Now THAT'S What I Call "Service"

UPDATED UPDATE:

Huzzah. Please keep an eye out for flying pigs. I have acquired a transcript, and it is good. Not excellent, but good.

On the July 6, 2007 episode of The O'Reilly Factor, hosted by Michelle Malkin, a "clarification" was given, and an apology by Rod Wheeler relayed second hand, by Bill O'Reilly's guest host, for connecting the Pink Pistols to criminal lesbian gangs calling themselves "pink pistol packing groups". Malkin said, in a short, sweet statement:

"And we would like to make a clarification on a segment aired last month about gay and lesbian gangs. In that segment, Rod Wheeler, a former detective, said that some members of these gangs carry firearms that are painted pink. And he inadvertently said they call themselves the Pink Pistol Packing Group.

"There's actually a gun rights organization called the Pink Pistols that responsibly advocates for the rights of gays to bear arms. Mr. Wheeler says he was not talking about that group and has apologized for any misunderstanding. "

Unfortunately, we had internal reports that the word "respectable" was used in regard to our organization, while actually, only the words "responsibly advocates" were used. But I'll take it. It was on-air.

So what happened to cause Rod Wheeler, "law correspondent" on Fox News, to issue his fateful apologies, including these words:

"Humbly, I submit to you that as a professional, I am not too proud to admit when I've perhaps made a mistake, have misspoken, or have been misinterpreted surrounding a particular issue," he wrote. "I urge all who felt personally offended by the information provided to accept my apology, and let's focus and work together at addressing the gang and other real problems in some communities here in the United States."

My goodness, I think it was a little thing called the truth.

Mr. Wheeler has been called to task by several highly-respected investigative journals, including Radar Online, Intelligence Report (from the Southern Poverty Law Center), and Reason. In addition, hundreds upon hundreds of blogs nationwide have expressed outrage at the unbelievably sensational and impossible to verify claims Mr. Wheeler has made regarding "rampaging lesbian gangs" throughout the Washington, D. C. area and across the country, including some that carry firearms "painted pink". Even GLAAD finally issued a press release denouncing the heinous anti-GLBT bigotry of his report, though the slur against the Pink Pistols was studiously ignored by that organization, unlike the vast majority of others. Another voice heard from: The prestigious journal Congressional Quarterly has also lent their voice to the issue, in their print edition CQ Weekly. (Posted with permission.)

The Pink Pistols did not ask for much from Mr. Wheeler. Since his statements led to inevitable confusion in the public's perception between these gangs and our organization, we demanded that he issue a clarification and an apology for drawing the connection, since it had great potential for causing damage to the organization as a whole, and irreparable harm, including physical danger, to our members. We requested a public apology in the same venue in which the damage had been done -- on Mr. O'Reilly's show.

We got our request, and more. We were called "respectable", on a show that typically does not respect anything done by any facet of the GLBT community. And Mr. Wheeler posted this on his own website:

"During the O’Reilly Factor segment on June 21st, while engaged in a discussion on Lesbian gangs, I inadvertently stated that gang members carry pistols that are painted pink and call themselves the "Pink Pistol Packing Group." I was not referring to the gay rights group 'Pink Pistols' who advocates for the lawful rights of gays to carry weapons for protection. Further, I mentioned that there are "over 150 of these gangs" in the greater Washington DC area. What I actually meant is that there are over 150 gangs in the Washington DC area, some of which are in fact lesbian gangs. Lastly, I mentioned in the segment that there is this "national epidemic" of lesbian gangs. A better choice of words would have been to say that there is a growing concern nationally, and especially in major urban areas, of increased gang activity, which includes some lesbian gang activity.

I apologize for any misunderstanding this may have caused."

(In case you didn't know the technical term for this maneuver, this is commonly referred to as an "emergency bat-turn".)

Now we've had the Michelle Malkin clarification, and an even briefer mention from Bill himself on July 9 -- just before his now-famous GLAAD interview meltdown, and plenty of apologies from Rod Wheeler, almost to the point of groveling. We've gotten some very good exposure, and some people in the blogosphere have said some very nice things about us. The only thing that never happened was that Fox News never did actually speak to us.

I'm think I'll invite Rod to go shooting with us.

Dear Bill...Have Rod Apologize on TV!

On June 21, Bill O'Reilly, the strongly-opinionated commentator on Fox News Channel gave a spirited account of "lesbian gangs" across the country, engaged in "recruitment and indoctrination" of children to commit crimes and hurt people. His "legal correspondent", Rod Wheeler, reported that these gangs sometimes carried weapons, guns painted pink, and called themselves the "pink-pistol packing group."

