Not Michael Moore's Big Fat Bodyguard
If you have heard the news story that Michael Moore's bodyguard was arrested in New York for carrying an unregistered firearm, read this correction. This story does require commentary on two points.
The first is the obvious hypocrisy of Michael Moore. Given his views on gun ownership, why does he have private bodyguards? (Please note that the letter does not categorically state that Mr. Burk is not currently nor ever has been Mr. Moore's bodyguard. The only uncategorical statements of fact relate to the particular evening of the arrest.) If the local police are good enough for the rest of us, why aren't they good enough for Mr. Moore? Mr. Moore has figured out something the rest of us learned long ago: the police will arrive after the crime has been committed. I live in an inner city neighborhood with a very good (but VERY busy) police force. Ten squad cars will arrive within five minutes of a reported shooting. (I've witnessed this.) For lesser crimes, take a number and get a pot of coffee. The police are generally more helpful than the city or county attorney. Given this, it is rumored that many people in my very liberal neighborhood own firearms. Mr. Moore, give up your (hired) guns!
The second point is that the man arrested seems to have committed no criminal offense. He followed standard practice when traveling with a firearm. Contrary to popular belief, it is legal to fly with a firearm as long as it is properly secured in checked luggage. The airline must be informed of the presence of the firearm, which he did. You are allowed to pass through locales enroute to a destination. (Different rules would apply if he were staying in New York.) He was not carrying his weapon on his person (which he is licensed to do in several states). This sounds like the bad nexus of an ignorant airline staff with an equally ignorant police force. Any criminal charges stemming from this incident (if all the facts are as currently known), could only have a political motivation. I wish Mr. Burk the best and a pox on those who instigated this arrest.
(Hat tip to Tim Blair.)
The first is the obvious hypocrisy of Michael Moore. Given his views on gun ownership, why does he have private bodyguards? (Please note that the letter does not categorically state that Mr. Burk is not currently nor ever has been Mr. Moore's bodyguard. The only uncategorical statements of fact relate to the particular evening of the arrest.) If the local police are good enough for the rest of us, why aren't they good enough for Mr. Moore? Mr. Moore has figured out something the rest of us learned long ago: the police will arrive after the crime has been committed. I live in an inner city neighborhood with a very good (but VERY busy) police force. Ten squad cars will arrive within five minutes of a reported shooting. (I've witnessed this.) For lesser crimes, take a number and get a pot of coffee. The police are generally more helpful than the city or county attorney. Given this, it is rumored that many people in my very liberal neighborhood own firearms. Mr. Moore, give up your (hired) guns!
The second point is that the man arrested seems to have committed no criminal offense. He followed standard practice when traveling with a firearm. Contrary to popular belief, it is legal to fly with a firearm as long as it is properly secured in checked luggage. The airline must be informed of the presence of the firearm, which he did. You are allowed to pass through locales enroute to a destination. (Different rules would apply if he were staying in New York.) He was not carrying his weapon on his person (which he is licensed to do in several states). This sounds like the bad nexus of an ignorant airline staff with an equally ignorant police force. Any criminal charges stemming from this incident (if all the facts are as currently known), could only have a political motivation. I wish Mr. Burk the best and a pox on those who instigated this arrest.
(Hat tip to Tim Blair.)
posted by Mondcognito at 7:01 AM
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