As a Republican and Iraq war veteran, I support an assault weapons ban

[ellisonz]

I am disappointed that an assault weapons ban will not be included in the Senate bill on gun control. The argument of those who claim a right to own 'military capable' rifles is inconsistent with the Constitution I swore to support and defend while I was deployed to Iraq.
By Steven L. Katz | Christian Science Monitor – 8 hrs ago

Like many Americans, I am disappointed that the reinstatement of the assault weapons ban will not be included in the Senate bill on gun control. It is my hope that Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D) of California, who introduced the legislation, will bring the assault weapons ban provision to the floor as a separate measure in the form of an amendment.

I am also eager to break the misconception that most gun-control advocates are predominantly left-leaning, big government Democrats, and advance the national dialogue on why America needs new gun-control legislation to limit the legal accessibility of “military capable” rifles, such as the semi-automatic AR-15 and high-capacity magazines.

I have so-called “street cred.” I am a registered Republican, worked at the conservative American Enterprise Institute (AEI), voted for George W. Bush not once, but twice, and served two tours in Iraq as an Army officer where I experienced extensive ground combat. I support America’s Second Amendment rights, the idea of small government, and the sacrosanct personal liberties entrusted to the American people by the Constitution.

However, the more I engage former military colleagues, friends, and family members on gun violence in America, the less I understand this debate to be about personal liberties and the ability to protect oneself and family from either marauding criminal gangs or a tyrannical government, and the more I see this debate to be about personal selfishness at the expense of other Americans’ right to life.

Steven L. Katz is a former Army officer, veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and graduate of Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.

More: http://news.yahoo.com/republican-iraq-war-veteran-support-assault-weapons-ban-145201178--politics.html

The Assault Weapons Ban - So obvious even a Republican can support it - albeit a Harvard educated Republican!

[freshwest]

1. Excellent statement - all of it - will share to get more coverage. It's bipartisan.

[ellisonz]

2. This is an issue of conscience.

I think a good compromise is to require that all future transfers of these weapons require that they be outfitted with a non-detachable 10 round magazine like California does. I'm saddened that this has not found its way into the discourse.

http://wiki.calgunsfoundation.org/Non_detachable_magazines

[AnotherMcIntosh]

3. Many Republicans would like to see a repeat of the '94 election in which the Republicans took

control over Congress from Democrats who voted in favor of the AWB.

[ellisonz]

4. Many Republicans also don't care how many people have to die for them to keep the NRA friends happy.

I don't really give a shit what they think and I think the author is honest. I wish we would be more honest in this country rather than simply playing games, games that kill and maim tens of thousands.

[AnotherMcIntosh]

5. The author, I'm sure, honestly wants Democratic candidates to lose in the next election.

[ellisonz]

6. And you know this because?

You do realize this is a progressive gun control group right?

[AnotherMcIntosh]

8. Can't you find an Iraq war-veteran spokesman other than a Republican?

If this is a progressive gun control group, why rely upon a Republican and give credence to a Republican?

At the risk of stating the obvious, Republicans are not progressives.

[Electric Monk]

7. I loved Robb's reply to you in another thread earlier...

Your conversion to "party faithful" is noted ...along with the requisite concern.

[ellisonz]

9. He can take his concern elsewhere.

It won't be here again

Sad that they can't show basic respect and not disrupt this group.

I'm interested in doing good for the American people and I want Republicans to help us by seeing the error of their party leaderships ways.

[Mojorabbit]

11. I worry about that also

and they will do untold damage if they do take control.
Peace, Mojo

[randr]

10. If the ban goes down

we will remember each and every one who refused the public will when the next massacre occurs.
It will happen and they will be hung for it.

[defacto7]

12. hear, hear!