Spike in gun sales attributed to 'Zombie Apocalypse'
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SEATTLE -- Gun sales are booming, and the federal government is warning people to prepare themselves for a "zombie apocalypse."
Yes, you read that right. The living dead who populate B-movies and television shows are spurring gun sales and a tongue-in-cheek website from a group not normally known for having a great sense of humor -- the Centers for Disease Control.
The CDC's new blog, titled "Preparedness 101: Zombie Apocalypse," is telling people that if they're ready for zombies, they'll also be prepared for hurricanes, earthquakes and other disasters that are more likely to hit.
Business has been brisk at Wade's Gun Shop in Bellevue. In fact, nationwide gun sales on Black Friday -- measured by more than 154,000 background checks -- was record breaking.
"It was the largest number of background checks in a single day," said Dave Workman of the 2nd Amendment Foundation.
The volume of background checks actually shut down the FBI's system twice. Of course, those record sales aren't entirely due to the zombie craze, but Workman said it played a role.
"That's the zombie phenomenon," he said. "It has ignited a whole new generation of shooters out there."
Like gun shops throughout the country, Wade's carries special green-tipped zombie ammunition.
"Well, they have to be shot in the brain. I believe that's why they separated this out," said John Clarke of Wade's Gun Shop.
The shop also sells zombie-specific targets and special zombie guns.
"Put the zombie labeling on it to make it a little more appropriate for shooting zombies," Clarke said.
Zombie training has become so popular that there are even gun clubs that run zombie-shooting matches.
Yes, you read that right. The living dead who populate B-movies and television shows are spurring gun sales and a tongue-in-cheek website from a group not normally known for having a great sense of humor -- the Centers for Disease Control.
The CDC's new blog, titled "Preparedness 101: Zombie Apocalypse," is telling people that if they're ready for zombies, they'll also be prepared for hurricanes, earthquakes and other disasters that are more likely to hit.
Business has been brisk at Wade's Gun Shop in Bellevue. In fact, nationwide gun sales on Black Friday -- measured by more than 154,000 background checks -- was record breaking.
"It was the largest number of background checks in a single day," said Dave Workman of the 2nd Amendment Foundation.
The volume of background checks actually shut down the FBI's system twice. Of course, those record sales aren't entirely due to the zombie craze, but Workman said it played a role.
"That's the zombie phenomenon," he said. "It has ignited a whole new generation of shooters out there."
Like gun shops throughout the country, Wade's carries special green-tipped zombie ammunition.
"Well, they have to be shot in the brain. I believe that's why they separated this out," said John Clarke of Wade's Gun Shop.
The shop also sells zombie-specific targets and special zombie guns.
"Put the zombie labeling on it to make it a little more appropriate for shooting zombies," Clarke said.
Zombie training has become so popular that there are even gun clubs that run zombie-shooting matches.
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 @Yeswecan2012 Keep drinking the kool-aid and you will be in the same boat as the other idiots.
For those still viewing; according to a USA Today poll, 73% of American adaults believe we have the individual right to own guns.
http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/washington/2008-02-26-guns-cover_N.htm
Stick that in you're crack pipe @Yeswecan2012.
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 @Yeswecan2012 I would love to see your "source" of that information (websites that pander to your anti-gun agenda do not apply)
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It's a lot more likely that increased gun sales are due to Obama's re-election. Gun sales spiked in early 2009 too. The NRA has been spending big money warning people that Obama and the Dems want to limit availability to guns (despite zero evidence to support that claim).Â
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I'm curious:Â Did KOMO go out looking to investigate the spike in gun sales, or did they already know that they were going to write about zombies?Â
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 @lakeview They ran out of stuff to say about the SR 520 Sinking Bridge. That's why they segued into the topic of zombies...
