Umpqua Killer Claim and O’Reilly Comments Mislead Public Perceptions

By David Codrea

ScreenHunter_08 Oct. 02 14.30
O’Reilly sounded like he knew what he was talking about — until you heard the rest of his sentiments.
AmmoLand Gun News
AmmoLand Gun News

USA – -(Ammoland.com)- Two memes have emerged from the Oregon bloodbath that can both cause lasting political damage if they are accepted at face value:

The first is that the demonic coward was a “conservative Republican.” (And no, I will not name it, as being known was what was craved—and I also will cease referring to such self-dehumanized monsters as anything but “its.”) The second assumption making the rounds in some pro-gun circles is that Bill O’Reilly gave a rousing defense of the Second Amendment Thursday night on his show.

But wait, you might challenge—the killer self-identified as a “conservative Republican” in its online profile. All the “Authorized Journalists” are spreading that “news” far and wide. Doesn’t that end all doubts and debate?

Hardly. It registered to vote as an “independent,” and it “idolized the Nazis and the IRA.” While Opposite Day “progressives” have been trying for years to distance themselves and convince people that Hitler wasn’t really a “national socialist,” author George Watson definitively documented “It is now clear beyond all reasonable doubt that Hitler and his associates believed they were socialists, and that others, including democratic socialists, thought so too.” Conversely, the Irish Republican Army, whether we’re talking “Officials” or “Provisionals,” are hardly synonymous with “conservative [US] Republicans.” If the Umpqua monster dementedly thought otherwise, a line from “The Princess Bride” comes to mind.

OK, but what about O’Reilly? His “Talking Points Memo” last night sounded like the type of stirring defense for the right to keep and bear arms we’d expect from the head of a gun rights organization. He brought up the Second Amendment, the right to self defense, and how Obama ignores problems in areas with strict “gun control” like Chicago. He correctly asserted no legislation could prevent massacres like at Umpqua and chastised the president for “politicizing” the issue. So what’s not to like?

It’s what he said in a clip that’s not getting much attention that illustrates the danger in presuming O’Reilly to be 2A-informed and correct. Go to the 5:11 mark, and hear for yourself what he believes and advocates:

Now reasonable gun control, the laws about registration, and you can’t have an AK and all that, reasonable people say “Yes.”

This is hardly a small point.  It is, in fact, a showstopper for those who know the score. Perhaps those who live insulated lives within O’Reilly’s elite circle, and who don’t even realize how provincial their “enlightened” perspective is, might agree with him.  But everyone I consider reasonable would say “Hell no” to either proposal, followed by “Your move.”

I won’t even get into why federalizing all “gun crimes” delegates powers never envisioned by the Founders, the dangers such schemes pose to those who will not comply with clear infringements, and why those who say  “Enforce existing gun laws” may as well proclaim “Enforce existing Intolerable Acts.” The registration and AK comment was enough of an indicator for how far O’Reilly still has to go before gun rights advocates can consider him someone who merits being lauded for his grasp and treatment of the issue, instead of a confiscation-in-emergencies-supporting pinhead.

David Codrea in his natural habitat.

About David Codrea:

David Codrea is the winner of multiple journalist awards for investigating / defending the RKBA and a long-time gun rights advocate who defiantly challenges the folly of citizen disarmament.

He blogs at “The War on Guns: Notes from the Resistance,” and also posts on Twitter: @dcodrea and Facebook.

34 Comments
Most Voted
Newest Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
USMC1969

So many well written comments, this shows we gun owners are not some hicks from the sticks rednecks with killer urges but kind, articulate God fearing, Freedom loving folks. God Bless us and USA.

DubyaBee

I agree with your work, Mr. Codrea. But I can’t agree with you that the killer was a thing. Murderers are as human as they come, or have you forgotten Cain? You can’t just sweep aside the issue of sin by saying he’s not human. Perhaps demon-possessed, but still human.

publius

Another excellent article from Codrea, insight unavailable elsewhere. This is why I patronize Ammoland.

JAQUER BAUER

This past Sunday on ABC This Week With George Stephanopoulos Greta Van Susteren of Fox News made the suggestion that ammunition should be controlled or banned-( my words). And then these talking heads continue to spread the lie that guns purchased over the internet bypass NCICS checks and that all guns sold at gun shows are not tracked by the government, or background checks performed. They spread more lies that the misnamed “assault rifles” are bullet hoses The whole gang of talking heads that bring us the news and commentary spread most all the misinformation and lies about firearm laws.… Read more »

Woody W Woodward

No government of any level in the history of mankind has ever implemented an unreasonable law or regulation. Each and every infringement of liberty has always been deemed to be a reasonable measure intended to improve government and/or to guarantee the safety and well being of the people. All infringements have been rationalized by those in authority to be “reasonable” There have always been those moderates, free loaders, and cowards who are eager to accept the state’s assurances that infringements are not only reasonable but absolutely necessary in order that the greater good be served. Inflexible?? We’d damn well better… Read more »

Jim

I recommend viewing the illustrated guide to gun control, especially for those that think we need to appease or compromise with the enemy.

