to become President of the effing IDIOTS!

[GoldenPup]

California police chief: The idea that a gun is a defensive weapon is a ‘myth’

And last week another chief? in Mississippi wanted everybody to turn in their guns so that they wouldn't be stolen? Where do these mental midgets come from? Mars? Under rocks? These so-called "chiefs" are complete morons. Glad I don't live in their towns.

[Robert357]

“A gun is an offensive weapon used to intimidate and show power,” he asserted, explaining to the audience that police officers don’t carry weapons to defend themselves..."

Remind me to never go to Emmeryville. This police chief is a nut-job. His officers carry firearms to intimidate and show power. Wow, that says a lot about what his view of police powers involves. I have a concealed carry license and do. What the not-so-good police chief is talking about sounds a lot to me like the legal definition of brandishing. Concealed carry is just the opposite of brandishing. It is the ability to use deadly force (when appropriate) without calling attention to yourself prior to the use of deadly force.

[Disambiguator]

I love how these public statements are always released at a presser with a bunch of serious-faced people standing around on the podium. Reminds me of this:

[RavenLooneyToon]

“A gun is an offensive weapon used to intimidate and show power,”...when in the hands of the LAPD.

[ArrogantBustard]

You need a gun to safely eat your donuts?!?!?

Dude ... have you ever eaten a donut?

Them things are mean ... grab one out of a box, and the other 11 jump up and try to do you in.

[dfwgator]

Who’s the token white guy in the upper right?

[longfellow]

“A gun is an offensive weapon used to intimidate and show power,” he asserted, explaining to the audience that police officers don’t carry weapons to defend themselves, but to do their job in a “safe and effective manner.”

so much for protect and serve.

[ThomasThomas]

Not California but just Emeryville. Emeryville is a small city It is located in a corridor between the cities of Berkeley and Oakland.

Need I say more.

[ArrogantBustard]

Token White Guy frowns on your shenanigans, too.

[KrisKrinkle]

“A gun is an offensive weapon used to intimidate and show power,”

More accurately: “A gun may be used to intimidate and show the capacity to use force or to actually use force.”

This can be done for an offensive or defensive purpose, depending on the bearer of the gun. That’s important because any so called “problem” is not due to guns but to the people who misuse them.

Lots of people use guns in self defense without firing a shot because they intimidate aggressors by showing they have the capacity to use force.

Lots of criminals use guns to commit crimes without firing a shot because they intimidate victims by showing they have the capacity to use force.

In some or many places it is illegal to use a gun to show the capacity to use force in self defense. It’s called brandishing. It forces people to wait until they are sure they are in danger of death or great bodily harm and must shoot to protect themselves. That gives an edge to the aggressor.

[SpaceBar]

Actually the military teaches something that is quite at odds with this police chief is saying. Your pistol is a last ditch defensive weapon that is used when you are separated from your rifle or are otherwise defenseless and being pursued by the enemy.

[jsanders2001]

> Hmmm....The idea of a POLICE OFFICER as a defensive weapon is a myth...

True they are pretty much a reactive force at that and overloaded often

[Yosemitest]

That idiot should NOT carry a gun.
That idiot should NOT be in the police force.
That idiot should NOT be an American.

The United States Citizens KNOW that they're going to have to fight TYRANTS in their own government.
You cannot protect life, without the ability to take life.

While you are WAITING for the police to respond, someone could be losing their life.
All people of a responsible age should be armed.

As EternalVigilance reminded us:

The Second Amendment IS Pro-Life.

"Among the natural rights of the Colonists are these:
First, a right to life;
Secondly, to liberty;
Thirdly, to property;
together with the right to support and defend them in the best manner they can.
These are evident branches of, rather than deductions from, the duty of self-preservation,
commonly called the first law of nature...
In short, it is the greatest absurdity to suppose it in the power of one, or any number of men, at the entering into society,
to renounce their essential natural rights, or the means of preserving those rights;
when the grand end of civil government, from the very nature of its institution, is for the support, protection, and defence of those very rights;
the principal of which, as is before observed, are Life, Liberty, and Property.
If men, through fear, fraud, or mistake, should in terms renounce or give up any essential natural right, the eternal law of reason and the grand end of society would absolutely vacate such renunciation.
The right to freedom being the gift of God Almighty,
it is not in the power of man to alienate this gift
and voluntarily become a slave."




-- Samuel Adams, The Rights of the Colonists

Click here to read the 12 page pamphlet.

Let us NEVER FORGET THAT !

