Media Bias
The crucial difference? It’s one word: ‘assault.’
That word, often used in reporting on rifles, is seen by many readers and viewers as a loaded word employed by those who support gun control.
Well, I think it largely indicates ignorance. Continuing:
If the AK-47 involved is in fact a true assault rifle, one with full-automatic fire, then that is news. Scary news. But if it’s the standard model available in America, then calling it an ‘assault’ rifle is needlessly inaccurate and distracting.
Ayup.
November 13th, 2007 at 9:50 am
I wonder if the criminal who used the weapon could sue?
The report is accusing him of a crime he did not commit. As such, it is libeling his character.
Just a thought.
November 13th, 2007 at 10:20 am
Whoah. Now there’s a new thought.
Since posession of an unregistered assault weapon is a federal felony, is the press describing a bone-stock standard semiauto rifle as such an actionable offense, since that seriously damages the reputation of the accused?