MARK SHIELDS HAS NO IDEA WHAT HE’S TALKING ABOUT: “In the United States of America in 2012, it’s easier in many states . . . to buy an automatic weapon than it is to rent an automobile.”

Er, no, it’s not.

He and Rupert Murdoch need to do a little bit of studying before trying to capitalize on this tragedy.

UPDATE: Reader Bruce Goldston snarks: “Why should you need ID to buy a gun when you don’t need ID to vote for the people who want to take away your right to buy a gun?” (Bumped).