I've noticed that the fundamental differences between left and right activism comes down to one thing, control. The right fights for more individual freedom, and less control over lawful people in general, while the left fights to impose rules and regulations over them.
Recently Olivia Chow has put her foot in her mouth in the Toronto Mayoral race by saying she wants a total ban on handguns, (like it would somehow prevent criminals from obtaining them). See here. The problem is however that this ban really only affects those who are already following the law, not those who have unregistered weapons for illicit purposes. It should be mentioned that not only those with right wing views are guns owners and enjoy shooting either, on the contrary this affect people of all political stripes who enjoy shooting sports. What Ms. Chow has no intention of doing is increasing the police presence on the streets, but she is planning to implement more "training programs and community initiatives." As explained in the Huffington Post.
The problem is obvious: As with most on the left it is the "appearance" of action that is more important than the outcome. Much like Environmental activists who rail at the development of oil and gas, all the while benefiting from the comforts it provides them (a blatant hypocrisy). What Chow fails to do is look at the reality of the situation: Banning handguns means legal owners would have to relinquish their property, while criminals would still be able to retain and purchase their's.
Chow's declaration is the classic "Look at me" political move that anyone with half a brain should be able to see through, and with luck the will.
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