If Americans were worried that those pushing gun control in Washington, and in the Obama administration, have unrealistic expectations about what is necessary for self defense, then a recently released video by the Department of Homeland Security seems unlikely to placate them.
The video, titled “Options for Consideration,” and released January 25th of this year, details what are meant to be acceptable responses to “active shooter situations” of the type seen at Fort Hood, Virginia Tech, and at the shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. Curiously, the video omits mention of the Aurora shooting, though it was filmed before Sandy Hook.
DHS’s recommended responses to such shootings, demonstrated in a generic office setting, include the obvious instructions to try to either evacuate the area, or hide someplace the shooter won’t think to look, while also warning innocent bystanders in such situations that it is necessary to follow the instructions of police officers and other law enforcement personnel who appear on the scene.
Photo Credit: Youtube
Photo Credit: Youtube
Photo Credit: Youtube
This much of the video is relatively non-controversial. However, there is one particular portion that may prompt derisive chuckles from self-defense advocates. The passage occurs at roughly 1:45 in the video, during which the narrator of the video suggests, “If you are caught out in the open, and cannot conceal yourself or take cover, you might consider trying to overpower the shooter with whatever means are available.”
The image shown at this point is as follows:
Photo Credit: Youtube
This particular bit of advice has already attracted some attention. The New York Post reports the pushback:
Richard Feldman, president of the Independent Firearm Owners Association, said he has a better option for consideration than a pair of scissors when confronting an armed mass murderer — a legal firearm.
“That’s why I prefer a gun, and I usually do carry a gun when it is lawful to do so,” said Feldman. “Clearly, you use whatever you can” to fight for your life, he said.
So if scissors are all you’ve got, grab them by all means.
The video is part of the Obama administration’s ongoing campaign to reduce firearm violence in the wake of the horrific mass murder last month of 20 children and six teachers in Newtown, Conn., said a Homeland Security official.
Given that the video was apparently released to coincide with Obama administration proposals on gun control, the fact that it makes mention of self-defense at all is surprising. However, suggesting that self-defense with scissors and other improvised weapons might be a valid option while neglecting to mention the idea of carrying a firearm for preparedness arguably heightens the omission of the latter.
Watch the video for yourself, below:
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Comments (190)
GuruMeditation
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:09amIs there a law restricting the length of the scissors by any chance?
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HKS
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:18amIf not there will be.
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civilwarcometh
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:21amThey think since they work so well on late term abortions it will work in this situation. These are communist do not even have a discussion with them on anything. Just run them out of the country.
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GhostOfJefferson
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:22amWhat’s more important is whether they’ll implement a law making running at the attacker with scissors illegal. Walk. Always walk with scissors.
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RANGER1965
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:27amIt is my fervent wish that the people in Homeland Security take their own advice.
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objectivetruth
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:30amYou laugh but years ago I had a work blade that I had to conceal and wrap up.I wasn’t about to carry it in the open.My walk to the bus stop with it entailed me carrying a bag just for it.If you are wondering.It was a 18 inch long blade[not including handle].Now if you are sufficiently interested in knowing what it was.It was a frozen pastry knife.Let us not even mention big game boning knives.Either of these, thrown at an attacker with enough muscle behind it ,could literally pin your suspect to the wall with blade to spare.
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GuruMeditation
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:43am@objectivetruth: I’m still laughing…
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battles
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:57amI think that most states have a knife length restriction of 4 inches. However, in West Virginia it is 3.75 inches. I used to travel extensively and ALWAYS carried a large lock blade on my belt. I had a few run ins with nasty people, that is until I started carrying to large blade. When I found that my former 4 inch lock blade was too ling for WV, I purchased a 3.75 inch one. States will probably have something to say about scissors length too. When it comes to disarming people, the states can be quite all-inclusive in their desire and effect.
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The Jewish Avenger
Jan. 31, 2013 at 11:20amHmmm… Carry a pair of scissors in a sheath on your belt and scrap the brass knuckle blade?
Wonder how far you can get into the fed building with that?
