VIOLENCE IN AMERICA WHAT ARE THE REAL NUMBERS

- THE WATCHMAN

The liberal press is starting to get involved in the gun debate. Time after time they claim those innocent people who own firearms and the NRA are to blame for the devastating number of mass shootings that this nation suffers. They imply that the United States has the largest number of mass shootings in the world. A quick trip to Google and a little research would always find the untruth in their statements. We could care less what they tell you, because we will give you the truth of the problem.

What brought this story to our attention was this article. Although well meaning in nature, it fails to provide its readers with all the facts. It fails to mention the number of incidents occurred in zones clearly marked as weapons not allowed. Depending on what government agency you decide to get your information from, that number is 86% using the Census Bureau statistics or 94% based on F.B.I statistics. It is believed that the shooters use these areas because of the lack of protection available to the citizens. What is truly remarkable is that with all the firearms in citizens hands, firearms are not the leading weapons used in murders.

We did a little research on the subject and found this article. It clearly states that according to the F.B.I. three times as many murders are committed with knives rather than firearms. Are we to become like London where knives are prohibited to the ;aw abiding citizens? I don’t think so. That would be ludicrous.

A CONFLICT OF INTEREST IN OUR JUSTICE SYSTEM

THERE IS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST

IN OUR JUSTICE SYSTEM OR JUST THE APPEARANCE OF ONE

- THE WATCHMAN

Often times are done within government agencies and private associations. The question is whether or not they represent a conflict of Interest. Outward appearance would tend to lean towards there being a conflict of interest when they are not. Two such entities are the District Attorney’s Council, a state agency, and the District Attorney’s Association, a private entity. The answer will surprise all.

What got us interested in this subject was article. There are two groups in Oklahoma that we are going to talk about. One is the Oklahoma District Attorney Council, a state agency, and the Oklahoma District Attorney’s Association, a private organization. The first group is a state agency and subject to the open meetings act. The second group being a private association is not subject to the open meetings act. Because both groups are comprised of the same individuals, has made people a little un-trusting of both groups. We can understand why.

Here’s a brief summary of how things go. There is a call to order, introductions, get down to do the business scheduled votes and adjournment. They all get themselves some fresh coffee and five minutes later They start the meeting of the second group, a private organization meaning the meeting of this group is behind closed doors and the business they do is private.