GW: The president’s thoughts and what he really means…
Hi, everybody. This weekend, our hearts are with the people of San Bernardino—another American community shattered by unspeakable violence that I’ve helped nurture by disarming the American people. We salute the first responders—the police, the SWAT teams, the EMTs—who responded so quickly, with such courage, and saved lives in spite of my words that they’ve acted stupidly in the past. We pray for the injured as they fight to recover from their wounds.
Most of all, we stand with 14 families whose hearts are broken, as we stand against common-sense unalienable rights of self-preservation. We’re learning more about their loved ones—the men and women, the beautiful lives, that were lost. They were doing what so many of us do this time of year—enjoying the holidays. Celebrating with each other. Rejoicing in the bonds of friendship and community that bind us together, as Americans. Their deaths are an absolute tragedy, not just for San Bernardino, but for our country. However, prepare yourself, my fellow Americans, because my policies of gun control will bring more of the same to unarmed Americans.
We’re also learning more about the killers, although we should have known more long ago. And we’re working to get a full picture of their motives—why they committed these revolting acts, as if we cannot understand that radical Muslims want to kill any American any time. It’s important to let the investigators do their job. We need to know all the facts. And at my direction, federal law enforcement is helping in every way that they can. We’re going to get to the bottom of this. After that, you can rest assured we’ll continue our assaults on your individual rights.
It is entirely possible that these two attackers were radicalized to commit this act of terror, although work-place violence sounds better to me. And if so, it would underscore a threat we’ve been focused on for years—the danger of people succumbing to violent Muslim extremist ideologies. We know that ISIL and other terrorist groups are actively encouraging people—around the world and in our country—to commit terrible acts of violence, often times as lone wolf actors. And even as we work to prevent attacks, all of us—government, law enforcement, communities, faith leaders—need to work together to prevent people from falling victim to these hateful ideologies, as long as you do what I say. Never mind that I value my personal protection offered by firearms and my security entourage. Please understand that my life is more important than anyone else’s. I am the president!
More broadly, this tragedy reminds us of our obligation to do everything in our power, together, to keep our communities safe. So, let’s import more Syrians, who we have no idea what motives they have for leaving their homeland. We know that the killers in San Bernardino used military-style assault weapons, even though I cannot define what I’m talking about—weapons of war or weapons of self-defense—to kill as many people as they could. It’s another tragic reminder that here in America it’s way too easy for dangerous people to get their hands on a gun. So, let us pass another law that nobody hell-bent of killing will ever follow.
For example, right now, people on the No-Fly list can walk into a store and buy a gun. That is insane. And, if we keep on restricting the rights of law-abiding citizens, which is our only solution to killing, we know killing won’t stop. If you’re too dangerous to board a plane, you’re too dangerous, by definition, to buy a gun. But, if you are too dangerous to board a plane, we’ll let you walk free on our streets, because we have no proof you are dangerous. Heck, you haven’t been charged with a crime, let alone found guilty of anything. And so I’m calling on Congress to close this loophole, now, even though our judicial system says these same people are innocent until proven guilty. We may not be able to prevent every tragedy – in fact, we will continue to create more, but—at a bare minimum—we shouldn’t be making it so easy for potential terrorists or criminals to get their hands on a gun that they could use against Americans. And, that goes for you, too!
Today in San Bernardino, investigators are searching for answers. Across our country, our law enforcement professionals are tireless in their attempts to do their jobs, all the while being too powerful in my eyes. But, remember those military surplus vehicles we let local authorities have? Well, we must level the playing field with terrorists and rioters, so they have a fair chance at destroying their own cities. With this in mind, I am demanding the return of these vehicles now.
They’re working around the clock—as always—to protect our communities. As President, my highest priority is the security and safety of the American people. This is work that should unite us all—as Americans—so that we’re doing everything in our power to defend our country provided you are good with your fists. That’s how we can honor the lives we lost in San Bernardino. That’s how we can send a message to all those who would try to hurt us. We are Americans. We will uphold our values, whatever that means, as long as you don’t quote the silly Constitution to me—a free and open society. We are strong. And we are resilient. And we will not be terrorized. Now, go have a nice day.
