OPINION — Things seem to be going downhill faster than Michael Moore, Rosanne Barr, John Goodman, and Rosie O’Donnell on a luge track. The coronavirus is causing businesses to shut down, events to be cancelled, and people to finally stop invading one another’s space. Folks are hoarding supplies, which is to be expected, but they seem to be doing it very strangely. A global pandemic threatens everyone on earth, people will likely be quarantined in their homes for weeks, and the most important thing to them is . . . toilet paper? Seriously?
Now, I’m not disparaging the value of toilet paper. I’ve actually become rather attached to it over the years. I just don’t think I’d put that at the top of my list of apocalypse essentials. But then, I’ve got one of the world’s largest privately held collections of T-shirts with stupid messages, so I can get by without my Charmin 2-ply for a good while. I saw no reason to stock up. Besides, when this thing is over, do you want to emerge from your quarantine lair and interact with a populace that has been without TP for weeks? I don’t. Let the others have a roll or two.
Some folks are having a hard time deciding whether to leave their guns in the gun safe, or put them under the bed and use the safe for their TP supply. That’s not a good plan, either, since guns and ammunition are also in high demand. The price of ammo jumped overnight when this thing hit, and most stores and online supply houses are either very low or completely out of inventory. It’s 2013 all over again.
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Back when president Obama was elected in 2008, people started buying guns and ammo a little faster than normal. Then, after the horrible mass shooting at Sandy Hook, in late 2012, people started to panic. There were rumors of comprehensive gun control laws being planned, and guns were in high demand. It would have been easier to find a life jacket on the Titanic than a box of .22 ammo on a store shelf. And we’re just about to that point again.
Most people with any sense learned a lesson the first time around, and many have closets full of ammo. I know a couple of people who buy AR ammo by the pallet, 60,000 rounds at a time. That’s enough to last you a couple of months, if you don’t get too rowdy. But others didn’t pay attention, and they’re paying the price now, a very high price, if they want ammo.
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The amusing part of all this is that a lot of the anti-gun folks have done an abrupt about face, and have lately decided that being armed is the better part of valor, which it has always been. With the fear of crazed rioting and looting and general lawlessness, many of these peaceniks have been trying to buy guns. And they’re finding out those guns, which the media has been telling them are easier to get than a bagel, are not so easy to get after all. Who knew? Well, everybody with any sense knew.
California, for example, has a ten-day waiting period on all firearm purchases, so a lot of first time buyers, who want their guns right now, are learning they can’t get them right now, because of the laws they’ve been supporting for years. No problem, we’ll just order a gun online, and have it delivered to our door, right? Wrong. Gun stores across the country have been getting calls from folks in California, asking them to mail guns to their homes. Can’t do that. You have to pay for the firearm, and then have it shipped to a Federal Firearms Licensed dealer in your area. Then you have to show up, in your very person, show proper ID, and fill out a Form 4473. Then the dealer has to call or access the NICS system online and you have to pass the background check, which is required on all commercial gun sales, even, yes, at gun shows. If you have no felony convictions, and you haven’t lied about anything, and if no one with your name happens to be a criminal (which is often a big problem), then the gun is yours. Of course, in California, that’s the point where the ten-day waiting period starts.
During all that time, criminals are still obtaining their guns the way they always have, ignoring the laws, no background checks, no waiting, no problem. Cash and carry. So, yes, a gun may show up at your door, but it may be in the hands of someone who didn’t get it legally.
Amidst all this hoopla, some governors and city officials have declared emergencies, which supposedly gives them the power to ban gun sales altogether. Typical. Just when citizens need to protect themselves, the state tries to take that ability away from them. Might want to plan ahead next time, if you have a next time.
Me, I’m good. I’ve got enough ammo to last a while, and several rolls of low-mileage Charmin 2-ply in the safe. If I can just get off the luge track I’ll be fine. Bad things are on the way . . .
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How about sticking to the news and not self gratifying crap from wanna-be "writers"?
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PermalinkThis article was was done in very poor taste. I am no writer but this just was really bad. Seemed like he was trying to make light of this horrible situation. Sharing pictures on FB of hoarders or funny TP pictures is one thing but this in my opinion was just not cool at all and really NOT funny. Thanks Jim G I thought I was the only one who took it wrong.
