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June 22, 2006
Do journalists know anything?
The LA Times has an editorial today, backing another gun control law (big surprise). The unsigned editorials in a newspaper reflect the official position of the editorial board, and are usually thought of as being the "voice" of the paper.
I can guarantee that the editor who wrote this one has absolutely no hands-on experience with guns -- or any other machinery.
THE CALIFORNIA SENATE is expected to vote on a bill today that would require all semiautomatic handguns sold here to include a device that marks bullets with a unique identifier so police can more easily trace cartridges found at crime scenes. The Legislature should approve the bill, and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger should promptly sign it into law.
The technology, known as microstamping, is simple and has been shown effective in tests. It uses small lasers inside the gun to make precise engravings on the face of each bullet. As the weapon is fired, a serial number and the gun's make and model are stamped onto the cartridge. No two guns leave exactly the same markings.
Uh, no it doesn't. Microstamping theoretically works by having very small numbers on the firing pin or the slide SLAM into the casing with enough force to leave an impression of the numbers on the cartridge.
There are no miniaturized lasers burning identifying info into the casings.
Now, volcano-lancing lasers are a good idea. So are sharks with frickin' laser beams on their heads.
This is what happens when you let metrosexuals with no experience in the manly arts of shooting critters and blowing things up real good try and write outside their comfort zone.
Research is apparently passe at the Times.
And in case you're wondering, I think the microprinting idea is worthless. The legislation presumes that crooks won't swap out the parts with the serial numbers on them. But then again, I don't believe it's intended to do anything about crime; it's just another way to discourage gun manufacturers from selling their products in California.
Yet one more reason to cancel your subscription.
Posted by Mike Lief at June 22, 2006 09:04 PM
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Comments
Hard to believe they don't have researchers for these fools and their editorials. He should be designing rides for Disneyland.
Also interesting that the stolen parts are never mentioned in the big picture. I suppose the only benefit is it gives crime solving some sort of rudimentary starting point.
As far as the critters at the end of a gun, you don't need to kill animals for national defense. Don't worry; unlike PETA I acknowledge that animals are a permanent part of the food chain. I just wish the handling and processing were more humane.
(Interesting find. The Vidocq Society is dedicated to dealing with long-unsolved murders and other major cases. The Vidocq credo is Veritas Veritatum - The Truth of Truths.)
Posted by: Vermont Neighbor at June 23, 2006 07:51 AM