Bob Sadtler

JohnC, You begin by hurling insults. Congrats, you lose. If you can’t make a serious argument without first poisoning the well with invective, you WILL NOT be taken seriously. Secondly, there is another name for “moderates.” APPEASEMENT. After you feed the “fringe” gun owner to the statists for your own political and social convenience, rest assured, they WILL turn around and come back wanting more. They always do. WITHOUT FAIL. Once we are gone, the only “more” that they will have to come for is YOU. “First, they came for the gypsies, and I did not speak. Then, they came… Read more »

HRColey

A-Moderate-Well-Armed-Owner – Those who would compromise their rights deserve no rights. And those who would accept “moderate” restrictions will soon lose what rights they do have.

TT

“You my fellow gun owners are helping to lose our rights by your total inflexibility. Most people see you as gun nuts and do not listen at all to what you say. Some will listen to advocates like Mr. O’Reilly.” Nice “attrition” logic. We are inflexible about losing our 2nd Amendment Right. That’s how you keep a right and not let it go. You are willing to give up pieces of our Rights to “keep” some ever smaller portion of it. That is directly helping to lose a Right. You are giving portions of it up. At the end of… Read more »

Tho Old Coach

That guy is a rather obvious leftist troll. I’ve seen that same post almost verbatim on other forums. He shuffles the same sentences around to fit the context.

rappini

Who watches BOR anymore switch to OAN if you wants news instead of opinions. MOLON LABE

thorman

YOU ARE NOT INFRINGED. TELL NY TO GO POUND SAND. THERE LAWS ARE ILLEGAL PEOIOD.USE THE POWER OF JURY NULLIFICATION. IF I AM EVER ON A JURY FOR A PERSON HAVING TOO MANY ROUNDS OF AMMO THEY ARE INNOCENT AND I WILL REFUSE TO CONVICT. WE NEED TO GET THE MESSAGE AROUND TO EVERYONE IN NY. REFUSE TO FIND THEM QUILTY ON ANY ILLEGAL GUN LAW. THE 2ND AMENDMENT IS THE RULE OF THE LAND. IT ONLY TAKES ONE JUROR TO STOP A CONVICTION. SO LET US SPREAD THE WORD. IF ENOUGH PEOPLE USE JURY NULLIFICATION THE LAW WILL BECOME… Read more »

Rich

Oregon Shooter Linked to Man Praising Islamic Terrorism: ‘Kill the Jews’ – Mercer’s MySpace features only two connections, one of which is a man named Mahmoud Ali Ehsani. Ehsani published a photo album titled, “Classic – The Mujahideen Collection LOL,” featuring Islamic terrorists from several countries, including Palestine, Iran, and Pakistan, among others. One caption reads: “my brave soldiers keep on fighting for the liberation of Palestine against Israel. fuck israel. Kill the jews. jews are the only infidels.” Mercer wrote on a dating profile he disliked “organized religion,” and considered himself “spiritual” instead of religious. He also described himself… Read more »

Rich

moderation?

Rich

Oreilly is on record for gun registration…..The Traitor…. Oregon Shooter Linked to Man Praising Islamic Terrorism: ‘Kill the Jews’ – Mercer’s MySpace features only two connections, one of which is a man named Mahmoud Ali Ehsani. Ehsani published a photo album titled, “Classic – The Mujahideen Collection LOL,” featuring Islamic terrorists from several countries, including Palestine, Iran, and Pakistan, among others. One caption reads: “my brave soldiers keep on fighting for the liberation of Palestine against Israel. fuck israel. Kill the jews. jews are the only infidels.” Mercer wrote on a dating profile he disliked “organized religion,” and considered himself… Read more »

JohnC

Talk about knee jerk, and stupid narrow minded jackasses, you all are. O’Reille gives a talk supporting gun ownership and you attack him like he was a child molester. His statement at 5:11 is right on. Not many talking heads nationally have any support for private ownership of guns, but here is one who believes in the right and you folks destroy him because a few of his sentences and views are not lock step with your own. Well you that wrote these attack comments are way out of sync with most of the US. You better wake up to… Read more »

FrankInFL

Slow down. Most of us “gun nuts” are not actually afraid anyone is going to take our guns, and if we’re harsh on jellyfish like O’Really? it’s because we’re worried over three perfectly reasonable things: 3) we’re worried that all the squishies are wasting their time and (by association) yours as well; 2) we’re worried that, with all the best intentions, they will wind up making things worse than they are now; and 1) we’re worried that the idiots will be encouraged to touch off a civil war. We’re trying with all our might to make them see the world… Read more »