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Permalink... I wouldn't say it was completely in poor taste, and I don't feel that the author of this article meant for it to be funny... totally! What I got from the article was a bit of sarcasm on how the general citizens reaction to this situation. The lack of compassion of people that panic buy and hoard items such as toilet paper and food for others is unnecessary and unbelievable. If everyone would have just purchased items that we all need on a daily basis, then grocery stores and so on would have enough for everyone. I believe the author of this article was attempting to put in a bit of humor and sarcasm into the article. At this point 3/23/2020 there are no reports of the virus in the Concho Valley, but there's still a lot of test left to get results from. If we as citizens of our community do our part to stop the spread of the virus, and don't panic buy the necessary items we all need on a daily basis, we will prevail on this situation that we are all in together. Well, that's my opinion and I'm stickin to it, y'all have a safe week,
Adios amigos! :-)
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PermalinkMakes a lot of sense Warren when you put it that way :)
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PermalinkWarren that makes a lot of sense when you put it like that. :)
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Permalink... post your comment "twice" ... read insincere and something a ....
"insincere wiseass" would say ... I wasn't going to mention this but to tell a very TRUE event that went on at the store my daughter works for as a cashier... the toilet paper shortage from people hoarding it and buying more than they really need ... someone (a customer) stole the toilet paper out of the restrooms of the store because there was no TP in the store to purchase. When the panic buying and hoarding of TP and food and hand sanitizer... gets to a point that people feel the need to steal those things ... then it is time to say ... let's stop the craziness. I'm 63 years old and Disabled and my daughter and I live in the same house. The job she has does not pay much and my disability is not all that much either and we by just what we need to live on. We don't own a vehicle and she takes Lyft Rides to work. We get our groceries delivered and we are now concerned that the grocery stores are not going to have enough stock to get what we need on a daily basis. So, we are not happy at the fact that the citizens we live amongst... hoard toilet paper and other items that we and everyone needs on a daily and weekly basis to survive this situation that we are all in ... everyone of us, not just the people that have lots of money. Well,that my story and I'm stickin to it. Y'all stay safe out there and have a good week. Adios amigos! :)
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PermalinkMy goodness I am sorry you take my ignorance for sarcasm. That was honest to goodness not done on purpose. I am new to this site and sent the first one just as a post then I saw the reply and thought oh shoot I need to do it this way. That was me not knowing enough. So I say something about an article, you reply to me and I honestly say to myself " That actually makes sense" I post nicely to you and you reply to me that I seemed like i was being a wise ass??? Shoot obviously I do not belong in this site there was no reason for that at all. I am not good at sarcasm obviously or I never would have posted about the article in the first place. This is so messed up I was being nice.
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Permalink... posting it twice read like what a person would say being a "wiseass" but my true intentions was not to say you were being one. So, you apologized so I extend my apologies for making you feel that way. That's the problem with posting comments or only texting a person. The other person can't tell just by seeing words the true expression of the other person. Social media and texting has ruined the art of two people talking or sharing thoughts and Ideas. I truly believe that's why arguements get started so easily from posting comments or texting, we can't hear the expression of what's being said... if it's texting or commenting on here or Facebook or Twitter. Well, we have exchanged apologies and it's time to move on, take care, be safe and always remember... and never forget... wherever you go and I mean wherever ... there you are! :-D. A-di-os amigo !
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PermalinkWarren, your situation is exactly what is wrong with the hoarding. People become selfish quickly, and if they can afford it they buy as much as they can, not thinking of others who also need food and other items. I was hoping to point this out without saying it outright. If we all just get what we need, we will all be able to get through this fine. Hoarders cause problems for everyone.
I'm sorry people like RLK missed the point entirely. I don't mind when people complain about my articles. I've won far too many writing awards during the past 25 years to worry about it. I'm glad people like you see the point.
I hope you're able to get what you need to get by during this terrible time. Good luck.
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Permalink.... and I want to say " Thank you " for your comment. To give you an answer to your concern about my daughter and I getting the things we need to survive on a daily basis, so far we have what we need and we are hoping that by the time we do our grocery buying that which is at the beginning of each month (we usually buy what we need for 2 weeks at a time ) that the stores like HEB and Walmart will be somewhat restocked. Thanks again for your comment, take care and have a good week. Adios amigo! :-)
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PermalinkI've owned a lot of sporting arms and a few handguns in my lifetime but for the life of me I never gave using any of the arms to wipe. I have never had the challenge to use a weapon against an invisible killer but I feel sure it must be unproductive task. It is lost on me the rush to buy guns, perhaps rush gun buyers are planning on turning criminal against other citizens to acquire survival necessities that they themselves fail to buy. I nor anyone in my household rushed out to buy any survival supplies we keep a reasonable supply on hand. I honestly have no idea of how stores here are stocked since I have not been in one for several weeks. Thanks for initiating the idea of using guns and ammo in place of toilet paper.