@lakeview, you haven't been paying attention if you think Obama has done nothing to indicate he would enact strict gun control laws. He told Sarah Brady at a Handgun Control Inc. dinner that he had to work under the radar his first term, but that he would be able to be more aggressive in his second. His words are documented from that exchange. Obama and Hillary both endorsed the United Nations Small Arms Trade Treaty which, if it had passed, would have given the United Nations the ability to control what guns Americans could own, and the treaty would have by-passed Congress. It didn't pass, thank God, but Obama tried to back door the Constitution. And consider that Obama has put Justice Sotomayer and Justic Kagan in the Supreme Court, both openly anti-gun, and I think you have plenty of evidence to say Obama is actively working to limit gun ownership.
@SargeMcC so what....If we got rid of every gun in america tommorrow, would it really be that bad? How many lives would be changed? You have been brainwashed by the republikkan party. The 2nd amendment stuff. Why dont you feel adamant about resurrecting slavery. That was law when the 2nd amendment was enacted. Oh, thats different? I think one reason, and
 @SargeMcC Why don't you at least take the time to ferret out the truth before you post a bunch of nonsense that is totally untrue? You apparently have plenty of time to read internet rumors, why don't you use some of that time to educate yourself?
 @SargeMcC so provide me with a link that verifies it. None of your links have worked, and my visits to "Gun Control Inc" and searches of these UN stories you claim exist, are revealing nothing to conclude President Obama is enforcing an anti-gun agenda... It's a pack of lies.Â
Besides Truth, it's not hard to verify the Brady/ Obama comment.
@TruthinAdverts I'm not paranoid Truth, I'm concerned, but not paranoid. I'm not a 'prepper', (those guys ARE nuts), but I'm under no illusion that Mr. Obama is looking out for American gun owners. It's the idea that taking away everyones guns is somehow legitimate befudles me. That taking something away from law abiding citizens is somehow in line with freedom of choice is astounding.
As for HCI's site, I haven't been there in a while. They should have a search application though.
 @SargeMcC  @TruthinAdverts went to Handgun Control Inc... I do not see any reference to the story you suggest??
 @SargeMcC You know what's ironic Sarge? I own firearms... I'm supportive of the 2nd Amendment. What I'm not supportive of however, is this outright lunatic paranoia feeding into this issue. A paranoia so desperate to justify itself that it tells bald faced lies and draws ridiculous conclusions.Â
@TruthinAdverts go to Handgun Control Inc.'s own site then. I told you there are other links to both of these issues. The UN article is indisputable, and Obama has made no oppology for his statement to Sarah.
 @SargeMcC it would be a bit like a communist using the communist manifesto as his only reference in telling you why capitalism is naughty
 @SargeMcC dear heavens Sarge... it doesn't even claim to be a news site!
 @SargeMcC Yeah... copy and paste doesn't work either ; )
 @SargeMcC ah... I did notice the site, at least the second one... the townhall one, did have such intriguing side stories as "Which liberal is most liberal" and "Gangster Government"... seriously... this is where you are getting your "facts"?
You'll have to copy and paste. The link isn't working from KOMO. Otherwise, use a search engine with the key words "Brady/ Obama under the radar comment" and of course United Nations Small Arms Trade Treaty.
 @SargeMcC I'd like to Sarge, but both of your links go nowhere. Was that the intent?
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http://www.examiner.com/article/sarah-brady-claims-obama-pushing-gun-contol-under-radar
http://townhall.com/tipsheet/katiepavlich/2012/11/8/obama_administration
_partners_with_the_un_to_attack_the_second_amandment
You can follow several links from there also. The facts are out there @justmyopinion. Obama did tell Sarah Brady he was working under the radar on gun control and he did endorse the UN Small Arms Trade Treaty.
@TruthinAdverts, you and justmyopion would do well to examine both sides before accusing me of being uneducated.
 @justmyopinion  @SargeMcC ah, but education doesn't afford one the sensational feeling of hatred. The far right offers unmitigated raw emotion... and that's far simpler than "bein' smart."
 @SargeMcC Of course he is.Â
Good to see people trying to prepare themselves for possible disruptions that could cause civil disobedience. The zombie stuff is of course going overboard but at least it gets people to thinking about their own personal safety.