RossB

The 1968 gun control act was tolerated because of weak minded people who didnt want to voice their pro gun stance because of the Bobby Kennedy and MLK murders. They didnt want to look insensitive to the masses. When you are willing to “give in” on the removal of a few parts of rights you set into motion the gradual removal of all rights. Back in 34 congress knew they couldnt just ban machineguns because of the 2A so they put a tax and registration scheme in place, then in 68 again they knew they couldnt regulate guns without tying… Read more »

JB Karns

Let me make it real simple, k? Anyone who would prohibit, restrict, control, regulate or otherwise infringe on my unalienable, fundamental Liberty to arm myself as I choose, can go pound copious amounts of coarse sand directly and vigorously up their arse. That includes Statist-Collectivists such as Bill O’Reilly and those who agree with him and/or advocate for similar govt-enforced controls. The proper and only legitimate place for govt/law reference an individual’s ‘Rightful Liberty’ is if and when an ‘individual’ commits an actual bad act, which actually harms the Life, Liberty or Property of another ‘individual’. A good rule of… Read more »

carlosperdue

O’Reille? The correct spelling is O’RINO. What a douche.

Mark Pugner

Our American Values force us to accept that no one, especially the government, can protect us from random acts of violence. Our rights as free citizens does not guarantee our lives will be free of violence. Self defense is a personal responsibility.

Ed

Yep. Liberty in any and all of its forms and varieties is a personal, individual responsibility that must be lived real time, in person…or not…

Chuck

Gun Control is like trying to reduce drunk driving by making it more difficult for sober people to own cars.

Buzz

O’Reilly has always been a fence straddler and wind vane for PC. He also mentioned that people in “rural areas” have more reason to be armed as police are farther away. (Or words to that effect) I wonder if ‘O’ has ever heard of home invasions in urban areas? I live in Josephine County just south of Roseburg. The county is about 1,700 square miles with two incorporated areas, Grants Pass and Cave Junction. Our current Sheriff’s staff is 3 or 4 including the Sheriff himself. Taxpayers here think law enforcement should be free. Remember: ‘When seconds count, the cops… Read more »

durabo

The best thing Fox News could do is get rid of BOTH O’Reilly and Rivers (who passes himself off as “Rivera”). Both are bombastic horses’ arses.

Curly

Bill has long been known to be an irrational knee jerk reactionary hothead (https://youtu.be/IvEFeV92h6A). I don’t know from where his intellectual and emotional immaturity comes. I don’t think he is a stupid man. It could be laziness in the form of a lack of self discipline or maybe it is a his understanding of his faith. In any other man such buffoonery would be pitiable, but Bill has done okay for himself not in spite of this but because of this, I think. I suspect people who follow him don’t know the difference between him and a thinking conservative. Yes,… Read more »

KUETSA

SENT TO [email protected] He may not read it, or “come to see it, but at least I got to rant. You got it wrong Bill. You said reasonable people agree with no AK’s etc. If “people” agree with that, it is not because they are “reasonable”, it is because they are ignorant as to ballistics and firearms capabilities! Progressives love that the second amendment was proclaimed not to be unlimited, they feel it gives them license to INFRINGE to there socialist hearts content! All military weaponry is illegal to citizens, however there is a line where the second amendment becomes… Read more »

RM Molon Labe

Well stated…We will not comply. It’s amazing, how many refuse the gift of freedom…We the People are our last best chance. “The historical reality of the Second Amendments
protection of the right to keep and bear arms is not that it protects the right
to shoot deer. It protects the right to shoot tyrants, and it protects the right
to shoot at them effectively, with the same instruments they would use upon us.”
–Judge Andrew Napolitano
Molon Labe

Gator

Bravo! Well said. As I told my wife, we don’t HAVE to accept ANY compromise. The 2A is already ours, and we will fight to protect it.

Greg

Very well said. I agree one hundred percent with every word. I’m sure that I am not alone in hoping that we would not come to this point, but it appears that obama, and his I don’t care about freedom followers, will push us over the tipping point. May God be with us as we fight for freedom, our country, and most of all God.

viper

Holy shit! I wished I could word stuff like that…..excellent job..

Bob Sadtler

Now THAT’S the O’Reilly that I know!

THANK YOU DAVID!

Trumped

Bill O Reilly has always been a clueless fraud. He is a neo-con talking puppet for the Murdoch regime, the same media regime that used its influence to disarm Australia and Britain citizens. No one who views themselves as pro gun or conservative should give Fox news any ratings or attention. Regardless of one’s opinion of trump, he showed the inherent controlled bias toward the ruling regime of DC that fox shares with the rest of the media with that Megyn Kelly attempted takedown. Make no mistake, outside of Judge Nap, there are no true supporters of the 2nd Amendment… Read more »

Robert Howard

You, sir, have hit the nail on the pinhead. That entire “news” show is rife with intentional stupidity and lies. It’s a crying shame that it strives to associate itself with otherwise decent people.