It is common for celebrities to wade into social and political issues. That is even true of professional athletes, who have become increasingly more vocal about politics in recent years.
Perhaps the athlete best known for issuing political statements is NBA icon LeBron James. The celebrated player has frequently expressed his progressive views, especially since Trump was in office.
Soon after word broke of a shooting at the University of Nevada, James issued a statement. The basketball player claimed it was getting easier to buy a gun and called gun ownership “stupid.” But while calling for more gun control, he appeared to ignore one significant fact.
From Breitbart:
L.A. Lakers star LeBron James called for more gun control following Wednesday’s handgun attack on the gun free University of Nevada, Las Vegas, campus…He continued, saying, “The fact that we haven’t changed anything — it’s actually been easier to be able to own a firearm. … It’s stupid.”
James did not provide an example of how buying a firearm has become easier…
Moreover, Breitbart News reported that UNLV’s campus was a gun free zone. The school’s policy website points to a state law–NRS 2o2.265–which prohibits firearms on campuses, and the university policy mirrors that statute.
LeBron James criticized the country for making it “easier” to buy a gun, in the aftermath of a shooting at UNLV. He called for stronger measures to prevent people from acquiring firearms. Yet he appeared to ignore the fact that the college campus, due to state law, was a “gun-free zone.”
This means that students and faculty were not armed. The alleged shooter would not have to face anyone defending themselves from his attack.
Despite this, James claimed it is “easier” to own a firearm, without explaining what he means by this. The National Instant Criminal Background Checks System is used every time someone tries to buy a firearm. Anytime an American wishes to purchase a gun, their personal information is processed through this background check.
Without the proper identification and clearance, a person cannot buy a gun.
Democrats who often advocate for stronger gun control appear to be ignoring how existing gun control in many states (including very strict measures in blue cities) has failed to prevent gun violence. In fact, many Second Amendment advocates claim that gun control makes it harder for law-abiding citizens to defend themselves.
Despite this, it appears activists like LeBron want such strict measures, that few if anyone in the country will be able to own a firearm. Some have claimed this is Democrats’ goal all along, depriving Americans of their ability to defend themselves, thus making them more dependent on the government.
In some cases, progressive Democrats have called for the abolishment of the Second Amendment altogether.
Key Takeaways:
- LeBron James called for more gun control after a shooting at UNLV.
- The basketball star failed to mention the school already had strict gun laws, including being a gun-free zone.
- The liberal celebrity claimed it is “easier” to own a firearm, calling it “stupid.”
Source: Breitbart
