On Monday, the far-left (but credible) Toronto Mayoral Candidate, Olivia Chow, called for a handgun ban. Never mind that the only people targeted by such a law have nothing whatsoever to do with Chow’s tragic examples, or the people who actually killed them, or the people who will go on to create other murder victims. Never mind that and pay attention to what happened next:
The other two leading candidates, John Tory and Rob Ford, but came out against the ban.
Think about this: in Toronto, the stronghold of the Liberal Party of Canada – even there – a handgun ban is controversial.
Who do we have to thank for that? Canada’s gun rights activists, that’s who. Think about how far they have moved this issue, and with what little resources.
In 1989 when the Progressive Conservative Justice Minister, Doug Lewis, first proposed a handgun ban, Canadian gun owners were disorganized and friendless. We had no money, no power, no media allies, no influence, and no friends in politics. Indeed, the one political party that should have been our natural ally – the Progressive Conservative Party – was our prime enemy.
Look at where we are today: we have political allies at all levels of government; we have important – and outspoken - friends in the media, and have won significant political battles. How did we accomplish this, with next to no resources?
We did two things right: we engaged in vigorous debate, where we unapologetically conceded no ground; and we were persistent. Through thick and thin, we stood our ground. By following these two principles, we were able to move mountain towards us. As a result, we are at the point where, even in the Great Satan of Canadian politics – Toronto, our opinion is respected.
Typical socialist - You can't do anything at all about the perps, so take it out on the law abiding citizens.
Oh, what's that noise I hear? The bad guys are lining up to turn in their illegal weapons. Yeah right!
It's all balderdash, and besides the weapons thing is federal.
Olivia - Such a lame incapacitated brain. Duh!
Posted by: Ronald | July 16, 2014 at 11:55 AM
That said, what concerns me is our own RCMP, quietly moving one item after another into the restricted or prohibited column. Also, don't forget High River, and how they're justifying, and even doubling down, on that behavior. These bureaucrats aren't worried about debates - they don't have to answer to anyone.
Posted by: Boorshnik Greesh | July 16, 2014 at 02:32 PM
You're right! Good on us, and let's keep up the good fight, we can't let our guard down for a moment.
Posted by: S M | July 16, 2014 at 04:06 PM
Interestingly enough, this move by Chow may backfire on her. Even the Left knows that this is not a winning issue. All that's needed is for a few reporters to keep asking her to clarify her position. On Jerry Agar's radio show on CFRB the other day, he asked the obvious points about how guns are already mostly illegal in the city and that criminals don't care what the law is anyhow, and she had no clue how to answer. Once she was off her game, every answer to Jerry's questions were a disaster. She was destroyed in a half hour interview.
I hope we will see more of this from her.
Posted by: WiseGuy | July 16, 2014 at 09:47 PM
Good to hear, both that she got destroyed in the debate and that one of the hosts on one of Toronto's top radio stations asked probing questions on gun control.
Posted by: Cincinnatus | July 16, 2014 at 11:40 PM