Wheeler said, "These are lesbians that actually carry pink pistols," he told O'Reilly. "That's nine-millimeter Glocks. They use these. They commit crimes, and they cause a lot of hurt to a lot of people."

This whole issue was prompted by two separate reports, one of young girls forming "lesbian gangs" that allegedly harass the straight girls at their school, and another, unrelated report that gun manufacturers are marketing pink-colored guns in an attempt to attract female customers. Along with some potential confusion with our own Pink Pistols organization, this appears to have been expanded into, according to Wheeler, a "national underground network...of women that's lesbians and also some men groups that's actually recruiting kids as young as 10 years old in a lot of the schools in the communities all across the country."

There is no evidence that the "gay gang" DTO has ever used weapons of any kind. A report from Arcadia University about this issue would seem to paint a very different picture of this group that is "terrorizing" students.

But thanks to the helpful intervention of Radar Online, Mr. Wheeler was cornered and asked if he was aware of our organization. It turns out he is. He knows that we are a law-abiding and positive gun-rights organization and told Radar reporter Jeff Bercovici "I didn't want to make that reference or that inference to [the pro-gun-rights Pink Pistols], and I was afraid it might come across like that, so I apologize."

This is wonderful news, but frankly, it isn't enough. The original O'Reilly story has proved to have great "legs", and a lot of people are talking about it. A lot of people are confusing these imaginary lesbian gun-carrying gangs with our organization, and we would appreciate it if Mr. O'Reilly would invite Mr. Wheeler back onto his show to clear up this nonsense in the same arena it started -- on national TV.

Gwen Patton
Pink Pistols
International Media Spokesperson

Judge Rules Prop H Illegal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Philadelphia, PA (PP National) June 12, 2006.  Superior Court James Warren ruled that San Francisco's ill-conceived Proposition H handgun ban was illegal with respect to state law, and was therefore invalid.

"Such a total ban is impermissible under the current statewide statutory scheme," said the judge.

Chuck Michel, representing the NRA, who sued the City to overturn the measure, said, "We're thrilled that the court recognized that law-abiding citizens who choose to own a gun to defend themselves and their families are part of the solution, not the problem."

The Pink Pistols, who became vocal early in the fight against Proposition H, contributed an amicus brief to the NRA lawsuit.  "It is entirely within the mission statement of the Pink Pistols to oppose such a fundamental violation of human rights," said Gwen Patton, Pink Pistols International Media Spokesperson.  "Our members can hardly engage in the lawful use of firearms for self-defense if owning them is not lawful.  The criminals and violent offenders wouldn't have paid attention to the law, so all this amounted to was punishing the innocent.  We are very pleased that the judge saw fit to rule on the side of justice in this matter."

The San Francisco City Attorney is considering whether to appeal the ruling.

The Pink Pistols is the largest national organization for the self-defense of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons with legally-owned firearms, and has chapters in both the United States and Canada.

CONTACT INFORMATION
National Media Spokesperson
Gwendolyn S. Patton
media@pinkpistols.org
 

NY Singer's Jaw Wired Shut Due to Anti-Gay Violence

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Philadelphia, PA (PP National)  June 11, 2006.  Six or seven young men approach, accost, sexually ridicule, and then violently assault a well-known gay performer in the early hours of the morning, in full view of pedestrians.  As in the tragic case of Kitty Genovese, the eyes of city dwellers once again turn away, the voices behind them once again muttering "don't get involved...don't get involved..."  As a result, Kevin Aviance, 38-year old singer and drag performer, is beaten to the curb by a mob of thugs screaming anti-gay slurs and threatening his death.

According to reports, two 20 year old men and a 16 year old minor were arrested in connection with the beating.   All were charged with first degree assault as a hate crime.  But where are the other three or four persons who were shouting, throwing objects, and eventually punching and beating the young singer.  As a final insult, they stole his cellphone.

Apparently, bystanders waited until the victim had lost consciousness before going to his aid, by which time his jaw had been broken, a tragic injury for a singer planning to perform in next week's Gay Pride parade and festivities.

"This is abominable on so many levels," said Gwen Patton, International Media Spokesperson for the Pink Pistols.  "Aviance was assaulted solely because he was queer, and perceived as a valid target because of that fact.  That in itself is something that requires immediate correction.  But more disturbing is that the public ignored the crime being committed in their very midst, neither going to his aid nor, from what we know, calling authorities until it was all over.  And worst of all, one of the perpetrators was a youth, clearly learning this vile behavior from adult role models.  They should be ashamed."

