LA Times Scraping The Bottom Of The Barrel For Anti-Gun Commentary

LA Times Op-Ed Thinking of buying a gun for self-defense? Don’t do it
LA Times Op-Ed: Thinking of buying a gun for self-defense? Don’t do it

California – -(Ammoland.com)- The Los Angeles Times is in serious trouble. The once-great newspaper has lost the pulse of its own community. Its leaders can no longer read the room. They keep shoveling their anti-gun propaganda, but no one is listening.

Their readers are too busy trying to buy guns.

If the editors came out of their ivory towers, which are no longer even in LA – the paper moved its operations to nearby El Segundo in 2018 – they would see California is changing. Murders, rapes, car-jackings, and “follow-home robberies,” a term the Times itself helped coin, are skyrocketing. Add in disaffected and defunded police, roving gangs of thieves preying upon high-end retailers and even train robbers, and it’s enough to prompt even the most woke Californian to Google gun shops. The Times, however, hasn’t even noticed. They are still banging their guns-are-bad gong.

Their latest anti-gun column – “Thinking of buying a gun for self-defense? Don’t do it” – shows just how desperate they have become for commentary that matches their political beliefs.

The author, Dr. Steven J. Sainsbury, an ER doc from San Luis Obispo, California makes a simple point: There is no such thing as a defensive gun use, he claims, because in his 25 years of emergency medicine, “I never treated a single patient who was shot by a law-abiding citizen in self-protection. Not one.”

First, I doubt Dr. Sainsbury’s claim is even true. He seems to be a man on a mission – the type of zealot who doesn’t let the facts get in the way of a good story. This is certainly not his first foray into anti-gun propaganda. In 2019, he submitted a column warning the newspaper’s readers not to give firearms as Christmas presents. “Guns don’t mean anything positive to me. They signify only death and destruction. They are certainly nothing to put in a festive box with a bow under a Christmas tree,” he wrote.

Second, there are issues with the column that neither the Times nor the good doctor was willing to acknowledge.

Dr. Sainsbury claims he has treated hundreds of gunshot victims, but according to his bio, he has been working in an emergency room in San Luis Obispo – a tourist destination, known for its museums, art galleries, and historic Spanish mission. The 2010 United States Census recorded a population of 45,119, of which 38,117 (84.5%) were White, 523 (1.2%) were African American, 275 (0.6%) were Native American, 2,350 (5.2%) were Asian, 65 (0.1%) were Pacific Islander and 1,973 (4.4%) were other races. My point is this, while like any city San Luis Obispo has its share of violent crime, it’s not nearly as hellish as Oakland, Los Angeles, or San Francisco. I question how many shooting victims the good doctor has even seen?

Also, it wasn’t until just recently that some California sheriffs and chiefs of police began increasing the number of concealed-weapon permits they issue to help their constituents defend themselves against rising crime. Just a few years ago, an applicant had to be extremely wealthy and/or a celebrity to “qualify” for a may-issue CCW permit in the Golden State. As a result, California lagged far behind other states in the number of legally armed citizens who had the means to defend themselves.

Sainsbury cites a hodgepodge of statistics, which he claims prove that a gun in the home is more likely to be used against the homeowner or a family member. “Be responsible and be wise. Don’t buy into the myth of owning a gun for self-defense. The life you save may be your own,” he wrote. This is somewhat novel. I’ve had the misfortune to read the gun-ban industry’s propaganda for more than a decade now, but I’ve never heard any of them refer to “the myth of owning a gun for self-defense.” Even Gabby, Everytown, and the Demanding Moms admit that self-defense is the number-one reason why an overwhelming majority of new gun owners said they purchased a firearm. There’s certainly nothing mythical about carrying a firearm for self-defense, Doc.

Over the past few years, the Los Angeles Times has suffered massive setbacks, including revolving editors and owners, a bankruptcy, shrinking readership, and the layoff of more than 200 staffers. It’s become clear that they’ve grown desperate for any content that can, as they say in newspapering, fill a hole.

Guest columns such as Dr. Sainsbury’s cost the newspaper nothing, since guest columnists are not normally reimbursed, their content is free. However, as you can see in this case, you get what you pay for.

This story is presented by the Second Amendment Foundation’s Investigative Journalism Project and wouldn’t be possible without you. Please click here to make a tax-deductible donation to support more pro-gun stories like this.


About Lee Williams

Lee Williams, who is also known as “The Gun Writer,” is the chief editor of the Second Amendment Foundation’s Investigative Journalism Project. Until recently, he was also an editor for a daily newspaper in Florida. Before becoming an editor, Lee was an investigative reporter at newspapers in three states and a U.S. Territory. Before becoming a journalist, he worked as a police officer. Before becoming a cop, Lee served in the Army. He’s earned more than a dozen national journalism awards as a reporter, and three medals of valor as a cop. Lee is an avid tactical shooter.