All these crazy 2nd amendment constitution crap...i assume these same types believe in slavery that was condoned during its creation? Yes they do. i just wrote the WH and expressed my opinion on gun control. I told them to put it before a vote before the people. that way, no one can blame Obama for it. The majority is in support of a gun ban. FTW.
 @Yeswecan2012 "The majority is in support of a gun ban. "
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Can you please tell me your sources for this "fact". If you do some research, you will see that support for firearms has  been going up since the early 90's. You claim that Obama stands for freedom yet you think people's gun rights should be taken away? Hmmm interesting. Now only the criminals and police have  guns. And most Americans do NOT support a gun ban. Take the time to look the numbers.Â
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You're obviously ignorant to facts, so keep on listening to the media and the government for your "information. Romney and Obama aren't that different, they both work to restrict our personal and economic rights.Â
@Isadora @Yeswecan2012 I only have 2 friends out of a hundred that own a firearm, and both do it for hunting purposes. Even Romney, your fearless leader, doesnt own or even shoot guns. The DOJ released statistics earlier this year that showed 80% of firearm sales are made by indivduals that own multiple firearms. To spell it out for you, a small fraction of our population are gun nuts and buy 5, 6, maybe 10 firearms. kinda like the colorado shooter. And as obama said, most of these assault rifles and high cap handguns have no business being in civilian hands. So if 38% of the american population owns firearms, that is the minority. No one in my neighborhood owns any firearms. And we have no crime, because we have a neighborhood watch program and call the police whenever there is any suspicious activity. Guns are a disease. most gun owners just stick their guns in the closet. then it gets stolen, and some innocent civilian loses a loved one. Or, like in the marysville officer case, a small child gets ahold of it and a tragedy occurs. the only ones for guns(and making lies to boot!) are the republiKKKans with their NRA crime family. We can easily rid our society of guns, like England. Even the cops dont need to carry a firearm there. Our cops would be safer, and they wouldnt need to carry guns either(look how that would have changed the Marysville officer child shooting case!). Its time for change, and Obama is the one to lead us through. As a campaign worker, its definately a top priority for this next term or 3rd term.
@Isadora @Yeswecan2012 well thank heaves we live in a republic and not a democracy.
 @Isadora  @Yeswecan2012 Whats funny is when you look at the numbers from just about any angle at all its clear that the is nowhere near a majority that want to ban guns. In fact its soundly the opposite. Yeswecan is just throwing crap out there that he/she/it wants to be true but isn't.
@Yeswecan2012 1st of all it's 'republicans'. The level of ignorance you exude here is quite astounding. Are you trying for a record or something?
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You have no concept of reality whether it be social, political, historical, or current events.
There will never be a utopian society whether you like it or not. Even in a perfect world, it's all based on survival of the fittest. There will always be one plant that wins. There will always be a dominent 'leader' of the rest of the rest of the clan. The sooner you understand that, the better off you'll be.
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The founding fathers of our nation realised exactly what they were doing when they scripted the constitution. Every word was carefully placed to avoid any conflict of interpretation.
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The 1st amandment is 1st for a reason. Without free speech, we are subjected to tyranny. The 2nd was penned to protect the 1st. Without it, there is no freeedom of speech and tyranny rules.
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Do the names Marx, Lennin, Hitler, Mao tse Tung, Pol Pot, Kim Jong Il, et al, ring a bell?
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Like it or not, the only reason you get to post here is because of the 2nd amendment.
I understand you don't have that problem because yer a lemming. When you become a slave, report back on how it's working for ya.
 @bobalouie  @Yeswecan2012 pssst, Marx wasn't a dictator. He wasn't a national leader. Thought you might like to know that. Do you people get your history out of a cereal box?
 @TruthinAdverts  @Jeff Barrick  @bobalouie  @Yeswecan2012 Mark is a political figure in the same way Carl Rive is. surly you understand that people who are not politicians can be political figures.
