You Might Have Missed It

A hundred thousand "clingers" from fly-over country gathered in Phoenix over the last couple of days. They were a convention and that's not usually newsworthy. But, they also represent about 15 million Americans and are a significant lobbying group. They are the National Rifle Association.

There are speeches and workshops, a display area for the latest products, forums for interchange of ideas and, of course social events. Typically there are major presentations by some of America's conservative, pro-Second Amendment voices. Since we've been told that the current administration bears no animosity toward gun owners, it might seem that rather than visiting Notre Dame this weekend, the Messiah might have headed for a much larger crowd in Phoenix. Nahhh, unlikely.

Did you read anything in the media? Miss this?

Spinning the Event

At least that was a bit of coverage. Maybe this was the only thing in a major outlet that made your list:

Potential for Drunken Gun-Slingers in Convention Center

That's appropriately hysterical enough for Shep Smith to offer a stereotyping rant on gun lovers. But take a look at this coverage from the aptly named fetid backwater blog of the Chicago Tribune:

Why They Are Going Bankrupt

If you haven't got time to read the Trib piece, here's the "lead"--the first paragraph that sets the tone:

Michael Steele, chairman of the Republican National Commitee, dropped in on the National Rifle Association's "Celebration of American Values'" (assault weapons, 15-round ammo clips, 9 mm semi-automatics, etc.)

It simply deteriorates from there.