HoodaThunk?

When NYC Mayor Bloomberg went on his little undercover, unauthorized “sting” operation a couple of years ago, he met with a cold welcome here in the Old Dominion. As a result of his frankly illegal investigation, Virginia signed into law specific language that will result in State charges for the next crazy jackass that tries the same trick. Attempting another angle on things, Bloomberg directed NYC to file lawsuits against several out-of-state gun shops alleging that their business practices made it too easy for people to buy guns on behalf of crooks. While all the rest of those gun dealers had settled already, Bob Moates Sport Shop of Midlothian, VA had not. Until now, anyway.

A Virginia gun store has agreed to change some sales practices to resolve a lawsuit filed by the City of New York.

The Bob Moates Sport Shop of Midlothian, Va., was one of 27 out-of-state gun stores sued by the city in 2006.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg claimed the shops were making it too easy for people to buy guns on behalf of criminals.

Moates was one of the last holdouts in the case. Most had already settled.

Each side is claiming victory.

Really? Let’s see about that settlement, shall we? The shop has agreed to install a better security camera setup and get a computer for the purpose of keeping better track of “gun tracing information.” They’re also buying gear to help spot fake ID’s. In other words, they’ve agreed to install or upgrade systems that both enhance their ability to do business and which most of us already assumed they had in operation. And, for the cherry on top, New York City is paying for the camera system and the computer.

So, let me get this straight: the citizens of New York had their Mayor’s office and his legal team involved in an out-of-state lawsuit since 2006 and the result of that is that their tax dollars get to buy a camera system and a computer system to be installed in a gun store in Virginia for the purposes of allowing said gun store to continue doing the business they were doing before the lawsuit was filed. And this is to be considered a victory for the people of New York.

Riiiiiggggghhht.

Well, hell’s bells, Mr. Mayor. If that’s all you wanted, you should’ve just said so! I’m sure every gun store in Virginia would be happy to install improved cameras and computer systems with you paying the bill. Make that offer and I’m sure your phone will just be ringing off the hook with Virginia gun dealers lining up to sign on.

NYC should remember this at their next opportunity to elect a mayor. And make sure this clown doesn’t get himself elected Governor or something.