 @RN1  @Jeff Barrick  @bobalouie  @Yeswecan2012 If you are referring to Karl Marx, when you say "Most of us don't care as much what a political figure SAYS as much as what they DO.", I would hope you would understand that Karl Marx was (a) never in a position of authority in the Soviet Union (he never even stepped foot in Russia in his life) and (b) never set up the Soviet Union's government.He died in 1883.... long, long before the creation of the Soviet Union. So your next assertion may be, "Ah, but he created communism!" To assume the Soviet Union was a practitioner of true Marxist doctrine, would be similar to assuming that the United States is a practitioner of true Capitalist doctrine. Neither is the case. Honestly, where are you people acquiring your information?
 @TruthinAdverts  @Jeff Barrick  @bobalouie  @Yeswecan2012 Two things - First, Bobalouie never said Marx was a leader, just asked if the names rang a bell. Second, Most of us don't care as much what a political figure SAYS as much as what they DO. There are "laws," and then there are LAWS, de facto vs de jure, and regardless of what they might say on paper or in speeches, as a matter of practice all totalitarian states disarm their subjects. Ownership by preferred political groups was allowed, and not allowed for disfavored groups, regardless of the letter of the law...
 @Jeff Barrick  @TruthinAdverts  @bobalouie  @Yeswecan2012  I enjoy cereal Jeff...but perhaps you can tell me just where it was that Karl Marx called for gun control or openly supported it? Here's a quote for you to start with. "There are no circumstances imaginable, not even victory, under which the proletariat should give up its possession of arms." - Karl Marx. Huh... Your turn cereal boy. Maybe Fox can help?
@TruthinAdverts @bobalouie @Yeswecan2012 I think his point on Marx was in the fact that he supported Gun Control, and was a driving force in the creation of communism... Apparently you have your hand in the same "cereal box"
 @bobalouie  @Yeswecan2012 I bow before you. THIS comment my friend, is STELLAR.
 @Wolfen  @bobalouie  @Yeswecan2012 Agreed. It sums up several key items quite nicely.Â
I like the CDC's sense of humor.
So the increase in firearms sales is being attributed to science fiction as apposed to reality?
Seriously? People are really so stoopid that the msm expects them to believe it???
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I'm used to my intelligence being assaulted on a daily basis, but this is over the top. Zombies?
Or is the article admitting that the current administration is full of Zombies?
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Either way, people are prepping for battle. The 1st time in our nations history.
That should be a wake up call.
@bobalouie Nope. Second time. First time was in the 1860's. History repeats itself. And with the vast majority of Americans believing the Second Amendment gives individuals the right to personal ownership, this should be a doozy!
 @SargeMcC  @bobalouie Well... Sarge McConfederate and bobalouie are preparing for the coming "revolution" and desperately trying to convince themselves that the wacky-like-minded internet bunker-buddies who are doing the same, somehow manifest into a "sizable rebellion"... Honestly... these guys really have lost sight of how screwed up they are.  I mean in one sentence Sarge announces he's a moderate... and then that he's preparing for armed rebellion against the United States of America? Oh boy.Â
 @TruthinAdverts  @SargeMcC My guess is that fewer than 50% of the folks posting here could tell you what years the Civil War occurred. 90% of them could probably tell you who the winners of the last American Idol or Dancing with the Stars contest were, though. That probably goes a long way toward explaining the fascination with zombies and KOMO's willingness to broadcast such a stupid story.
 @SargeMcC  @TruthinAdverts actually you cited the first time being the 1860's which is NOT the American Revolution, but rather the civil war, which you are aware was open rebellion against the elected government of the United States of America. Do I really need to copy and paste your comment Sarge? Your suggestion was implicit.... come on Johnny Reb... don't try to disavow it now
@TruthinAdverts just where in any of my comments do I say I'm preparing to go to war?? I point out the simularities between circumstances developing to what led up to the American Revolution, but nowhere do I say anything about taking steps for preparing for a revolution. You're being as inanely inflamatory as Yeswecan2012, and she's a fanatic fool. Â
@TruthinAdverts @SargeMcC @bobalouie I couldn't agree with you more...When you put it in that perspective, it really shows how far from reality these crazies are. Fox news and all of these reality shows ahve taken a toll.