Lee Williams

36 Comments
Most Voted
Newest Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
nrringlee

Lee, a second note for you. California sheriffs have been forced to issue more CCW permits by the threat of court action. After the successful lawsuits against Santa Clara, Los Angeles, Orange and Contra Costa counties sheriffs in some of these progressive utopias begrudgingly issue permits. But most make it “Jim Crow” painful. A very few like John McCann in San Bernardino County actually have a proactive and supportive program. Very few. Witness. And folks, when you come to Mohave County, AZ, you are free to carry because we are a free county.

Neanderthal75

Were it not for triple digit Heat, eight legged critters the size of dinner plates, itty bitty scorpions with big big poison, and of course a sea of illegal aliens with every disease known to humanity because they come from all over the world, I would love to move to Northern Arizona. Find 10 or 20 acres utterly, and completely off the grid, put a construction trailer on it 10×40, drop a well, put in solar panels and a wind turbine, a 3000 or 4000 gallon propane tank, a good reliable generator, and comfortably wait to die. However, triple digit… Read more »

3manfan

You’ve apparently confused Northern AZ with Southern AZ. Those things of which you speak are nowhere to be found up here. For some strange reason, the middle of the State (& all points North) is considered ‘Northern’ AZ. The City of Prescott (my locale) is the first city large enough to consider living in north of Phoenix. We’re over 100 north of the northernmost part of Pheonix. None of their trash makes it up here. Phoenix is where the garbage is, as well as those things that you mentioned in your post. Phoenix is at 1500 ft of elevation (give… Read more »

Last edited 2 years ago by 3manfan
swmft

I seam to have better dna my problems are mostly self inflicted broken bones, shot car crash motorcycle crash parachute failure still working not letting grass grow think if i stop it will grow over me grand father was 98 when he died of lead poising girls husband came home not sure that is how i would want to be remembered

Wild Bill

Your grandfather was 98 when he was shot by a jealous husband? A jealous husband shot a 98 year old man? Perhaps this is family lore.
I would like to read your adventures, though!

swmft

he looked like mid 50s less grey than I have ,he was divorced 3 times before 1940 more money than cense dont know if I have other family from him and dont care so will never look. dont know how he lived so long smoked like a train and drank like a fish

nrringlee

More and more people are beginning to see through the tactics and the language of the Progressive New Left. Folks have learned to discern the true from the partially true, see propaganda for what it is and can now smell it a mile away. When articles start off with anecdotal claims and are not supported by statistically valid statements of fact you know you are now in the realm of Progressive New Left magical thinking. The US Department of Justice publishes volumes of statistics on this very issue as well as the more general issue of violent crime. The good… Read more »

swmft

Look at the date on the picture it is likely these people have bought guns by now, picture is pre riots. when the police dont show and someone is stealing your car or burning your work place the self in self defense becomes apparent even to some of the stupidest people in society. One of the members of the five bought a gun to protect her and her children, before another showed how stupid they are and made a false statement about the holocaust.

PMinFl

photo from Chicago,gun capitol of midwest.

Ram

The gun owning member of the Five, and the holocaust wreck,
are the same person.

RF

I read your comments here regularly because, unlike some other posters, you don’t let them degenerate into rantings, but I take issue with your statement “SLO has its fair share of drug cartel activity.” While that may reasonably be said of Paso Robles to the north, or Santa Maria to the south, it is not readily apparent in SLO town. That’s an easy statement to make, but it lacks any provable facts to back it up. Just because you or I say it doesn’t make it true. The same can be said of your quote: “The steady stream of drive… Read more »

PMinFl

The residents of Beverly Hills said the same two years ago.

RF

Good morning.

True that, and it may already be on its way here, but I know some who won’t be needing to buy protection after the fact. See CA’s version of the Castle Doctrine, codified in CA Penal Code Section 198.5.

Thanks, stay well.

Ram

I much admire your positive position on a growing awareness
of the marketed lies. I wonder if that awareness, is at a rate great
enough, to counter the rate of indoctrination.

Montana454Casull

The thing I like best about the editors of the LA Times is they can kiss my ass and I can’t .

swmft

how much do you want to bet the editors of the times have ccw permits for me not for thee

ras52

The young ladies in Chicago should have had a rally supporting thug control. Sainsbury is just another gun hating democrat.

Ram

The second sentence. . .”The once great newspaper. . .”.
You must be very old Mr. Williams, because the L.A. Times lost their
luster to me around 1960, when I discovered their penchant to misspell
words to make them fit their crossword puzzle. I suspected then, that
something was off kilter on the left coast. Time, has verified my original
hypothesis.

Happy Everafter

In the meantime another vehicle accident DUI victim is wheeled into the good doctor’s emergency room, and no commie comments offered…

DIYinSTL

Dr. Sainsbury’s statement “I never treated a single patient who was shot by a law-abiding citizen in self-protection. Not one.” could easily be true. If all his patients were un-armed law-abiding citizens or criminals shot by other criminals he speaks the truth. The third alternative being criminals shot by the law abiding declared DOA. May Sainsbury’s conscience plague him if a criminal life he saves goes on to kill or injure a law-abiding citizen.