The Pink Pistols is the world's foremost organization advocating the lawful use of legally owned and carried firearms for the self defense of the GLBT community, but many municipalities, including New York City, provide special challenges in that regard.  "We have a New York City chapter, but their ability to function is hampered by draconian gun laws and punitive policies that prevent law-abiding citizens from acquiring the necessary permits to be armed at the times when they need it most.  And the Mayor's apparent war on gun ownership, even by law-abiding citizens who have never been a part of the crime problem is not helping."

It is the position of the Pink Pistols that, if more GLBT persons in New York City were able to lawfully carry concealed firearms for self defense purposes, even if Kevin Aviance was not among their number, he would be protected by the public perception that GLBT persons are no longer "targets of opportunity".

NYC Chapter Organizer Jeton Ademaj commented on public persecption of gay-bashing: "I have been a longtime fan [of Aviance] and it horrifies me that every article about this makes a point of mentioning that Kevin was 'dressed like a boy', as if that somehow makes his assault more shocking. One after another, sexual minorities are attacked in any given part of New York City while the press ignores and some activists even applaud the defenselessness of the victims, whose cries are often ignored by passerby!

"As a group we try to provide locally legal self-defense training options. But when one person is being attacked by so many, the real solution is clearly personal firearms protection, which is unconstitutionally restricted here. Our United States Supreme Court must strike down these useless laws that make everyday citizens needlessly vulnerable to thugs. I have never seen a clearer connection between the lofty actions of politicians and the everyday needs of people like Kevin Aviance...our hearts go out to him as we wish him a speedy recovery. New York's cold-hearted Sullivan Law must be struck down once and for all, so that basic self-defense is available to us
all."

Patton continues, "People attack queers because they're convinced the queers either won't or can't fight back, because they feel justified somehow in doing so, and because they don't think they're going to be stopped, caught, or punished.  We change that perception at step one.  We make it clear that, at least for some of the queer population, we can and will fight back."

In places like New York, where the Pink Pistols find it difficult or impossible to get the necessary permits to carry firearms, they explore other options that are lawfully available.  "But don't assume that because we can't carry guns that we're stopped at step one ourselves." Patton concludes. "We will find and use lawful means to defend ourselves from such attacks because it is our right to do so."

The Pink Pistols is the largest national organization for the self-defense of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons with legally-owned firearms, and has chapters in both the United States and Canada.

CONTACT INFORMATION
International Media Spokesperson
Gwendolyn S. Patton
media@pinkpistols.org
(610) 624-4678

Jeton Ademaj

NYC Chapter Organizer

jeton@hotmail.com

Kansas Approves Concealed Carry

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Philadelphia, PA (PP National) March 24, 2006. The Kanasas legislature overrode the governor's veto, becoming the 47th state with a concealed-firearm law, and the 39th "shall issue" state, where law-abiding citizens are rewarded by not having to prove they have "sufficient need" to carry a weapon. This leaves only Nebraska, Wisconsin and Illinois as having no law permitting concealed carry at all, and eight which require citizens to convince authorities they are worthy of the privilege.

The case in Kansas was strikingly similar to Wisconsin, in that the Governor decided to place herself in the path of the decision, vetoing the bill the first time it passed because of typical misapprehensions about law-abiding firearm owners. Where Kansas diverges from Wisconsin is that the legislature stepped up to the challenge and overrode the veto, an action the Pink Pistols heartily applauds. The Governor, predictibly, is not as pleased.

"I'm disappointed," said Governor Kathleen Sebelius. "I listened to law enforcement officers and the association of chief of police to feel to feel very strongly that this ability to have hidden weapons in our streets, in our parks and in our playgrounds makes Kansans less safe."

"Hidden weapons" is, of course, anti-rights code for a firearm concealed from view, as if it were something shameful, something sneaky. And the insinuation is that lawful firearm owners are just as dangerous as criminals who use guns in the furthering of their crimes, which is patently false. Criminals with "hidden" guns are decidedly dangerous. Lawful citizens with concealed weapons make cities and states safer, and the numbers prove it.

Time will tell. Every time a state has passed a similar law, the anti-rights alarmists scream that "there will be blood in the streets," and that it'll be "just like the Wild West," but after a while, nothing happens. There are no shootouts over parking spaces. There are no wild, crazy sprees of permit holders going mad and shooting up the town. There are no rivers of blood. Instead, the crime rate drops as the percentage of citizens with permits rises.

