They Always Miss The Mark

“The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they’re ignorant. It’s just that they know so much that isn’t so.”
― Ronald Reagan

Many times, the things they know that aren't so, is because they intentionally misrepresent things. Problem is: it is very hard to tell which one sometimes. 

Recently, my friend posted on a "Hip" page on social media a link to Patriot Training. I did not ask him to do this. In fact, I did not learn of the post until 10 hours later. Here is the post: 

Because Blogger deletes photos for unknown reasons, here is my friend's text:
If you are interested in weapons training, I highly recommend Patriot Training!! Amazing instructor!! Locally owned!!
Here’s the link:
https://patriottraining.info


Since the full text is not visible as the picture is cut off, here is a screenshot from that part of the Patriot Training website:

The segment reads:

Patriot Training is a civilian firearms training academy.

THE RIFLE

At Patriot Training, we specialize in teaching people the use and art of the rifle. The United States of America was founded by Riflemen who stood for freedom. And while there are still many freedom lovers in America today, there are not as many Riflemen! Patriot Training seeks to change that.

Millions of Americans own AR-15 rifles. 

Millions more know how to shoot them.

But this is not enough!

At Patriot Training, we take your skills to the next level and forge Americans into RIFLEMEN.

"Regular" civilians come to Patriot Training to gain and improve their skills with a rifle.

Current and former military come to Patriot Training to fill in the gaps and round out their skill set.

Current and former Law Enforcement come to Patriot Training to build on skills and learn new ones.

Naturally, the #LibNuts were triggered. When aren't they? 

The triggered #LibNuts reported the post. The moderator let the post stand, citing, "There were reports concerning a post on firearm training. It is encouraged that if someone is going to handle a firearm that they know how to safely use it. For safety reasons the post will remain."

This #LibNut triggering, and the refusal of the admin to delete the post, prompted this reply post: 

Again, since Blogger deletes pictures without warning, here is the text (this author has included some spacing to make the post readable):

"I was one of those reporting the post with the "gun safety" ad. Believe me, I'm all for educating gun owners about safety. If that were all the ad was about, I would be fine with it. The full text of the ad is about something else entirely. It literally gave me nightmares. I have been directly impacted by mass shootings with AR-15's, not just once, but 3 times in 3 different communities. A friend of mine was killed and friends of mine lost family members, including children. 

What is objectionable about the post is: 

1. It equates owners of military grade weapons with riflemen of the American revolution which is a false equivalency. 

2. It equates ownership of military grade weapons with patriotism which is a false equivalency. 

3. An elected public official posted the ad. Whether intended or not, it can be read as a veiled threat against people like me who hold different political views, especially around 2nd amendment issues. 

That's why I'm posting anonymously. I joined this group hoping to find a friendly place to share news about the community we live in. I know it's no skin off anyone's back, and some of you will even say good riddance, but I will be leaving this group as it is no longer a safe place for me."

As Reagan said, there is so much in here that just isn't so. Let's break it down since this person either has poor reading comprehension, or is engaged in willful misrepresentation. 

The full text of the ad is about something else entirely.

This was no ad. This was a screenshot of a webpage. The post was a suggestion for those who might seek training. The owner of Patriot Training did not pay for this promotion, nor was aware of it at the time. However, the owner of Patriot Training was quite happy to see the post!

1. It equates owners of military grade weapons with riflemen of the American revolution which is a false equivalency. 

False. In fact the text from the webpage specifically states, "Millions of Americans own AR-15 rifles. Millions more know how to shoot them. But this is not enough! At Patriot Training, we take your skills to the next level and forge Americans into RIFLEMEN." There is no equivalency drawn by mere ownership. The webpage clearly indicates one needs to train to gain the skills of a Rifleman, like the Founding Fathers did. Ownership is not enough - and that is clearly stated!

2. It equates ownership of military grade weapons with patriotism which is a false equivalency. 

False - no such claim is made. This #LibNut is being triggered by the name of the firearms academy, specifically, the "Patriot" in Patriot Training. Here's a hint - the owner of Patriot Training could give two flips of a wooden nickel about offending people who dislike the word "Patriot." 

3. An elected public official posted the ad. Whether intended or not, it can be read as a veiled threat against people like me who hold different political views, especially around 2nd amendment issues. 

False. The amount of cognitive dissonance it takes to draw this false equivalence is mental gymnastics, the likes of which have not been seen since Mary Lou Retton. There is no threat here. People have different opinions on things. If you don't want to take a class, then don't. 

Conclusion: 

The mark has been missed. By a mile. You have to wonder how hard they have to try to miss by that much.