How do we know that conspiracy theories about the government scheming to launch a massive gun-grabbing operation are in fact hitting the mainstream? How about the out-there idea that people in government are hiding what “really happened” at Sandy Hook Elementary School in order to advance some political agenda?
All it takes is a glance at a new survey from Fairleigh Dickinson University’s PublicMind. People were asked whether or not they agreed that “in the next few years, an armed revolution might be necessary in order to protect our liberties.”
Twenty-nine percent agreed that armed revolt might be necessary within the next few years. When separated out by party, it’s clear there is a divide. Eighteen percent of Democrats agreed that armed revolt might be necessary, while 44% of Republicans said the same.
Elected officials do not seem to be exempt from the conspiracy cause. Oklahoma Sen. James Inhofe and Congressman Frank Lucas, also from Oklahoma, have latched on to the notion that the Obama administration is stockpiling ammunition so that there is less available for the American people. Inhofe and Lucas have proposed legislation to address the issue.
“President Obama has been adamant about curbing law-abiding Americans’ access and opportunities to exercise their Second Amendment rights,” a statement from Inhofe began. “One way the Obama administration is able to do this is by limiting what’s available in the market with federal agencies purchasing unnecessary stockpiles of ammunition.”
Translation: the Obama administration thinks that if they buy enough bullets, there won’t be enough left for the rest of us. As a solution, Inhofe and Lucas have proposed a bill that would limit federal agencies’ ability to purchase ammunition. According to the bill, if over a span of six months, an agency has in stock more ammunition than the monthly average incurred during the Bush administration, that agency would not be allowed to purchase additional ammunition. Only the Pentagon would be exempt.
There is no evidence to suggest that the Obama administration is involved in any kind of stockpiling strategy to limit Second Amendment rights.
Conspiracy-minded elected officials are thriving in state legislatures as well. At a New Hampshire town hall meeting on Tuesday hosted by Republican Senator Kelly Ayotte, State Rep. Edmond Gionet steered the conversation towards the likelihood of an “internal revolution.” Gionet suggested that his own constituents might be inclined to use their guns against the government if President Obama attempts to put a national gun registry in place.
The president has not included a national gun registry in any proposed gun-control legislation.
Take a look at the Hardball Sideshow above for more from the world of conspiracy, including a shocker from a New Hampshire lawmaker who is convinced that the government was behind the Boston Marathon attack.