Kerry signs Arms Trade Treaty

[X_Digger]

Secretary of State John Kerry on Wednesday signed the Arms Trade Treaty, setting up a new battle between the Obama administration and pro-gun organizations that will play out as the Senate prepares to vote on ratification of the agreement.

Kerry signed the treaty on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, calling it a “significant step” toward making the making the world a safer place.

The agreement is intended to limit the flow of small arms and other weapons to conflict zones and human rights abusers — including Russia’s sale of weapons to Bashar Assad’s regime in Syria — and has long been opposed by the National Rifle Association.
...
In a letter to President Obama sent Tuesday night, hours after Senate leaders were notified of Kerry’s plans to sign the treaty on Wednesday, Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressed concerns about the treaty. “The ATT raises significant legislative and constitutional questions. Any act to implement this treaty, provisionally or otherwise, before the Congress provides its advice and consent would be inconsistent with the United States Constitution, law, and practice,” he wrote.

http://www.politico.com/politico44/2013/09/kerry-signs-the-arms-trade-treaty-173490.html

For reference, here's the treaty as adopted-

http://www.veteranstoday.com/2013/06/04/un-small-arms-treaty-full-text/

There are explicit statements in the treaty that say it does not affect national / constitutional rights, and there are caveats scattered throughout the damned thing to that effect ("pursuant to its national laws" is peppered throughout the whole thing).

The working committee, back in 2006 or 2007 released their recommendation for member states as to how to implement the goals of the treaty. Funny thing is, the US already does them.. monitoring imports and exports, making sure all new firearms have serial numbers, etc etc.

Regardless of this fact, I expect that when Faux Snooz gets over the Tedgasm, they'll be jumping up and down with their hair on fire.

[ileus]

1. Good news is it shouldn't have any impact on our 2A rights.

[petronius]

2. Uh oh, time to hunker in the bunker! Watch out for blue helmets and black 'copters...

I remember re-reading it a while back, when someone posted a poll about it. Couldn't find any of the 'scary' stuff - as I recall, I thought it was a bit toothless. (But admittedly I'm no expert in evaluating a treaty like that...)

[gejohnston]

3. I picture it as being used as toilet paper as soon as

it serves any country's purpose.

I find this interesting
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-holds-off-on-arms-trade-treaty-even-after-u-s-signs-1.1868230