(answer: 0 inches)
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naughtycal
Jan. 31, 2013 at 11:35amIf scissors are all you have then sure scissors are better than nothing. However the Constitution guarantees the right to much more persausive means of protection. Let HLS can arm themselves with scissors I’ll chose my taurus .357 instead it only holds 7 but they are 7 nasty hollow pointed SOBs.
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Maji
Jan. 31, 2013 at 11:42amI think what they’re trying to say is, If you can suck up as many
bullet as you can others can get away!
Ahh just before you drop your siz-zors!
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lani59
Jan. 31, 2013 at 11:45amI believe this is what the Sandy Hook teachers did ande how did that work out for them? Now imagine if one of them had a gun and was trained to use it, what the outcome would have been?
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banjarmon
Jan. 31, 2013 at 12:00pmRUN…HIDE….THROW THINGS Yeah RIGHT…..BANG!!! Problem solved.
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mac410
Jan. 31, 2013 at 12:02pmMost schools banned scissors a long time ago. Students have been suspended for bring them to art classes fer crying out loud!
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michaelmoron
Jan. 31, 2013 at 12:09pmScissors? lol. I don’t think so.
If I had no access to a gun, I would think outside the box.
I always liked chinese stars. A modified sledgehammer is nice backup to a pouch full of stars.
What is really good, is a Wristrocket aka Slingshot.
You can fire at a very high velocity, anything you can grab, including glass shards.
I may build, in the near future, a device that shoots ‘D’ Batteries at over 400ft. per sec.
Ouch !!!!
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michaelmoron
Jan. 31, 2013 at 12:12pmOnce I learned that the POLICE have NO obligation to protect an Individual, I decided that I WILL NEVER give up my 2nd Amendment Right.
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TH30PH1LUS
Jan. 31, 2013 at 12:38pmThe video was made for New Yorker sissies who have given up the right to bear arms, given up the right to drink soda, and given up the right to trans-fats.
The sequel video will teach the sheeple how many squares of toilet paper are appropriate to wipe with.
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mecanic
Jan. 31, 2013 at 1:04pmthanks, but I’ll use my 1911 model 45. but again thanks for the stupid-ass suggestion.
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walnutportconservative
Jan. 31, 2013 at 1:11pmNo kidding here… the scissors at my desk have the tip of both shears broken off. I’m ordering new ones today.
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garylee123
Jan. 31, 2013 at 1:11pmOnly if they come in a 10 round magazine.
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Bluebonnet
Jan. 31, 2013 at 1:20pmGood idea, they are so lethal, they even take away the little ones from you at the airport. Give me a break! How often would you even be in reach of scissors if you needed a weapon? Again, you’d have to be close enough to stab someone before they shot you………….STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES.
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BayouButcher
Jan. 31, 2013 at 1:33pmYou are looking at this all wrong, I think this is a good idea. We the people should take guns away from all government officials and give them scissors. It would be a hoot to watch Swat rush a building to take down a perp with scissors instead of guns. Or better yet the Secret Service standing around Obama all with scissors, price less.
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RightUnite
Jan. 31, 2013 at 2:23pmBetter get your scissors carry permit, or I imagine you’ll go to jail!
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Wolf
Jan. 31, 2013 at 4:04pmYah- I can see it now: “Scissors at 30 Feet” read the headlines. Details below the fold… ‘Scissor wielding victim fends off attacker shooting assault rifle from 30 feet away…’
Nothing is more stoopud than the dumb asses who’ll swallow the kind of tripe being pushed by this administration. What the hell kind of fools elect these people to office?
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Fubared
Jan. 31, 2013 at 4:18pmThe absolute beauty of this is we PAID for this PSA. You paid to be told to hide with scissors.
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pavepaws
Jan. 31, 2013 at 4:40pmBringing scissors to a gun fight.
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Ms Moommist
Jan. 31, 2013 at 5:58pmomg, if you only have kiddy scissors you are just out of luck. What idiots!
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iampraying4u
Jan. 31, 2013 at 6:30pmwe should ban scissors
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pitboss711
Jan. 31, 2013 at 8:47pmSister Janet has obviously never heard that old saying…”Never take a pair of scissors to a gun fight.”
As far as hiding under a table or desk…I’m sure that would keep me as safe from a shooter as hiding under my school desk would have saved me from a nuclear bomb.
