PBS Frontline Jan. 6 Gunned Down: The Power of the NRA

[Thebobo]

On the always thorough Frontline. Surprised the Koch brothers allowed this :\
No need to get your 2nd amendment panties up in a twist this is not about that
just how the NRA achieves their success.

Jan. 6 | Gunned Down: The Power of the NRA
Veteran FRONTLINE filmmaker Michael Kirk investigates the NRA,
its political evolution and influence, and how it has consistently
succeeded in defeating new gun control legislation.

 

[Greenman]

Are the Koch brothers often asked for approval on programing?

 

[zinfamous]

Are the Koch brothers often asked for approval on programing?

They used to sit on the board at PBS, which is no longer the case. I think this is what the OP is referring to.

And yes, they once had the temerity to try and squash a documentary about their antics that was being aired on PBS. It actually worked, but was then released in general airing. I think they resigned their seats in protest over journalists doing their jobs in this documentary.

 

[Thebobo]

Are the Koch brothers often asked for approval on programing?

Their $$ influences programing.

a-word-from-our-sponsor

 

[Subyman]

Makes it easy to squash gun control when you have the constitution clearly stating you have the right to bare arms Now you don't need to watch the documentary.

 

[Greenman]

Their $$ influences programing.

a-word-from-our-sponsor

Well, if they were donating money they certainly have the right to stop the donations if something they don't like is being aired. I'd do the same thing.

 

[Atreus21]

Makes it easy to squash gun control when you have the constitution clearly stating you have the right to bare arms Now you don't need to watch the documentary.

Thank God, because these long sleeve shirts are getting old.

 

[Subyman]

Thank God, because these long sleeve shirts are getting old.

Lol you got me

 

[Blanky]

Makes it easy to squash gun control when you have the constitution clearly stating you have the right to bare arms Now you don't need to watch the documentary.

As you know the 2nd, like all amendments, is a framework and without further discussion it isn't always clear how it applies to all matters pertaining to arms.

My guess is this episode shows what a joke the lobbyists in Washington are. My guess is you could also replace nra with insurance industry, drug industry, etc. and get the same episode.

 

[PokerGuy]

The very premise of the story shows the bias and pretty much guarantees the "report" will be complete crap. They start with this notion that the means used by the evil NRA to defeat righteous gun control legislation must need investigating.

Yet another reason I don't watch pbs very often.

 

[PokerGuy]

My guess is you could also replace nra with insurance industry, drug industry, etc. and get the same episode.

... with one major exception. None of those industries have a specific amendment in the constitution guaranteeing their rights that are constantly under attack.

 

[FerrelGeek]

The NRA wouldn't have the power that it does if libs weren't so hell-bent on crushing the 2nd amendment. It really is that simple.

 

[PokerGuy]

The NRA wouldn't have the power that it does if libs weren't so hell-bent on crushing the 2nd amendment. It really is that simple.

This is true. I know a lot of folks that wouldn't be NRA members if they didn't feel their rights were otherwise going to be taken away.

 

[Strk]

The NRA wouldn't have the power that it does if libs weren't so hell-bent on crushing the 2nd amendment. It really is that simple.

Except that part where it isn't at all the case.

 

[mizzou]

i really would be curious how the framers would feel about everything in hindsight. Thankfully its quite a vague piece of work and is freaking amazing for law abiding people.

The problem most have is that it also empowers criminals.

A tradeoff for rights I guess.

 

[PokerGuy]

Except that part where it isn't at all the case.

It wouldn't be difficult at all to link to many articles showing that that's exactly the case, especially in places like CA, NY, IL, CN etc.

Because of that, many on the right are not willing to ever even give an inch on any 2nd related topic, no matter how innocuous it might seem. Many on the left have made it clear their ultimate goal is to take away the rights granted by the 2nd, by hook or by crook.

 

[master_shake_]

i really would be curious how the framers would feel about everything in hindsight. Thankfully its quite a vague piece of work and is freaking amazing for law abiding people.

The problem most have is that it also empowers criminals.

A tradeoff for rights I guess.

they would probably take a look at what they created then promptly shoot themselves in the face.

 

[Subyman]

they would probably take a look at what they created then promptly shoot themselves in the face.

I think for 200+ year old laws, that were formed before industrialization and before computers, they are doing pretty good for a lot of people. Certain parts of the US laws suck ass, like non-violent offenders being locked up for years.

 

[FerrelGeek]

Except that part where it isn't at all the case.

You're completely delusional if you think this is the case. Do you realize that there are people on the left that think that the second amendment only applies to guns available at the time of its authoring? Search atpn and you'll find discussions on that very point.

It wouldn't be difficult at all to link to many articles showing that that's exactly the case, especially in places like CA, NY, IL, CN etc.

Because of that, many on the right are not willing to ever even give an inch on any 2nd related topic, no matter how innocuous it might seem. Many on the left have made it clear their ultimate goal is to take away the rights granted by the 2nd, by hook or by crook.

This. A classic example of the camel in the tent fable.

 

[FerrelGeek]

they would probably take a look at what they created then promptly shoot themselves in the face.

Or they'd incite another revolution to take the country back.

 

[blankslate]

funny how the only people who I've seen scream about "I want my country back." are old people holding on to outdated societal values.

As for legislation about firearms some people on the right oppose even minor measures ensure that firearms and large caches of ammunition are kept from mentally impaired individuals.


....

 

[OverVolt]

funny how the only people who I've seen scream about "I want my country back." are old people holding on to outdated societal values.

As for legislation about firearms some people on the right oppose even minor measures ensure that firearms and large caches of ammunition are kept from mentally impaired individuals.


....

Freedom is never outdated@@!!!@!@!



I suppose being treated fairly at work is also an outdated idea? I remember my parents always being like oh no when you're sick don't go to work it just makes everyone else sick yadda yadda. It was no big deal to be sick and miss school and my parents never minded missing work to take care of me. They didn't seem stressed to miss work to take care of the kids.

Thats totally different now. Everyone seems more pressured to work through sickness. They bring their germs into work and make a whole bunch of other people sick. Stuff that was learned decades ago people are pulling a derp and have forgotten the lesson of "don't bring your germs into work - please stay the hell home." I'm sure it was learned the hard way in the past and people and businesses have "forgotten" the lesson I'm sure they learned the hard way decades ago. This stuff seems to move in cycles. Things are trending toward like when you'd get fired taking a pee during the great depression.

 

[FerrelGeek]

Funny how those on the left go insane when even small restrictions / regulations are proposed on abortion. Works both ways, son.

And as for 'take our country back', I was using a bit of hyperbole. I'm not old. Though I'd be willing to wager good money that our founders would be quite disappointed with what we've done with the country they founded.

 

[SteveGrabowski]

Though I'd be willing to wager good money that our founders would be quite disappointed with what we've done with the country they founded.

Of course they would now that you can't own blacks.

 

[Newell Steamer]

And, rightly so.

The antigun sentiment is not in touch with reality. It's all knee jerk reactions, with unreasonable expectations. They are very emotional. And, I understand, they are afraid, they in fear of the big bad scary guns. But, what they want instead of gun ownership is just not feasible.

No, the police will not always arrive on time.

No, the police will not always remedy the situation of a gun man (case in point, the 2 NYPD officers killed a few weeks ago).

No, you can't talk to to the gun man.

No, you can't always just run and hide.

You do need to be able to react to a threat (a legitimate threat, not pop corn being thrown at you or loud music being played). This has been totally dismissed - and, if the counter to this needs to be a private entity that is heavy handed politically, so be it.