Watch Live: Congressional Hearing on IRS Scandal

Live Now on TheBlaze Radio: ‘The Buck Sexton Show’

Media

Shouldn’t gun owners be OK having their addresses published in a newspaper?

Dec. 26, 2012 11:23am Eddie Scarry

Conservatives in general and gun enthusiasts in particular are all-too-ready to let people know they’re packing heat. Indeed, the head of the National Rifle Association made the case Friday that having more people armed is the solution to gun violence in schools.

The rhetorical pro-Second Amendment argument goes: Are you more or less likely to be robbed if a perpetrator knows you have a gun?

But when a local New York newspaper on Monday published the street addresses of gun permit holders, some on the right took offense.

Breitbart News called it “intimidation.” Conservative blogger Instapundit suggested it’s a breach of privacy. AMI Global Security, a gun dealer, said it was “appalled and alarmed at this abuse of power” by the newspaper.

Since when did permit carriers go all gun-shy about letting people know they have a firearm?

In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

Back to The Blaze »

Comments (54)

theDfactor
Posted on December 26, 2012 at 5:28pm
I believe firearms owners should make public the addresses and phone numbers of all persons who do not own firearms…
That way, there will be lots of easy targets and the filth of the earth will leave firearms owners and their guns alone…

Report this comment
- candymanal
  Posted on December 27, 2012 at 7:49pm
  I agree.
  I’d have no problem with them, printing my name and address. Although I live in “fly over” country.
  If and when my name and address gets printed as a gun owner, I’ll have one of the safest families, in the area.
  Did you think a criminal, would dare enter my house, uninvited, knowing that I am a VietNam vet (which is clearly announced on my door) and that I own a firearm?
  Think about it.
  Furthermore, when was the last time, that you heard of a homicidal, maniac, shooting innocent people, near or in, a Police Station?
  They always go, where nobody, is potentially armed.
  
  Report this comment
theDfactor
Posted on December 26, 2012 at 5:22pm
So here are the addresses and phone numbers of NY Journal “columnist” (one who propagates journalistic abuse) Dwight R. Worley who published all of the HOME ADDR…ESSES of Law Abiding Conceal Carry Gun Owners of the entire state of NY as well as the rest of the Marxist swine at The Journal:

Dwight R Worley
23006 139 Ave
Springfield Gardens, NY 11413
You might want to call him first to let him know you’ll be dropping in: (718) 527-0832
and here are the rest of the red diaper doper babies at The Journal:

Journal News President:
Janet Hasson, 3 Gate House Lane Mamaroneck, NY 10534 (914) 694.5204

Editors:
Cyndee Royle, 1133 Westchester Ave., Suite N110, White Plains, NY 10604, 914-694-9300
Nancy Cutler 9 Woodwind Ln, Spring Valley, NY. (845) 354 3485

Parent company of The Journal News Gannett
CEO Gracia C Martore 728 Springvale Rd Great Falls, VA 22066 (703) 759 5954

The reporter on the story is:
Dwight R Worley 23006 139 Ave Springfield Gardens, NY 11413 (718) 527 0832

There now, how does that suite their fancy…?

Report this comment
AllAmericanGirl22
Posted on December 26, 2012 at 4:38pm
No, they should NOT be ok with it, no one should be. All topics about guns aside, that is their PRIVATE address. And because they are gun owners, their families are being put in harm’s way. We are proud to own guns because it’s our right, our privacy should not be violated because of it.

Report this comment
- Enquirer
  Posted on December 27, 2012 at 4:37pm
  So you arent violating someone’s privacy when you point a gun, or shoot someone?
  My thinking is that that is the ultimate violation.
  Surely making public that your home is “protected” by firearms, would mean that potential robbers/rapists would leave your property alone.
  Just common sense thinking here..
  Actually, having a label on your mailbox, that you are a licensed firearm owner makes a lot of sense. Wastes nobody’s time.
  
  Report this comment
- nimboid
  Posted on December 27, 2012 at 6:56pm
  I agree, no ones privacy should be invaded. However, I also think that turn about is fair play and anti-gunners should have a sign that informs everyone that their house is gun free and there is no threat to would be thieves and or rapist and murders. See how they would like that!
  