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PermalinkSir, it's difficult to imagine someone missing the point more drastically than you did. Perhaps you read a different article, and then commented on this one?
Perhaps 'rush gun buyers,' as you call them, plan to defend themselves against looters and robbers, as has been necessary many, many times in the past during times of crisis.
You seem to labor under the false impression that the article made some reference, any reference, to using guns or ammo in place of toilet paper.
Bless your heart.
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PermalinkIt was your article alright. I didn't see a point was there one? Your article was appeared as part satire and part sarcasm.
It must be quite nerve racking to live in fear of the boogeyman that one needs hundreds of rounds of ammo. In all of my years of gun ownership I have never encountered a single time where a gun was needed or would have helped. Moreover I certainly would not shoot anyone because they are hungry. It is not like you're the only that has a gun.
The using guns and ammo was mine entirely meaning some over reacting to a health emergency and instead of buying food and other life sustaining products they buy guns and ammo.
If you fail to understand the logic of life sustaining vs. life taking I feel sorrow for you. Perhaps I'll try to simplify it for you, nah it would be a waste of time.
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PermalinkMr. Jonson,
The point was satire and sarcasm. So I guess you did get it.
For the record, the point of all my columns is satire and sarcasm. Might want to write that down.
Unfortunately, you seem to be under the impression that because I wrote about people hoarding TP, guns, and ammo, that I am hoarding TP, guns, and ammo. Actually, I'm not.
But some are, and that's their business. There will come a time when those who beat their guns into plowshares plow for those who don't.
As for life sustaining life, my position is that I would never shoot someone for stealing. I would only shoot someone to save a life or to prevent bodily harm, such as rape or life-threatening attacks. The law, of course, allows shooting someone to prevent theft, but if we live our lives only according to the laws we will be horrible citizens, indeed.
Just a suggestion, here, but you might want to find out where someone stands before you attack them for where they stand.
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PermalinkIt was your rant, it is sick to joke about a situation that is life threatening, no different that joking about cancer or some other life taking ailment. I you don't mean what you say then perhaps you should keep it too yourself. You are correct I do not know you and moreover I have no desire to know you, you seem sadistic to me. Your posting was in bad taste at best.
Bye Now
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PermalinkI'm not feeling the love, here.
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PermalinkPerhaps Mr. Jonson inspired your most recent column, but I'm going to assume the lad doesn't take hints either, so I'm going to hit him over the noggin with a truth.
W. Jonson, your insistence on shutting down Mr. Hemphill's constitutional right to say and print his opinion, however satirical and sarcastic as it may be, has no place in this nation. He spoke his mind and harmed no one. If you disapprove of his stance on issues, you sir, have the right to ignore him for perpetuity.
Time to get some big boy pants and stop sniveling.
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PermalinkWell Mr. Cajun Texan, I'll take this opportunity to hit you back over the noggin with with facts.
Nowhere did I suggest nor insist shutting down Mr. Hemphill's constitutional right although you failed to mention which one so I'll assume the first. FYI I have the same right and I exercise that right freely. I'm the guy that has the guts to say what everyone else is thinking.
Regardless any rights the Mr. Hemphill's drivel was in poor taste. Just as your diatribe is in poor taste, your rights are no more nor less than what mine are, you make comment which is exactly what you are complaining about, see the irony? Mirror Mirror.
You can let it rest now, any questions I posed to you are to reflect on yourself.
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PermalinkWell, you used the Mirror Mirror ploy.
You win.
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PermalinkJonson doesn't seem to understand the concept of "looters," in which individuals take it upon themselves to appropriate the property of others - possibly causing their victims a great deal of physical and psychological harm in the process.
While some individuals may have never encountered such circumstances, rest assured that those who have and others informed by them take necessary precautions to ensure their own safety. In the city of Houston, where hurricanes often ravage the infrastructure of civilized life, it's not uncommon for citizens to not only keep guns but also to have a horse - a "green" option for transportation in the event of a long-term breakdown in that infrastructure.
Rare is the individual who, in the face of mortal danger, is simply able to kvetch their foes into cowering submission. Unfortunately for most, that talent is reserved for a chosen few.
