Another kid shot...

[Willoby]

Here's the story and some other people sharing their view on airsoft.

Clicky

[P7hk9]

Feh, they are still taking about that same kid in Florida.

Parents need to teach their kids to handle airsoft responsibly. Period.

[Willoby]

After reading it again, I don't think the article was about the kid as much as the new policy they're making in Minnesota

[Coeus]

Another part of the problem is that these kids don't have a positive outlet with which to use their airsoft guns, like we do. Even the kid quoted at the bottom of the article (Luke was it?) seems to be playing back yard airsoft & is just as likely to get shot by a cop as the kids who take their guns to school.

Makes me wonder if there is any way that groups like us & NJAS and such can clamp down on sales of Airsoft guns so that you can only buy an airsoft gun if you have a registered field that you play on.

Reality, obviously, says that its not possible, but its a nice thought.

[Bklipp91]

good idea but we probably aren't a big enough voice in the world of polotics to make a difference.

[Coeus]

Aye, most likely scenario is that the suits would go for an outright ban & demand that we all either see shrinks or join the Army.

Only way that it WOULD work is through the sellers, and that will NEVER happen... lost profit.

[ike]

Originally Posted by Coeus

Aye, most likely scenario is that the suits would go for an outright ban & demand that we all either see shrinks or join the Army.

Maybe I'm too much of an optimist, but I think we've got better chances than that.
I think we have a lot to bring to their attention:
-Operation Irene. I mean, having actual war veterans leading airsofters in a simulation/reenactment has to count for something, doesn't it? I don't think Paintball has anything like Op Irene...
-Money. Hey, don't they love money? They'll take it from everyone and anyone, we know that much...I think maybe when someone mentions to them the money we spend on gear and such, maybe some gears in their heads'll start to turn...

Also, maybe point out that there're all kinds of people who get involved in the hobby, and on a pretty regular basis, too. We've got professionals, current and former military, law enforcement, etc...basically, it's not just a bunch of bored suburban kids, you know?

[P7hk9]

Originally Posted by ike

Maybe I'm too much of an optimist, but I think we've got better chances than that.

Unfortunately, you are too optimistic.

Anything can have a negative spin applied to it. For instance:

OP Irene: Hundreds of people in paramilitary groups gathered at one of the United States' leading urban combat training centers. Armed with realistic looking "training weapons" that are feared by law enforcement all over the country, these militia members hone their skill at house-to-house fighting. While the people interviewed claim to be just "playing games", one can only speculate about their true motivation.

So, Jane Q. Soccermom reads that, how is she going to feel about airsoft? Sadly, mass media is out to push an agenda. The days of Edward R. Murrow and the respected Fourth Estate are long gone.

[ike]

Ah well, there go my dreams and aspirations! I might as well just work towards doing PR instead of the news, hahah

[arivee]

Envelopmental Journalism ;)