  Report this comment
- qz2026
  Posted on December 27, 2012 at 7:09pm
  This was simply a vile and disgusting post by out of control Progressives. I don’t know what they were thinking. I don’t particularly care if anyone knows what I own. Heck, the Feds do each time I purchase. I wouldn’t like my address being circulated to the entire readership. What is likely to happen is that those gutter rates out there will now case these places. When they leave the house the bad guys will break in and steal their guns then use them in a crime or sell them where they will be used in a crime. If this happens, then I would expect law suits against the paper and reporters. What goes around, comes around.
  
  Report this comment
- qz2026
  Posted on December 27, 2012 at 7:11pm
  Enquirer – You have your head up your $ss. You have no clue what you are talking about.
  
  Report this comment
JEANNIEMAC
Posted on December 26, 2012 at 4:26pm
With all that is known about Obama, his communist parents, mentors, teachers, etc. his association with Cloward and Piven, Bill Ayers,election by fraud, it is wise to assume there is a hit list.
Gun owners would be on a hit list. Some gun owners are considering contacting the other gun owners to form a militia. Now that is a good idea.

Report this comment
summitday113
Posted on December 26, 2012 at 4:21pm
No. Absolutely not. Gun owners should NOT be OK with having their names and addresses published. The decision to own a gun is a personal, private matter. Many gun owners do not want it widely known they own guns, for a variety of reasons. The whole concept of government issued permits is problematic to start with- permits merely allow the government to track down owners, and make confiscation easy. Our right to own guns stems from our inherent right to protect ourselves and our property. We do not need permits to exercise our inalienable rights.

Publishing these people’s names as gun owners makes them vulnerable theft of their guns. Why tell criminals where they can go to steal weapons?

And finally, giving that this is an attempt to shame and publicly ostracize these individuals. The media has deemed gun ownership to be bad. This is an attempt by these newspapers to label these individuals as bad. What if they published the names and addresses of all smokers? Or of all SUV owners? Or of people who didn’t use their recycling bins? All of these behaviors are deemed bad by the media as well. This is an attempt to change behavior by public humiliation. Some might call it bullying.

Report this comment
twistin
Posted on December 26, 2012 at 4:13pm
Very Snarky. But..The Left’s main weapon is SNARK. Try using a quick rejoinder, or a snarky bumper sticker message when you’re being held up by 3 men with knives.

“Oh sure, you’re a Big Man with a knife.” something like that.
“You wouldn’t stab a brother, would you?” something like that.
“You can see I’m not armed, so fercrissakes leave me alone or I’ll call the police!”
I like that one best, try that.

Report this comment
capedconserv
Posted on December 26, 2012 at 3:58pm
Gun registration is the real problem here. The government (nor this paper, through FOIA) does not need to know who owns firearms. Personally, I am a proponent of carrying firearms openly. I like potential bad guys to know that I am not a soft target… but it should be MY CHOICE to advertise whether I own guns or not. I definitely do not post my home address on my openly carried firearm… I am not always in my home to defend it.

If you did not publish this just to cause controversy, you might want to give some serious thought to what power the government should have over privacy rights.

Gun registration leads to gun confiscation.

Report this comment
somecallmeMC
Posted on December 26, 2012 at 3:57pm
The Roanoke times in VA did that for CHP holders, including a women who got the Concealed Handgun permit because she was afraid her abusive ex-husband was going to find her and hurt or kill her. so self righteous media should think of the consequences of their actions, but that will never happen.

Report this comment
- Crazyotto
  Posted on December 27, 2012 at 12:22am
  The media doesn’t care… yet they scream the loudest when their right to freedom of the press is threatened. Including protecting their sources (which is not included in the Bill of Rights) …Responsible gun owners do not typically seek publicity about their ownership. It is a privacy matter. Yet I seriously doubt any will shrink from the threat. You cannot shame those who feel no reason for shame
  
  Report this comment
Dauthus
Posted on December 26, 2012 at 3:50pm
Like my buddy Bill told me when I sent the original story to him via Email. Bah, at least when the bad guy gets shot he can’t say he hasn’t been warned.

Report this comment
jblovesAmerica
Posted on December 26, 2012 at 3:06pm
This is great-the paper has given bad guys a nice list of the homes to break into.

Report this comment
Oneirishman
Posted on December 26, 2012 at 3:03pm
FACT: people of opposing views on conceal carry have called for the assassination of permit holders.
FACT: Eddie Scarry needs to learn how it feels to be threatened.