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PermalinkMiss Rita, I am curious, have you every been is a situation where there were actually looters. The concept of looters is to do their looting when the majority or people are helpless to stop them. That is not the situation now everyone is at home on house arrest including the looters. You mention Houston FYI I was raised in Houston and lived most life there. You comparing this situation to the flooding Houston is hilarious, they nothing alike. I have nothing against owning guns but I find it quite silly to rush out and buy an arsenal when the pantry and store room are empty. People are not stirring much, check the police report and see what the crimes are.
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Permalinkhttps://youarenotsosmart.com/2020/03/25/yanss-175-how-socks-and-crocs-reveal-the-science-behind-why-we-can-share-an-opinion-about-something-that-doesnt-feel-like-an-opinion/#more-6469
From the link:
Priors are what neuroscientists and philosophers call the years of experience and regularity leading up to the present. All the ways a ball has bounced, all the ways a pancake has tasted, the way the dogs in your life have barks, or bitten, or hugged you when you were sad — these all shape the brain, literally. They form and prune our neural networks, so in situations that are uncertain, unfamiliar or ambiguous, we depend on those priors to help us disambiguate the new information coming into the brain via our senses.
But what happens when we don’t share those priors?
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PermalinkThe majority don't share these priors, at least not the violent or dangerous ones. So, they legislate you into the looney bin. The person who was commenting about never having had a need to use a weapon in a violent manner, good for you! You've done well for yourself haven't you. You see, miss repulsa, he now thinks that because his own life experiences have been desirable, that every one else's should be and will be also. What a wonderful life to live! Its almost enough to incite envy. I'd say it would be enough, but I know what happens to people who live in LaLa land too comfortably, too often. As do u.
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PermalinkI have to break it to you but most gun owners have never been in a situation where they needed a gun. As a matter of fact a gun owner is more likely to have his gun kill or injure a family member. That is one reason that I don't have loaded guns in the house. I suppose if one leads a life that puts them among crooks then they feel a strong need to be armed. But while you are sitting shivering in your boots I will continue to live in La La land. Oh don't shoot your shadow it won't hurt you I promise.
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PermalinkI lived in So-Cal during the riots, many of the business owners within the affected areas armed themselves, some perched up on rooftops, anticipating the worst. For these people, firearms WERE one of their ''life-sustaining products".
"Why not just call the cops?", ask the credulous walking doormats.
Well, here's why: In times of crisis, police and other emergency personnel have to spread themselves thin -- very thin. One of the tactics which was used during the riots, was for the agencies within the areas to set up perimeters (no one in, no one out), with very few officers venturing into the chaos to handle individual incidents. Essentially, business owners were barricaded within entire sections of burning buildings and dangerous assholes who were coming for what they had, and were going to do anything to obtain it. For all intents and purposes, they were on their own.
Put into perspective, the riots were basically initiated by relatively small groups of opportunists and thugs who wanted free stuff, in and around the L.A. area -- not an entire country of desperate people who may soon NEED much of these "life sustaining products", and may be willing to go a bit further than the typical gangster who just wants a pair of new shoes and some CDs.
I've never personally experienced a house fire, but smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and escape plans are still pretty good ideas.
As for using bullets in place of toilet paper, I'd have to see that. It'd bring an entirely new meaning to ''shootin' the shit''.
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PermalinkThis is not a weather catastrophe and is not a riot there is no mass looting, it is a silent invisible enemy and the only thing that will stop it is science and common sense. It seems that many are quite dense and that is where my Darwin Award contestants comments fit in.
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PermalinkWhat do you think hungry people will do when there isnt any food? And to backtrack a bit, how long will the average American go without food before they claim starvation has set in? 2 days? Yup sounds about right. So, when people get hungry (and they will) and bored (when internet goes down) there will looting. First from stores, then from homes. Will you call the cops? Nope. They'll be hungry too. Will you call friends? Maybe, but not if they don't have any food. So, what then?
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PermalinkHow hungry will these cops be?
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PermalinkQuestion is directly proportional to the current donut quantity. Please don't ask me to speculate
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PermalinkJudge, Are you suggesting that many people will be hungry. From what I gather from news articles is that there is plenty of food, the problem is distribution. It sounds like you are predicting a great great depression. There were soup lines during the great depression people may not have ate well but there were attempts to stop starvation. Just consider for a moment, how would a looter know if a resident had food? The smart looters go to where the food is, that being stores and warehouses. Then those with some healthy brain cells would turn to wildlife and wild plants for food, Mesquite beans are edible and quite plentiful.
https://www.foragingtexas.com/2008/10/honey-mesquite.html
You apparently have the idea that only a gun can stop someone which is false. That idea might get you killed.
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