It’s been a rough couple of months for Fred Thompson when it comes to public policy and reality. After being away from politics for a few years, it stands to reason he’d be a little rusty, but he’s had time to clear the cobwebs, read some white papers, and listen to some policy briefings.

At last count, he’s flubbed questions on Iraqi WMD, the Jena Six, Terri Schiavo, Social Security, a national consumption tax, and drilling the Everglades. Now he’s taking on the United Nations and gun-control policy.

Last year, the United Nations Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights declared that international human rights law requires all nations to adopt strict gun control laws. These “minimum” provisions are much more restrictive than any of those on the books anywhere in the U.S. and would almost certainly violate the Second Amendment of our Constitution.

Thompson’s written statement on the issue went on to condemn “forced disarmament.” A fair number of conservative blogs picked up on this, and praised Thompson’s firm stand.

The statement read like a passionate declaration on an issue Thompson obviously takes seriously. It’s unfortunate, then, that the former senator managed to get all of his facts wrong.