Equivalence

There’s been some controversy over David Gregory’s possession of a 30-round AR-15 magazine on Meet the Press this week. According to D.C. Criminal Code 7-2506.01,

No person in the District shall possess, sell, or transfer any large capacity ammunition feeding device regardless of whether the device is attached to a firearm. For the purposes of this subsection, the term “large capacity ammunition feeding device” means a magazine, belt, drum, feed strip, or similar device that has a capacity of, or that can be readily restored or converted to accept, more than 10 rounds of ammunition.

The penalty is a fine of up to $1000 and a year in prison. Possession of marijuana in the District is punishable by a fine of $1000 and six months imprisonment. Would we be hearing less angst if he dangled a bag of reefer on the air?

I think not.