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NoSleeper
Feb. 1, 2013 at 5:27amDon’t forget to blunt the tips to help prevent injury if you choose to run with them.
Short, blunt, plastic children’s scissors for all!
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KevINtampa
Feb. 1, 2013 at 2:44pmI’m going to start a new gun company called Sharp Shooters Gunnery.
Our flagship weapons system will be sold as a pair. A .45 for personal carry and another .45 you keep either in your desk at work or at the house. Again these will not e sold separately but as one system. We will call this weapons system “Scissors”, and I already have a Homeland Security video as free advertisement recommending people get themselves “a pair of Scissors”.to defend themselves against a mad and deranged lunatic.
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msjoe43
Feb. 1, 2013 at 10:14pmIt probably follow the knife laws: an illegal knife as (A) a knife with a blade over five and one-half inches; (B) hand instrument designed to cut or stab another by being thrown;
FYI – New York Attempting To Ban Knives
Here is another example of the police state’s determination to disarm its citizens of any means of defense against criminals. First it was firearms, now knives and edged weapons. Knife Rights, an organization similar to the NRA, is challenging New York on behalf of retailers and citizens alike.
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vendingdude
Feb. 6, 2013 at 10:47pmI love Kevin’s Idea. I was thinking along a different track: I’ll invent a brand of scissors that can ‘lock’ into the open position, the fingergrips pop off to reveal two more points and it becomes an instant throwing star. Oh, and when the grips pop off, those two points are pre-coated with deadly poison to give a 50% chance of killing the bad guy if you score a hit.
Now I’m thinking of staplers that are disguised as weapons sitting on every desk; a fake desk phone where the receiver is a pistol, or a flamethrower with the cord supplying fuel from the phone, or perhaps an EZ under the chair mounted sidearm holster, or pens that become blow dart guns……
The possibilities are endless.
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70S_KIDS_FIGHTING_SOCIALISM
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:08amThat is the STUPIDEST thing a person could do. You would have to be very strong and know the death points. These morons think scissors are an assault weapon. Thats what happens when Obowmao appoints journalist and morons to DHS just because they donated to his campaign.
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oldguy49
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:14amwhen the sheep give up all their weapons……….don’t come to me for help
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Walkabout
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:29amA gun is a ranged weapon. Scissors are not.
Scissors can work an iota better than an unarmed person on hands & feet. The problem is that you still have to “close” with the criminal & possible take major damage along the way. The Aurora shooting could have been less deadly. 6 guys closing with the perpetrator would have overwhelmed him. Problem is they have to make a split second decision to kiss their a$$es could by. Once they closed with the perpetrator of they left him in the same shape as Nidal Hassan, it would affect people considering doing something similar. Most would reconsider & not cause mass casualty events. Now the joker’s biggest problem is keeping up the pretense of mental illness. That is much less stress on him than having to live a paralytic. Mess these perps up & don’t give them 3 squares a day & or the death penalty (or if possible allow to off themselves.). I guarantee you there will be less shootings.
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ginger100
Jan. 31, 2013 at 12:15pm@oldguy47
Just watched the Magnificent 7. Scissors are what shear sheep with, not a wolf with fangs and claws.
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OKNative
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:06amI have an idea. Let Homeland Security disarm all their employees/agents and they can now legally carry scissors for their personally protection. We can then have scissor throwing ranges thoughout the United States! Sounds good to me for them, but personally, I will keep my firearm.
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OKNative
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:11amI meant to say “personal protection” not “personally protection”.
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SUNTZU
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:20amSoon they will outlaw all but the
round-nose plastic grade school type
And you will have to have background check
and several week of training.
and like England you will have to keep them locked up at your
local Mickey mouse club house.
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mrja
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:06amTake the guns from BO’s security detail and arm them with scissors
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ZAP
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:06amAnd don’t forget to hang a doughnut out of the window so the cops know where you are,when they finally come….
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BlackCrow
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:06amBBBAAAAHHHHH!!!! Sheepole to the slaughter. Well this old goat ain’t going!
