Pro-RKBA Lefties

[hemlock0013]

First off, a disclaimer of sort: I consider myself a libertarian Republican, and was well known for my rabid anti-communism in college. One of my professors often introduced me as being to “the Right of Atilla.” I didn’t argue.

With that out of the way, despite my political leanings, I try to keep up with the Left, partially just to expose myself to different views. I’ve noticed that there are a handful of Leftists who are rather pro-RKBA. The Nation’s Christopher Hitchens and Alexander Cockburn, each a self-described Marxist, are both pro-RKBA. Cockburn actually did a recent short piece attacking an Atlantic Monthly writer who called for a repeal of the 2nd Amendment. Likewise, here in Montgomery County, MD, there is a “Libertarian Socialist” (?) named, I think, Bill White, who ran for the school board on and is very pro-gun. Heck, even Bernie Sanders of Vermont, a Socialist, has a better grade from GOA then many Democrats and some Republicans.

Keep in mind I generally disagree with the above people more then I agree with them (though Hitchen’s attacks on the Clintons are dead-on). I just find it interesting, especially after being let down so often by so-called conservative politicians, that at least with gun-control, you can find allies in odd places.

---hemlock0013

 

[Shin-Tao]

Not that surprising. Vietnam, Mainland China, Stalinist Russia, and many of the Warsaw Pact countries saw no problem with passing out rifles and ammunition to their citizenry, even in times of peace.

In China today you'll find little peasant girls taking a break from harvesting to plink away at rocks and broken pots with their own little SKSs and PPsh clones.

These International Neo-Socialists are strictly a Western phenomena and their intentions are even more controlling and elitist than the 1950's Russian Politboro.
Many American Communists (actual communists)I've talked with (yelled at) see nothing wrong with the Second Amendment.


[This message has been edited by Shin-Tao (edited June 28, 2000).]

 

[Battler]

Don't confuse arming the populace to win a communist revolution with being pro-RKBA wrt. those communists.

Remember, communists are PRO big government and the "best" of them believe that there are NO individual rights (what communism is all about really). Think you can walk into a gunstore in China/Cuba and buy a gun? Bah. Don't be confused by govt. activities, if there are girls shooting in China it isn't for their own amusement, it is govt. sponsored or illegal.

Principled leftists are, I'll say it, stupid. I'll leave a full description to the resident libertarians; but communists are happy to hold simeltaneously conflicting views and their ideology is not based on any logic/reason - ultimately arguing with a "studied" marxist the argument eventually gets down to brass tacks - whether reality really exists (they say no).

Anyway, I leave you with the ultimate irony: If a leftist believes that you cannot individually own property how the hell can you own a gun?


Battler.

 

[hemlock0013]

I knew I was opening a can of worms with this topic...

Both Shin-tao and Battler make excellent points. However, based on what I've read by Hitchens and Cockburn, I don't think their aim is to arm the proletariat for a future revolution. Cockburn has even defended right-wing militias on occassion.

Again, don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to defend anyone, just playing devil's advocate. I actually find it mind-boggling that two seemingly intelligent men such as Hitchens and Cockburn can still subscribe to Marxist ideology. As for the idea of socialist libertarianism, I just don't get it.

---hemlock0013

 

[hemlock0013]

And BTW, rest assured I never actually BUY copies of the Nation or any other Leftist rag. I read articles for free on the 'Net so I can avoid giving those guys any money.

---hemlock0013

 

[GnL]

Shin-Tao,

"In China today you'll find little peasant girls taking a break from harvesting to plink away at rocks and broken pots with their own little SKSs and PPsh clones."

Not trying to flame or anything here--just want some clarification. Do you know for a fact that private citizens in the PRC own government-provided weapons? My experience (I lived there for 5 years) and understanding was that everyone, including girls, are required to go through basic army training, including learning how to fire rifles. I was not aware that they were able to keep them--that would really surprise me.