Bill

Just because any person feels an aversion to guns, the principle of the just having adequate means to defend themselves from the wicked, rather than to be at the mercy of the wicked, does not change. Feelings don’t trump reality, no, not really.

Finnky

You are being entirely to figurative in interpreting Dr. Sainsbury’s statement. He could be telling the truth if all patients shot by law-abiding citizens were married (not single) or they came in in groups, such as defender shooting two attackers – again not a SINGLE patient… Finally he said shot in self-defense — thus if a parent shot someone in act of attacking a family member it would not be SELF-defense but defense of others. We group them together, but he’s likely using ‘lawyer speak’ so can mislead or misdirect freely without actually lying. Then of course he works in… Read more »

3manfan

Much ado about nothing. Highly doubtful his article changed anyone’s mind, for or against, & I’d lay money that the majority of the readers of that litter box liner are anti-gun to begin with…..so he was preaching to the choir.

2WarAbnVet

The good doctor likes statistics, okay … One of the most commonly cited estimates of defensive gun uses, published in 1995 by criminologists Gary Kleck and Marc Gertz, concluded there are between 2.2 and 2.5 million defensive gun uses annually.

Last edited 2 years ago by 2WarAbnVet
gregs

would be a good thing for our country if this rag goes out of business. fewer trees cut down and less propaganda.

swmft

I know its off topic but who here worked around the world??? Thailand Laos central south america or all home bodies?

JSNMGC

Lived/worked in a communist country.

Worked:

  • 4 countries in Central/S. America
  • Canada
  • 7 countries in Europe
  • 1 country in the Middle East
  • 3 countries in Asia

Traveled:

  • Additional country in Asia
  • Additional country in Europe
  • Australia
  • British territory in the Caribbean

Studied:

  • One country in Europe
swmft

you have done a lot like me , every where but Africa. and bet you have a strange collection of “friends” ( not sure what to call these people they will do for you whatever but you know little about each other) Im supposed to be in Thailand ,but covid so a connection from middle east went for me, right family no rules. Are you counting crossroads (turkey ) as Europe?

Last edited 2 years ago by swmft
swmft

I still have properties (houses farms apartments) in 7 countries outside the us some i would like to see again others I am setting up to give to people or sell thought the us would be the place i never returned to tell god your plans

JSNMGC

I’ve never been to Turkey. A lot can be learned about communism by reading. However, actually living in a communist country (not in a military complex) provides more context: They listened to private phone conversations; An armed government employee wrote down our license plate number every time we would come and go from the neighborhood; Internet access was restricted to certain sites; and An armed government employee stood in the back of the room in which church services were held. For the citizens there, everything was a privilege – they had no rights. It’s unfortunate the U.S. continues down a… Read more »

Finnky

Sad comparison to our country. They listen to private phone conversations They read private emails and texts They have access to GPS data from personal electronics. There are cameras everywhere recording not only license plates but many other details of cars, drivers, pedestrians, etc. Use of web sites is monitored for use supporting their case if they ever target you. I don’t doubt that many tracking systems can tell them who attends church. I don’t think they monitor sermons but is really the only distinction from your list — except that while less invasive and obvious, we are subjected to… Read more »

JSNMGC

Imagine the type of person who would oppress their fellow countrymen in such ways.

BTW, The Courier is an interesting movie that provides a look at certain aspects of statism. It’s about Greville Wynne’s experience in the Soviet Union. The parallels with modern U.S. are obvious.

Wild Bill

Tours of service in:
Ft Leonard Wood
Ft Benning
Ft. Bragg
Ft. Huachuca
Honduras
School of the Americas
Ft. Snelling
Grenada
Ft Riley
Ft Schafter
Kwajalein (short tour)
Ft. Irwin
Ft. Richardson
Germany
Ft. Belvior
Kuwait
Iraq
West Hollywood, Ca.
And a couple of other places.

Last edited 2 years ago by Wild Bill
swmft

I likely was in Riyadh while you were in Kuwait, betting desert storm. I was there for connections I have, had friends working after to put out the fires they were paid in cash.duffel bags full boots and coots almost went to work for them

Wild Bill

Yes. You had a most Interesting adventure! I’d love to hear more.

Wild Bill

Tangentially, this just in: Abu, ahh bubu’ed:  ISIS leader blew himself up during U.S. raid in Syria Dylan Stableford·Senior Writer Thu, February 3, 2022, 10:13 AM Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi, the leader of the violent Islamic State group known as ISIS, blew himself up during an overnight raid carried out by U.S. military forces in northwest Syria. United States military forces successfully removed a major terrorist threat to the world. Thanks to the bravery of our troops, this horrible terrorist leader is no more. Al-Qurayshi took over as head of ISIS in 2019, days after the group’s former leader, Abu Bakr… Read more »