When New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg leaves office today he will enter civilian life protected by firearms.
The same man who has spent much of his career and personal fortune trying to render good, law-abiding men and women defenseless, will now surround himself with a team of armed bodyguards.
Bloomberg’s security detail will be comprised of former police officers that he purchased away from the NYPD with the promise of early retirement, six-figure salaries, and other perks that go along with protecting America’s most notorious anti-gun zealot.
Bloomberg’s hypocrisy validates what five million NRA members and tens of millions of gun owners already know: The freedom to own and carry firearms is essential to our fundamental right of self-defense.
If this weren’t true, then Michael Bloomberg would eschew his security team and walk about town unarmed and defenseless like so many of his former constituents. To be sure, the threats he faces as a former public official are legitimate and should be taken seriously. However, they are no more legitimate or serious than the threats that many American men and women face every day – and that’s especially true for many folks who live and work in New York City.
Bloomberg’s hypocrisy on gun rights should come as no surprise. Earlier this year, he proclaimed: “I do think there are certain times we should infringe on your freedom.” (Emphasis mine.)