 @SargeMcC  @bobalouie I mean... I'm betting there are moments where you kind of realize... "ok, maybe I'm being rash", but then Fox comes on and says... "DANGER WILL ROBINSON! HATE, CRUSH, DESTROY!" Then you justify everything, "but Obama is trying to get my guns, and you know... they are putting fluoride in the water to upset the balance of our precious bodily fluids"...
@SargeMcC A doozy? republiKKKans out out of touch and downright crazy. When Obama signs a gun bill, like clinton did(remember that? or did it not matter cause he was white) 99 % of people will comply. thats why i said, people are wasting their money buying guns. crazies who say they'll shoot it out or whatever, shouldnt have guns anyway. When a platoon of marines comes to you door, all of you internet warriors will comply. Theres videos from katrina that is proof, gun owners complying and handing over their guns. And if you don't, no biggie, it will just be a Federal felony. So, reason though it: Keep dumb gun-go to fed prison & lose job & life, or option A: turn in gun and not be bothered. Pretty clear choice.
Those were romney bill boards strategically placed in minority neighborhoods a few months back. Anderson cooper fact checked it, and it was "Big Fat Lie" on the truth meter. thats why you guys lost. It took a courageous man to sneak a camera into a Romney fundraiser to show us how you people are so twisted with the 47%. Done speaking to you. On the phones I go, to work for Obama's 2016 3rd term election plan.
Oh and FYI it was a Democrat that did it.
@RN1 @Yeswecan2012 @SargeMcC yes and lets not forget one of the greatest Republicans of all time that was shot down in Memphis Tennessee In April of 1968 Dr. Martin luther King was a registered Republican at the time of his death.
 @RN1  @Yeswecan2012  @SargeMcC "re you always so hate-filled and ignorant? It was *democrats* that founded and supported the KKK, and the *republicans* that were major movers behind the civil rights movement.. Are there a few nuts there? Well, yah - EVERY large group has them."  There you go again, letting those pesky historical facts get in the way of a good delusion. You sir are spooling Yeswecans utopia.Â
 @Yeswecan2012  @SargeMcC Having anyone in the military do such a thing is highly illegal. They could send the police but then there would be carnage. It is not a federal felony to keep your firearms, but it is illegal to "illegally" confiscate them as they did after Katrina. Because of Katrina there are now laws being put into place to prevent gun confiscations of this nature. So "So, reason though it: Keep dumb gun-go to fed prison & lose job & life, or option A: turn in gun and not be bothered. Pretty clear choice."  contains no reasoning, simply delusion.Â
 @Yeswecan2012  @SargeMcC Are you always so hate-filled and ignorant? It was *democrats* that founded and supported the KKK, and the *republicans* that were major movers behind the civil rights movement.. Are there a few nuts there? Well, yah - EVERY large group has them.
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As to the rest of your comment, you basically admit that you'd favor a police state where only cops and criminals (but I repeat myself) have guns... That would explain your avatar, subject.
@Yeswecan2012 We have evolved, apparently, to the point where knowing one's history makes you nuts. I actually find it rather insulting and racist of you (not to mention hypocritical) to label "middle east people" as unevolved and somehow inferior. The good news is that you'll be safe during the Zombie Appocolypse though; no brains for them to feed on.
@Yeswecan2012 So let's replace the word "marine platoon" with "Gestapo," or if you really want to learn from history, "Praetorian Cohorts." The situation you have described is called marshal law and every time it has been enacted in history (without fail) the country enacting it has shortly become subject to years of tyranny and oppression. You know what's the most ironic about your asinine comments is that the founding fathers were Democratic! If you look it up, some of them will be listed as Republican but I bet you didn't know that for years, the Democratic party was known as the Republican Party. And since I've brought up the subject of the Roman Empire, let's discuss your goal of reelecting Obama for an unconstitutional 3rd term... Again, this smacks of the reign of Julius Caesar, who used "emergency" powers to keep his ruling status and enact marshal law, even though he was supposed to have been replaced by a successor as per Roman law. I'm not a textbook so I'm not going to relate more history to you than that but the point is that we all know what happened to the Romans...