The anti-gun side uses the word “loophole”, as in “gun show loophole” to great advantage. I think we should adopt their tactic.

We don’t have a regulatory agency for speech, religion, assembly, or association so why do we have one for arms? The “F” in “ATF” exists only because of a loophole in U.S. law. We need to plug the loophole by unplugging the ATF from Federal funding.

If the states want their own regulatory agency then let them fund them and we will battle their existence and scope as needed in the courts.

The VPC says gun ownership is at the lowest point since 1985. I guess that explains why Wal-Mart is discontinuing gun sales at more stores:

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is quietly bringing back rifles, shotguns and ammunition to hundreds of U.S. stores as the hurting retail giant seeks to reinvigorate its one-stop shopping appeal and attract more male customers.

The world’s largest retailer stopped selling hunting rifles and bullets at all but a third of its U.S. stores five years ago, citing diminishing sales. It is now restoring them to hundreds of locations, bringing the total to nearly half of its more than 3,600 U.S. namesake stores…

Oh. Sorry. I got that wrong. Wal-Mart is bring gun sales back to stores it discontinued several years ago. Maybe the VPC is wrong too.

Just as we have been saying for decades the anti-gun movement (is it still a movement when they have been constipated for several years?) doesn’t have the data so they go with what they have—feelings:

I believe the open carry movement is very intimidating,” said Suzanne Verge of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. “I think as a citizen I should be able to go along Colorado Boulevard and shop where I want to shop and not have to worry about running into somebody with a loaded weapon.”

I believe anti-gun activists are a threat to a free society. I think as a citizen I should be able to spend my time more productively than fighting them on a daily basis. And I want to have enough money in the bank that I never have to work again even if I were to buy all the ammo, guns, and explosives I wanted to shoot.

Just because someone wants something is not justification for the government to attempt providing it.

Update: John Richardson has things to say about Verge too.

It seems that every time the NRA comes to town the bigots come out of the woodwork:

Though gun sales to females increased significantly in recent years, Piendl said, “Sales to women remain the largest untapped growth market in the industry.”

The industry is unlikely to successfully tap that market until it conquers the pesky preconceived notions that likely turn off many females to the idea of gun ownership. Women likely won’t consider packing pistols if they are concerned that:

— Spending several hundred dollars on a serviceable handgun might leave them without enough money to get the full treatment at that next visit to the day spa.

— Carrying a gun in a small purse would leave less room for more important items, such as lipstick or compact.

— The baggy clothing required to successfully conceal most holsters would make them appear frumpy.

— Gunpowder residue might stain the new Karen Scott blouse they just bought at Macy’s.

— The gunpowder smell when the weapon is fired could totally overwhelm the Chanel they’re wearing.

— Most firearm accessories come only in one boring color: black.

— Target practice earplugs simply aren’t sexy.

This isn’t the first time Eric Heyl has expressed his disdain for gun owners.

Breda and Bitter also have some choice words for him.