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Walkabout
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:37amA gunman coming around a corner confronted by someone with scissors does not have
***as much *** advantage as he had before.
Optimally he should have no advantage. He should be at a disadvantage. After his surprise chickensh/t attack, if he wants to harm other people in an office building (let’s say), every corner he goes around should make him pucker up.
It is total BS that Homeland security would ensure that the best weapon we have is a makeshift weapon. But they do want to control us. Well the dumb a$$ ranchers of the elite should understand that martial arts weapons like the Nunchaku (nunchucks) came from make shift weapons like a rice flail. If we survive their gentle ministrations ( Nietzsche), we will be stronger.
They should fear that.
Did you hear of the time that the French peasants rose up boiled nobles alive? It seems as though the French nobles (ranchers) broke the feudal contract. they treated peasants like serfs/slaves & could not keep their parts of the contract such as protecting the peasants. Is history repeating itself?
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nysteve
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:05amBoy that’s a lot to remember. Hey, I have an idea… everybody legally purchase and learn how to use a gun.
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SpankDaMonkey
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:05am.
I wonder where I can get a pair of 9mm scissors?…………..
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booger71
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:22amWalmart already sold out of them
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SUNTZU
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:22am50 cal. Hedge trimmer.
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SUNTZU
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:23am155 mm chainsaw
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Dan_o
Jan. 31, 2013 at 2:31pmSuntzu, “155 mm chainsaw”….those would be automatic scissors and they are not allowed.
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Strange_Paradox
Jan. 31, 2013 at 3:00pmThis is totally out of control….its like they looked at a zombie killing RPG video game and said “Maybe we should do this just like the scene in the mall and have all kinds of stuff in there so you can put them together and BUILD something to kill the bad guys with….yeah thats a great idea…..”
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RDavis49
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:04amLet’s see, you want to take away the right of responsible citizens to keep and bear arms for their own protection because there’s too much killing with guns, then you turn around and tell potential victims, stab them with scissors or defend yourselves with whatever is available??? Huh?? Wouldn’t it just be a lot better to leave their guns alone and let them defend themselves with it if and when the time arises? I’m surprised you liberal socialist/communist democrats can find your way to a bathroom.
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paulwbrown
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:10amSimply a case of PC run amok. I am surprised that they even advocate using the scissors–how brutal, perhaps the assailant is just an innocent mentally ill mass killer.
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leasecommander
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:02amThen there will be sweeping scissor controls !!!!
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toidiegalliv
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:01amWow, this is great. I am now sooooo soo so convinced that the term “Homeland Security” actually suggest these guys and gals secure our homeland. Their obvious qualifications are manifested so profoundly. Everything is okay now,.. whew.
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time4termlimits
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:01amI wonder how much this 3:41 minute video costs us. Be careful, be vigilant, and keep your scissors close by.
And remember, hide under your desk. I remember having to do that when I was a kid for “nuclear war” drills. Apparently, this time tested method of taking cover works in a variety of situations.
If the terrorists ever figure out this strategy, our drone program is doomed.
Hail to Barry, our new king.
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DougHuffman
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:15amIf only they would hide under their desks, they’d be scattered and separated. They are indoctrinated to huddle together in a corner like a school of fish. The BadGuy can’t miss.
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DadRocked
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:01amKnife to a gunfight?
WHY we living with ‘leaders’ who extras in a Monty Python film?
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DadRocked
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:10amSorry… I was typing too fast…
WHY are we living with ‘leaders’ who are extras in a Monty Python film?
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Zipit
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:17amDAD!!!Remember the “BLACK KNIGHT”. http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=zKhEw7nD9C4&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DzKhEw7nD9C4
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Bobj_1960
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:22amDon’t you mean scissors to a gunfight?
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objectivetruth
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:22amI wish it were a episode of monty python.At least then I could change the channel or cut if off.
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DadRocked
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:44amZipIt – Remember it… Almost line by line… “It’s just a flesh wound!”
ObjectiveTruth – That’s are option… Don’t like something then go the other way…
I agree with you having that option but Monty Python and Firesign Theatre kept our minds relaxed with all of the crap that was going on during their era…
Not like today, it’s hard not to stay on top of this crap. Matter of fact it’s a must do as citizens of our great country.
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thibx
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:00ambunch of idiots.