Report this comment
HLGarret
Posted on December 26, 2012 at 2:59pm
Would like to know all the advertisers in that newspaper.

Report this comment
thelongversion
Posted on December 26, 2012 at 2:55pm
Help me understand the purpose of publishing the home addresses of Gun Owners.

Will the newspaper take responsibility for the possible home invasions that could now occur at these addresses by those who would like to get some guns at no cost and without the necessary identification checks?

Will the newspaper take responsibility for the possible protests, vandalism, or intimidation anti-gun advocates may decide to bring to these gun/home owners?
I don’t see how this act can possibly go anywhere but wrong. Including the very real possibility of one of these gun owners feeling the need to defend his or her home from any or all of the above who may wish do descend upon it.

This isn’t a matter of public shaming as some commented on the newspaper’s message boards. I don’t know any gun owners who are ashamed to say they own one. This is about the very safety of those gun owners who now must feel they it necessary to keep even greater watch over their homes and property to protect it from the crazies who hate guns and gun owners or the criminals who want guns and aren’t afraid to try and take them from those who have them and now are known targets with a map to their location.

As a former broadcast journalist, reporter, and news director, I’m appalled at the actions of those in today’s media and the careless and thoughtless manner with which they wield the power of the medium they hold.

This was reckless and endangered innocent law-abiding people.

Report this comment
- tajloc
  Posted on December 27, 2012 at 8:35am
  Well said.
  
  Report this comment
- StaffSarge
  Posted on December 27, 2012 at 8:03pm
  One of the best comments I read……well put
  
  Report this comment
moreteaplease
Posted on December 26, 2012 at 2:54pm
It’s nobody’s business if I own guns or not!

Report this comment
RachaelAdams
Posted on December 26, 2012 at 2:07pm
Hey Eddie Scarry…how bout I tell the world about your hemorrhoids so people will know where to kick you and get your attention. Now if YOU want to tell the world about your hemorrhoids, that’s your business. Otherwise it’s none of my business to tell anything about you. Do you get it? And, readers, by not wanting the world to know my private business, whether it’s owning guns, having a health issue, where I live, what I own, does not make me from the “Right”. These shallow minded people who cannot make a point without the help of partisan thinking are really a bore. They cannot think past the ballot point. Too bad. They’ll be the first to go cause they can’t think critically about anything. The point is, the government knows you have a gun if you bought it after the need to register it is in place. Now then, when you registered it, you had to give an address. If you are still at this address, the government can come get you for any violation in any new gun law that may be put in place. Now then, if you’re NOT there anymore, well, then, some innocent person will be hassled because this idiot newspaper broadcast a lie. Also, about those addresses that are “blank”, having no firearms, who says? Flea Markets, black markets, bequeathing friends and family are all alive and well.

Report this comment
JonSigMan
Posted on December 26, 2012 at 1:54pm
The local paper puts our info on the weekly page when we get our CWP’s which is strange for a conservative area, but who cares. Most people that know me, know I carry, openly for the most part. Everyone that lives within a mile around me knows I have weapons, kinda hard to hide during target practice! Country living! Ya gotta love it ;) I can see the City person’s issue with it, but I’d be more upset if I wasn’t on the list than if I were. It seems to me that now the thugs know which houses can be taken by knife point or ball bat. It’s a shame that people can’t just live & let live. I think they are all cowards, plain & simple, looking for a sense of security that cannot be provided by men. It only comes from God and the exercising of our Constitution Rights which He as provided. That’s the point that people are missing or ignoring intentionally.

Report this comment
WTFHappenedToTheUSA
Posted on December 26, 2012 at 1:41pm
Hey Eddie, gimme your PERSONAL information to post for all to see, and let’s see how you like it! I would be more concerned if I did not own a gun, now the thieves know where the sheep sleep…

Report this comment
cemerius
Posted on December 26, 2012 at 1:20pm
The MAIN reason people were upset on the “gun registration” was BS like this!! My family and friends know that I have guns…my problem with gun ownership is THAT the Government knows too and they can smear me with ANY political BS they wish to include “posting my name and address” in the paper, let alone putting me on a “list of interest” to raid when they WILL come for our guns en masse………Cops are humans too and they know that if they don’t tow the line they will be on the street and making no money for their wives and kids…..

