Democrats and Guns

PABuck_HNTR · 02-14-2004, 12:51 PM

Democrats and guns

Aside from same-sex "marriage," there is at least one other cultural issue no Democrat running against President Bush wants to touch: gun control. Bill Clinton and Al Gore both tried to avoid picking up this political hot potato in their 1992, 1996 and 2000 presidential campaigns because gun control is unpopular in swing states such as Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, and can harm a candidate's chances across the South. One consultant who worked for Wesley Clark's southern campaign said the best thing liberals can do during a gun-control debate is "change the subject." Not all Democrats agree, and some legislators on Capitol Hill plan to push gun-control measures up until the November election.
One bill that guarantees an eventual showdown is the so-called Assault Weapons Ban of 1994, which expires in six months. Senate Democrats are offering two updated versions; both of which are tougher than the current restrictions. One option makes a ban permanent; the other outlaws even more types of arms, ammunition and equipment. Congressional leadership sources told us that House Majority Leader Tom DeLay does not plan to let a new ban or renewal of the current ban see the light of day in the lower chamber, but that there is some resistance inside the party. Mr. DeLay and House Speaker Dennis Hastert have disagreed over gun control before, for example. There is also a move in the Senate for stricter background checks, which is led by Republican Sen. John McCain.
Those who support more stringent gun-control laws are swimming against the tide, as the national trend is toward greater gun-ownership and use rights. Two days ago, the Virginia Senate voted down a bill that sought to make it more difficult to purchase arms at gun shows. Three weeks ago, the Wisconsin Senate overrode the governor's veto of a bill to allow citizens to carry concealed handguns. Similar right-to-carry legislation was introduced in Kansas on Tuesday "” the same day legislation was introduced in Illinois to allow citizens to use handguns for self-defense in their homes, even in communities that have gun bans. In Congress, the Republican leadership is planning a vote next month that would protect gun manufacturers from product-liability claims.
Not all Democrats look forward to a partisan fight over gun-ownership rights. Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle, who faces a tough re-election bid in pro-gun South Dakota, realizes the danger for both his campaign and the party's national ticket "” and is trying to discourage the push for gun control among his colleagues. Mr. Daschle's strategic loss on this issue could bring electoral gains for Republicans in the fall.

Article from Washington Times

We are staring to make progress in our fight so it's time to keep up the pressure.

Charlie P · 02-14-2004, 01:13 PM

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Those who support more stringent gun-control laws are swimming against the tide, as the national trend is toward greater gun-ownership and use rights

Why does GWB agree with the bill? Guys talk about him going to Bass Pro shops and watching NASCAR but nobody wants to discuss the fact that GWB is in favor of the same gun ban that Democrats are.

Clint. · 02-14-2004, 01:54 PM

Daschle....doing the pledge of allegiance...with his right hand over his heart....he's in good company though...real rocket scientist!

JagMagMan · 02-14-2004, 01:55 PM

Charlie, I would think that to GWB this is a hot potato subject too! While I think that he is far more "pro gun" than any Demo running, it is still not an issue that he wants to deal with in this campaign. I think that the only reason he has said that he would sign this bill, is that he is fairly confident that this bill will never reach his desk!
The Dems, don't want gun control to be an issue, because of what was said earlier, they would lose some strategic states for sure if their anti gun agenda were to be exposed!
The Dems would dearly like the gun issue to be a non-issue until they are safely in office again!
In fact if I remember right it was king Klintoon himself that suggested that the Dems keep gun control to themselves during the last elections!
As I've said before, we've had a fairly quiet 4 years. If the Demmies get control again, you can look for them to push their anti-gun adgenda back to the forefront!

Charlie P · 02-14-2004, 02:10 PM

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I think that the only reason he has said that he would sign this bill, is that he is fairly confident that this bill will never reach his desk!

He did stae in his 2000 campaign that he was in favor of the Brady bill.

I agree that the Dems are more anti gun.

Do you think that the president saying he's agrees with banning some guns forever might sway the votes of some of the undecided republicans?

JagMagMan · 02-14-2004, 02:14 PM

Clint, its amazing how ol' Teddy-boy always looks like he's just had a snoot full, and the queen B----, always seems so solemn! Well I guess if I were Ms. Klintoon, and my Bimbo was'nt right in front of me so I could keep an eye on him, I'd look worried too!

Clint. · 02-14-2004, 07:18 PM

Jag, that queen you mention represents my state....regrettably....along with the other bimbo beside her...Ghumer. They are trying to get us taxed right out of here. Heaven help us if she ever ascends further up Capitol Hill. Teddy is right next door in Massachusetts. Your remark about him...he does look the part.

Clint

James B · 02-14-2004, 07:26 PM

GW is sure not anti gun. The Clinton bill that he may or may not sign is popular with the air heads and could be politically unpopular to veto. I hope it does not come to that but if he signs it I would understand why. He is still a far better choice than anyone else running. That may be the best we can do at this time. If he is re-elected I think we will see some action toward removing some gun laws. Fisrt you have to beat the DEMS.

PABuck_HNTR · 02-14-2004, 07:48 PM

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As I've said before, we've had a fairly quiet 4 years. If the Demmies get control again, you can look for them to push their anti-gun adgenda back to the forefront!

Good Point Jag! Too bad these guys don't get it!

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I agree that the Dems are more anti gun

You said it!

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If he is re-elected I think we will see some action toward removing some gun laws. Fisrt you have to beat the DEMS.

Pretty much sums it all up

PABuck_HNTR · 02-14-2004, 07:54 PM

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Why does GWB agree with the bill? Guys talk about him going to Bass Pro shops and watching NASCAR but nobody wants to discuss the fact that GWB is in favor of the same gun ban that Democrats are.

You forgot this part of my quote Charlie

Most importantly he stands up for America instead of cowering to the UN.