Harpgirl, you cannot ignore the unpleasant facts of life and expect them to just go away. A knowledge of weapons and their capabilities is important whether you are for or against gun ownership.
I'm sure as hell not in favor of anthrax but I want to know as much as I can about it so I can better protect myself and my loved ones.
I'm sorry you were offended> I find a lot of the blather on some threads offensive myself. But I read it anyhow, because that's for I learn.
Re. "Seim-Automatic Assault Rifle". This is another example of media dis-information. An 'Assault" weapon has, by definition FULL-AUTO capability.
The Colt AR-15 is the civilian version of the M-16 but WITHOUT FULL-AUTO CAPABILITY. It is a semi-automatic weapon and, as such, cannot be justifiably claimed to be an assault weapon.
Of course, "assault weapon" makes better copy and that's what sells on the six-o'clock news.

troll