Just as their customers are tired of being portrayed as gun-nuts, the Smith & Wesson corporation is over the idea of being blamed for the poor decisions of a very small group of their consumers.
The idea of blaming the gun manufacturers for the decisions of the end user is something that has become far more popular in American society following the recent uptick in school and mass shootings. While many are quick to point to what they claim is easy access to guns, many frequently forget not only how much easier that access was just 50 years ago but how far less restrictive the laws were.
Recently, the company has been calling out the politicians and media outlets who have “vilified and undermined” law enforcement while simultaneously supporting prosecutors who go soft on crimes and advocate for near lawlessness through a lack of consequences. These same groups also have the “audacity” to blame Smith & Wesson and other gun makers “for the crime wave that has predictably resulted from these destructive policies.”
“[T]hey are the ones to blame for the surge in violence and lawlessness, and they seek to avoid any responsibility for the crisis of violence they have created by attempting to shift the blame to Smith & Wesson, other firearm manufacturers and law-abiding gun owners. But rather than confront the failure of their policies, certain politicians have sought more laws restricting the 2nd Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens, while simultaneously continuing to undermine our institutions of law and order.”
Smith & Wesson is tired of the victimizing of their company as these statements illustrate. Being the poster child for gun violence is something they never wanted, nor did they ever want their weapons to be used for mass shootings like these. Rather they are intended for things like self-defense, hunting, and target shooting. Given the popularity of the brand as well as firearms across the country, it’s easy to see why the Democrats have taken aim at them.
Unfortunately for the left and their quest to disarm the population, these companies and the people who support them aren’t willing to stand by idly while they are turned into victims. Much like their products are designed to prevent, they are more than happy to stand up for themselves and prevent being attacked. They are happy to take on this fight and given the results of countries that haven’t it’s a damn good thing.
Given how easy the mainstream media has made it to attack these manufacturers, it’s a wonder it took them this long to stand up and return fire. The left has not only been playing unfairly, but they have been doing everything they can to make these attacks almost personal. While it is certainly understandable how upset the families of the victims are, the persecution of the manufacturer of the tool is just as immoral as the attacks themselves.
Looking at this objectively. You cannot blame Budweiser for someone getting a DUI. You cannot blame Ford for them getting into a deadly accident. You can blame the bartender for overserving a customer and not taking a reasonable responsibility to get them home safely. Much the same, you can blame a gun shop if they sell to someone who fails a background check, or who is exhibiting signs of mental instability or admitting to the desire to use the firearm in a crime.
The difference in all these situations is first-hand knowledge of the assailant.
Budweiser doesn’t know someone will be driving drunk, nor does Ford know if someone is drunk when they get behind the wheel. Much the same, Smith & Wesson doesn’t know if someone is going to improperly use their firearm. In turn, it makes it illogical to blame them for a mass shooting. You wouldn’t blame Bud or Ford for a DUI fatality, would you?
