Topic: Gun Sales

Dutch statistician Maurice de Hond reports on being marginalized for his views on lockdown effectiveness. The discussion covers broader unintended consequences of the pandemic response, including rising suicide rates in San Francisco, the bankruptcy of Hertz, and a massive surge in U.S. firearm sales, with nearly 1.8 million guns sold in April alone.

President Obama's claims regarding the ease of buying guns over the internet are challenged by the fact that online purchases must still be shipped to a Federally Licensed Firearms (FFL) dealer for a background check. The "gun show loophole" is described as a mischaracterization of private sales. One specific executive action—making the background check system available 24/7—is noted as potentially making gun sales easier rather than harder.

During a hearing, FBI Director James Comey appeared uncertain about the specific procedures for purchasing firearms over the internet. The exchange with Senator Lindsey Graham highlighted a lack of clarity regarding existing regulations and the so-called "internet loophole."

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney described current gun proposals as a "first step" toward sensible legislation. This coincides with Pastor Rick Warren's claim that his son Matthew, who committed suicide, purchased an unregistered gun with a removed serial number on the internet. Skeptics argue that proposed background check laws would not have prevented such an illegal transaction.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Vice President Joe Biden are identified as key figures pushing for universal background checks, including for private sales. The discussion characterizes these efforts as a coordinated attempt to increase government control over citizens. Polling data from Frank Luntz is mentioned to show the perceived consensus among gun owners regarding criminal background checks.

Reports indicate that background checks for gun purchases in Colorado have slowed from 23 minutes to seven days due to a surge in sales. Meanwhile, the hosts criticize the promotion of the movie *Lincoln* on Capitol Hill as a way to associate presidential power with current legislative battles.

The hosts discuss a theory that gun manufacturers are using high-profile shootings to liquidate old inventory of AR-15 style rifles. They suggest that upcoming changes to military specifications for these firearms will make current models obsolete, incentivizing companies to drive sales through fear-based marketing.