Report this comment
Ranchdawg
Posted on December 26, 2012 at 1:17pm
I don’t advertise my firearms. I don’t want ANYONE knowing about them, why would I? Would the people who DON’T own guns want their addresses posted? I think not! This is nothing but demonization of firearms owners by the Liberal Left. Why does the Blaze continue to post Liberal rants? I will never tire of fighting against the lies of liberals. The future of my kids, grandchildren, and so on depends on it. Their freedom is my sole concern, after the Lord.

Report this comment
Keep Your Skepticals On
Posted on December 26, 2012 at 12:56pm
A few things to consider:

1. Not all gun owners readilly advertise they have guns. From my experience, gun bragging is where a vocal minioirty definately do not represent the group as a whole.

2. Everyone is less likely to get robbed if criminals think anyone might have a gun. If they know who has a gun, others are more likely to get robbed. If the criminals are after guns, they now know where to get them.

3. What was the intent of the article? Useful information for the general public or intentionally publishing individual personal information to be used for a specific purpose? Focusing anti-gun peer-pressure is the only motive I can see behind this article.

4. What are the ethical guidlines for publishing anyone’s name and address? When would you publish it and when would you not?

The “rhetorical pro-Second Amendment argument” is not about criminals knowing where gun owners live. It’s about criminals knowing that anyone can, and many do, own guns to protect themselves. This isn’t about gun owners becoming gun-shy – it’s about not undermining the purpose. Why not publish a map of names/addresses of people who do not have guns? I’d rather a perpetrator enter a home with a gun that without, even if it was my own. It is less likely to end badly for the victim. It’s never a good idea to publish an individuals means or lack of self defense.

Report this comment
- Capitalist Mama
  Posted on December 27, 2012 at 3:00pm
  5. There are battered women on that list who bought guns for protection and now have their name and new addresses published.
  
  Report this comment
Dan2004
Posted on December 26, 2012 at 12:29pm
Ah yes, publish the addresses of all gun owners so that criminals know what residences they can break into and not worry about being stopped. Since I do not currently have a gun, I would have to buy one to let criminals know not to break into my place.

Report this comment
xcapeillinois
Posted on December 26, 2012 at 12:07pm
You’ll be glad to know, then, that a similar map, with addresses and phone numbers, was published for the reporters and editors. (h.t. Weaselzippers.us), AND, by the way, the lead reporter managed to get a NYC pistol permit. His address is listed. So is his phone number, if you want to give him a ring and let him know you’re coming over.

Report this comment
JohnJoseph
Posted on December 26, 2012 at 11:52am
Gun owners do not have a problem with letting people know they have guns! The criminal will find out once they try to break into someone’s home. The problem they have with the newspaper revealing their name and address is that they have let criminals know at what address they can spy on and steal guns when the owners are not at home. I believe the newspaper should be held liable for every instance that a gun or guns are stolen from said addresses.

Report this comment
- proliance
  Posted on December 26, 2012 at 12:38pm
  Speak for yourself.
  
  There’s a small, select group of family and friends that I want to know if own guns. I don’t put a “proteced by Glock” sticker on my window or open carry. My guns are never displayed when I step out the door or go to the range.
  
  Advertising is just asking for trouble.
  
  Report this comment
pg3712
Posted on December 26, 2012 at 11:46am
It’s nobody’s business but the gun owner’s.

Report this comment
HLGarret
Posted on December 26, 2012 at 11:37am
Let’s publish all the address’ of all the people that work at the newpaper.

Report this comment
- StaffSarge
  Posted on December 27, 2012 at 7:59pm
  In response to Enquirer and the other ignorant few, most responsible gun owners DO NOT want their addresses and names published..where is the “common sense” in having to advertised that you legally possess a gun? This aint the PS3 world you may be used to..most people want to remain as private as possible with these matters…and violating someones privacy when you point a gun at them?? what the hell are you talking about?? As a licensed gun owner someone breaks in to my house and endangers my family I wont be overly concerned about their privacy rights…just read the blog and stay away from the keyboard skippy
  
  Report this comment

Comments are closed.

It appears that you have Javascript Disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser preferences for a better user experience on TheBlaze. You can not comment without Javascript enabled.

« Back to The Blaze