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ExO
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:00amWait On second thought this would make these “Assault Scissors” we would need a Ban on them and Fast….
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GuruMeditation
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:00amHahahahaH!
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Cavallo
Jan. 31, 2013 at 9:59amIf that’s all you have,… if you work in a Gun Free Zone (otherwise known as mandated target rich environment) .. you have to use whatever you have at hand. The training at my workplace actually goes out of their way to inform people that they have the right to fight back!? It’s sickening that such a thing even has to be stated.
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DougHuffman
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:06amMcJob-employees, dogs and sheeple are “trained”. Humans should be educated.
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progressiveslayer
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:11amOr how about this one,gun free zone aka kill zone. I know what you mean as humans we have a natural instinct to preserve our life it’s only government that insists on putting us into the ground quickly through idiotic ‘gun laws’.
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1RealAmerican
Jan. 31, 2013 at 9:58amNothing like bringing a knife to a gunfight…….
Just sayin………
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Fubared
Jan. 31, 2013 at 9:57amClearly, we just don’t pay these people enough.
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DougHuffman
Jan. 31, 2013 at 9:57amIf I recall correctly, scissors were the predicate of the Tueller Drill that established the 21-foot rule. Better to bring a gun to a gun fight than a pair of dull blunted scissors.
Sheeple, line up for FedGov indoctrination!
MOLON LABE Lord of Lies, Skeet-shooting Guy of Flies
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objectivetruth
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:37amI agree with you.Just remember though that those who actually sew have very sharp scissors.The human body is easier to cut than fabric.Fabric requires a very sharp set of scissors in order to cut it without fraying.The human body doesn’t.
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DougHuffman
Jan. 31, 2013 at 11:32amThe largest assault scissors are used by tailors and seamstresses – EVIL – but the sharpest and most easily concealed, short of an elite eye surgeon’s, are a barber’s scissors.
School children in free fire zones are limited to Curio & Relic scissors, dulled and blunted lest they hurt themselves.
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13th Imam
Jan. 31, 2013 at 9:57amAll White House Guards , Congressional Guards, Secret Service, Homeland Non-Security should be issued scissors. And turn in their bad firearms. For the less handy, they should be issued pinking shears.
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boss_ross
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:02amtook the words right out of my mouth and beat me to the comment box :)
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objectivetruth
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:19amYes by all means I want them nicely frayed.That is what pinking shears do.Look to make a long story very short scissors will work in a domestic situation.So too will a meat cleaver kitchen knives.Cast iron skillets exc.Its just not going to work very well in a office school style shooting.Well unless you have guts and have already been the _____ of a violent act before.In which case you amy actually be the one that saves everyone.In essence it means you would rather die than be the target for violence ever again.
IT STILL DOESN”T MEAN A GUN ISN”T THE BEST WEAPON.
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progressiveslayer
Jan. 31, 2013 at 9:56amThis article illustrates to the atheist lady on another article just how ‘logical safe and fair your federal government is. Her naivety is astonishing.
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ExO
Jan. 31, 2013 at 9:56amWell makes perfect sense….
NOT….
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huey6367
Jan. 31, 2013 at 9:55amKnife to a gun fight?
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biohazard23
Jan. 31, 2013 at 9:55amNothing says self-defense like bringing crafting scissors to a gun fight. Jeez….
Hey, maybe we can arm the Secret Service with supplies from Jo-Ann Fabrics! Just attack a potential bad guy with glue sticks, glitter, thread, and yards of sparkling ribbon. If it’s supposed to work for the rest of us….
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Fubared
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:02amHobby Lobby scissors-
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13th Imam
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:05amAnd no running
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biohazard23
Jan. 31, 2013 at 10:09amOh yeah, definitely!
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crueltiming
Jan. 31, 2013 at 11:26amAssault glitter?Gotta get me some of that to dress up my SHTF cabin.
Why not rubber bands shooting paper clips?
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biohazard23
Jan. 31, 2013 at 11:59amRubber bands? Only if they’re made from environmentally friendly, organic, sustainable, free trade sources harvested by indigenous women who previously had to depend upon prostitution to survive in their third world country.
Otherwise, you’re SOL. :)
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