As the debate over the use of violent political rhetoric heats up in the aftermath of the shooting in Arizona that killed six and left Rep. Gabrielle Giffords in critical condition, a South Carolina gun company may find itself in an uncomfortable position.
Corey Hutchins, a reporter for the South Carolina alt weekly Free Times, reports that a South Carolina gun and accessories company is selling semi-automatic rifle components with the words “You Lie” inscribed on them.
The engraving references Rep. Joe Wilson’s (R-SC) outburst during President Barack Obama’s health care speech to Congress in 2009.
Palmetto State Armory is selling the gun parts to “honor our esteemed congressman Joe Wilson,” according to the company’s website. “Only 999 of these will be produced, get yours before they are gone!”
At the bottom of the page, the company acknowledges that the product is “neither endorsed nor affiliated with Joe Wilson or his campaign.”
Palmetto State Armory president Jamin McCallum told the Free Times his heart goes out to the victims in Arizona, but did not comment on how and when the idea for the “you lie” part came up. Palmetto State Armory did not immediately respond to TPM’s request for comment.
The gun parts are made for the AR-15 semi-automatic rifle. The lower receiver is technically the “firearm” component of the gun, and it’s needed to make the gun operate. It also houses the gun’s serial number.
David Taintor
David Taintor is TPM’s News Editor. He contributes to TPM’s Livewire coverage, among other areas. David is from Chanhassen, Minnesota, where, yes, it gets very cold. Reach him at taintor [at] talkingpointsmemo.com
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