Jim Bequette, an editor for the popular “Guns & Ammo” magazine, issued an apology Tuesday after outraged readers seized upon a pro-gun control column in its December issue which argued that gun regulations didn’t infringe upon the Second Amendment.
“The fact is that all Constitutional rights are regulated, always have been, and need to be,” said contributing editor and author Dick Metcalf, noting that the rights of Americans to express themselves in speech and assembly also come with some limitations.
“I firmly believe that all U.S. citizens have a right to keep and bear arms, but I do not believe that they have a right to use them irresponsibly,” he added.
Readers threatened to boycott the magazine and cancel their subscriptions until Dick Metcalf was fired.
In a lengthy note published on the “Guns & Ammo” website, Bequette apologized and explained he only wanted to spur a “healthy exchange of ideas.”
“I once again offer my personal apology. I understand what our valued readers want. I understand what you believe in when it comes to gun rights, and I believe the same thing,” he said. “I made a mistake by publishing the column. I thought it would generate a healthy exchange of ideas on gun rights. I miscalculated, pure and simple. I was wrong, and I ask your forgiveness.”
Assuring readers that the magazine’s committment to the Second Amendment was “unwavering,” Bequette announced a new editorial hire to advance the interests of its readership.