Citizens in Kansas may start applying for their permits at the County Sherrif's office starting July 1. The law goes into effect January 1, 2007, but permits may not arrive until after that. There is a fingerprinting requirement, and a training requirement. Only Kansas residents may apply, and must apply in the county in which they have lived for at least 6 months.

We eagerly await when the first GLBT Kansans step forward to start the first Kansas Pink Pistols chapter as a result of the passage of this new law. Anyone interested in starting a chapter in Kansas should contact Pink Pistols National for more information at media@pinkpistols.org or info@pinkpistols.org.

The Pink Pistols is the largest national organization for the self-defense of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons with legally-owned firearms, and has chapters in both the United States and Canada.

CONTACT INFORMATION
National Media Spokesperson
Gwendolyn S. Patton
Pink Pistols
media@pinkpistols.org
267-386-8907

The full text of the Kansas bill can be read at http://www.kslegislature.org/bills/2006/418.pdf
(PDF link warning)

Audio Post: Puzzles Lounge First Response

The Pink Pistols Denounce the actions of Jacob D. Robida, who attacked patrons of the Puzzles Lounge in New Bedford, Massachusetts on Thursday night. Until we can get a detailed press release written, here is our first statement on the subject in audio format:

Pink Pistols Disgusted With Passage of Gun Ban, But Hopeful It Will Not Last

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Philadelphia, PA (PP National) November 15, 2005 - On Tuesday, November 8, 2005, 64,676 citizens of the City of San Francisco voted against 48,112 other citizens to pass Proposition H, which banned private ownership of handguns within city limits. The proposition also makes it illegal to buy, sell, distribute and manufacture firearms and ammunition in the city. According to the new measure, all residents who own handguns must voluntarily turn them in to the authorities within 90 days of it going live on January 1, 2006, or face penalties yet to be defined.

"San Francisco voters are smart and believe in sensible gun control," said Supervisor Chris Daly, one of the instigators of the anti-gun proposotion. "If Prop. H gets some handguns out of San Francisco and mitigates some of the violence, then it's a win."

But the Pink Pistols have looked closely at the other cities and countries that have enacted similar bans, and have found such legislations to be not only ineffective, but counter-productive. The cities of Chicago, Illinois, and Washington, D. C. have total bans on handgun ownership, and share massive crime rates that skyrocketted immediately following the enactment of their bans. The countries of Great Britain and Australia also banned private handgun ownership, and saw similar increases in violent crime instead of the drops predicted by those who enacted the bans.

“Scientific method is based upon the repeatability of an experiment,” says Gwen Patton, Pink Pistols International Media Spokesperson. “In every case where private ownership of firearms has been revoked from the citizenry, it has not resulted in the predicted drop in crime. It has instead caused crime to rise. How many times does this experiment need to be performed before the experimenters realize it will not have the result they wish?”

More to the point, in every case where states have enacted “shall issue” concealed-carry laws that have given law-abiding citizens the right to carry concealed firearms for self-defense without unfair discretionary interference from the government, crime rates have dropped dramatically. Multiple studies by the Justice Deparment, the CDC, and independent researchers have failed to link gun control laws to any significant reduction in crime rates, nor have they succeeded in linking lawful gun ownership to any significant increase in crime.

This latest attempt to replace real police work with “feel-good” wishful thinking legislation in the City of San Francisco will likely fail, as Proposition H is widely thought to be both legally unenforceable and against the California State law. The National Rifle Association has already filed suit to fight the measure. “The next few months will determine how the Pink Pistols can best get involved in the battle,” said Patton. “We will be examining our options very carefully.”

The need for individual self-defense is not insignificant. The Pink Pistols reports that over the last year, violence against the GLBT community increased 7% in San Francisco, and 4% nationwide. This makes the Pink Pistols even more necessary, especially in cities and regions where local authorities perpetuate either an anti-gun or anti-gay attitude. “I blame some of the increased violence upon strident anti-gay rhetoric in the radical Right,” says Patton. “When we have irate demogogues declaiming that queers are to blame for everything from hurricanes to the decline of Western society, some are going to it to heart. Some will turn that vitriol into violence. We acknowledge that not everyone will universally accept us -- but we will not accept violence upon us. We will defend ourselves as the law allows.”

The Pink Pistols is the largest national organization for the self-defense of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons with legally-owned firearms, and has chapters in both the United States and Canada.

CONTACT INFORMATION
National Media Spokesperson
Gwendolyn S. Patton
Pink Pistols
POB 60342
King of Prussia, PA 19406
267-386-8907