I listen to NPR. I am aware that it makes me the devil to many here, but I don't care. I like knowing what the bias is, and I think they try harder to play against it. They had an interesting commentary on the AR-15 this evening on 'All Things Considered'. They had a former member of the ATF comment on why someone would want to own the rifle. Excusing the 'Rambo Effect' comment, he did a reasonably good job of explaining why it is the most popular rifle in America. He primarily cited the configurability for just about any purpose.

What irritated me was the incredulous tone as to why someone would wish to own such a rifle from the reporter. That seems to be the tone for the entirety of the news media these days. This is the email that I chose to respond with:

I listened to Melissa Block's interview with Malcolm Brady, formerly of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, where they discussed the popularity of the AR-15. While I thought Mr. Brady did a decent job of explaining why the AR15 is America's most popular rifle in terms of customization and function, I have a suggestion: Why not ask actual owners of these firearms why they own them? I also have a resource: your listener base.

Given the number of guns in circulation in the US, consider that the audience for NPR is likely to include millions of gun owners, many of whom own the most popular rifle in America. As one of that group, and a parent of a toddler, I can assure you that we feel the tragedy of this event just as deeply as those who do not choose to own a firearm. In addition, we face the constant implication that no good, law abiding citizen has a reason to own these rifles that we so enjoy, and that they serve no 'sporting purpose'. Instead of disenfranchising the millions of AR-15 owners in this country from the dialog, why not ask us why we choose to own these rifles, and how we think they may be kept out of the wrong hands? It shouldn't be that hard to find us. Just ask your audience.

It will likely not make it past the waste bin, but I gave it a try.