NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- If you've been to a Wal-Mart (WMT) lately, or to your local sporting goods retailer, or gun shop, you may have noticed that there are some pretty bare shelves in parts of these stores; namely where the ammunition, and/or guns are usually found.
I've witnessed it myself on several occasions, and heard similar stories from others. The current run on guns and ammo that occurred as a result of fear of stricter firearms laws in this country is unprecedented. The tragic, horrifying mass shootings we've experienced recently led some politicians, including the current administration, organizations, and private citizens to demand stricter gun laws and regulations, some of which have already gone into effect, in New York, to name one.
Whether or not you are a supporter of the Second Amendment, the irony in all of this is quite clear. When the citizens of a free society believe that their rights are in jeopardy, in this case gun ownership, there is a run on that which they fear will be taken away. During the Depression, there were runs on banks as depositors feared there savings would be lost. Now there's a run on guns and ammunition.
All of the rhetoric of proposed tougher laws and restrictions has achieved one of the very things that some gun opponents fear most. America is arming itself like never before. This will continue until either the issue fades or broader legislation is actually passed which appears unlikely. It's a basic issue of supply and demand. Right now, the supply can't keep up.
If tomorrow, there was chatter about making donuts illegal as part of some healthcare initiative, you better believe there would be a run on Krispy Kreme (KKD), Dunkin (DNKN) and Tim Hortons (THI) stores. The stocks, of course would be crushed, at least in the short-term, but there would be doughnut frenzy. Then the fervor would die down, once the public at large realized that there are simply not enough legislators that would vote to outlaw doughnuts.Select the service that is right for you!
COMPARE ALL SERVICESAction Alerts PLUS
TRY IT FREEJim Cramer and Stephanie Link actively manage a real portfolio and reveal their money management tactics while giving advanced notice before every trade.
Product Features:
- $2.5+ million portfolio
- Large-cap and dividend focus
- Intraday trade alerts from Cramer
- Weekly roundups
Dividend Stock Advisor
TRY IT FREENew! $49.95/yr
Jim Cramer's protege, David Peltier, identifies the best of breed dividend stocks that will pay a reliable AND significant income stream.
Product Features:
- Diversified model portfolio of dividend stocks
- Alerts when market news affect the portfolio
- Bi-weekly updates with exact steps to take - BUY, HOLD, SELL
Stocks Under $10
TRY IT FREEDavid Peltier, uncovers low dollar stocks with extraordinary upside potential that are flying under Wall Street's radar.
Product Features:
- Model portfolio
- Stocks trading below $10
- Intraday trade alerts
- Weekly roundups
Real Money
TRY IT FREE24/7 market commentary from Jim Cramer and 20+ veteran Wall Street gurus. Get access to the latest trading ideas on stocks, options, and ETFs as well as a real-time forum to see the pros exchanging their investment ideas.
Product Features:
- Jim Cramer + 20 Wall Street pros
- Intraday commentary & news
- Real-time trading forum
- Actionable trade ideas
Real Money Pro
TRY IT FREEAll of Real Money, plus 15 more of Wall Street's sharpest minds delivering actionable trading ideas, a comprehensive look at the market, and fundamental and technical analysis.
Product Features:
- Real Money + Doug Kass + 15 more Wall Street Pros
- Intraday commentary & news
- Ultra-actionable trading ideas
Options Profits
TRY IT FREEOur options trading pros provide daily market commentary and over 100 monthly option trading ideas and strategies to help you become a well-seasoned trader.
Product Features:
- 100+ monthly options trading ideas
- Actionable options commentary & news
- Real-time trading community
- Options TV