Let's subjugate them to OUR end game, DUST!
"COMPROMISE" is a DIRTY word!
People who study the Bible know that COMPROMISE almost always leads to destruction.


It's time to mock the "Gun Control" Zombies!
"Gun Control" is a firm grip, steady breathing, accurate aim (developed by lots of practice), and a slow trigger pull.


The Swiss have got it CORRECT !
We need to learn from the Swiss and implement their "gun control measures" here in the United States right now, today!
These laws are the ones we should shove into the "2nd Amendment Haters" faces.

" Today, military service for Swiss males is universal. At about age 20, every Swiss male goes through 118 consecutive days of recruit training in the Rekrutenschule. ...

Even before required training begins, young men and women may take optional courses with the Swiss army's M57 assault rifle.
They keep that gun at home for three months and receive six half-day training sessions.

From age 21 to 32, a Swiss man serves as a "frontline" troop in the Auszug, and devotes three weeks a year (in eight of the 12 years) to continued training.
From age 33 to 42, he serves in the Landwehr (like America's National Guard); every few years, he reports for two-week training periods.
Finally, from ages 43, to 50, he serves in the Landsturm; in this period, he only spends 13 days total in "home guard courses."

Over a soldier's career he also spends scattered days on mandatory equipment inspections and required target practice.
Thus, in a 30-year mandatory military career, a Swiss man only spends about one year in direct military service.
Following discharge from the regular army, men serve on reserve status until age 50 (55 for officers).

By the Federal Constitution of 1874, military servicemen are given their first equipment, clothing and arms.
After the first training period, conscripts must keep gun, ammunition and equipment an ihrem Wohnort ("in their homes") until the end of their term of service.

Today, enlisted men are issued M57 AUTOMATIC assault rifles and officers are given pistol.
Each reservist is issued 24 rounds of ammunition in sealed packs for emergency use.
(Contrary to Handgun Control's claim that "all ammunition must be accounted for," the emergency ammunition is the only ammo that requires accounting.)

After discharge from service, the man is given a bolt rifle free from registration or obligation.
Starting in the 1994, the government will GIVE ex-reservists assault rifles. Officers carry pistols rather than rifles and are given their pistols the end of their service.

When the government adopts a new infantry rifle, it sells the old ones to the public.

Reservists are encouraged to buy MILITARY ammunition
(7.5 and 5.6mm-5.56 mm in other countries-for rifles and 9 and 7.65 mm Luger for pistols)
which is sold AT COST by the government, for target practice .
Non-military ammunition for long-gun hunting and .22 Long Rifle (LR) ammo are not subsidised, but are subiect to NO sales controls.
Non-military non-hunting ammunition more powerful than .22 LR (such as .38 Spl.) is registered at the time of sale.

Swiss military ammo must be registered IF bought at a private store, BUT NEED NOT BE REGISTERED IF bought at a range.
The nation's 3,000 shooting ranges sell the overwhelming majority of ammunition.
Technically, ammunition bought at the range must be used at the range, but the rule is barely known and almost never obeyed.

The army SELLS a variety of machine guns, submachine guns, anti-tank weapons, anti-aircraft guns, howitzers and cannons.
Purchasers of these weapons require an EASILY OBTAINED cantonal license, and the weapons are registered.
In a nation of six million people, there are at least two million guns, including 600,000 FULLY AUTOMATIC assault rifles, half a million pistols, and numerous machine guns.
Virtually every home has a gun.

Besides SUBSIDIZED military surplus, the Swiss can buy other firearms easily too.
While long guns require NO special purchase procedures, handguns are sold only to those with a Waffenerwerbsschien (purchase certificate) issued by a cantonal authority.
A certificate is issued to every applicant over 18 who is not a criminal or mentally infirm.

There are NO restrictions on the carrying of long guns.
About half the cantons have strict permit procedures for carrying handguns, and the other half have NO rules at all.
There is NO discernible difference in the crime rate between the cantons as a result of the different policies.

Thanks to a lawsuit brought by the Swiss gun lobby, semi-automatic rifles require NO PURCHASE PERMIT and are NOT registered by the government.
Thus, the ONLY long guns registered by the government are FULL AUTOMATICS."

The Swiss have got it CORRECT !
Let's adopt THEIR LAWS !

Remember:

The beauty of the Second Amendment is
that it will not be needed
until they TRY to take it.

Read Second Amendment: It’s Not About Hunting, IT'S ABOUT TYRANNY .