President Is Likely to Discuss Gun Control Soon

[alp227]

WASHINGTON — Administration officials say that President Obama, largely silent about gun control since the Tucson shooting carnage, will address the issue soon, potentially reopening a long-dormant debate on one of the nation’s most politically volatile issues.

The officials did not indicate what measures, if any, Mr. Obama might support; with Republicans in control of the House and many Democrats fearful of the gun lobby’s power, any legislation faces long odds for passage. Among the skeptics is the Senate majority leader, Harry Reid, Democrat of Nevada.

Still, Mr. Obama has come under increased pressure to speak out from gun-control advocates, including urban Democrats in Congress and liberal activists and editorial writers. They would like him to at least support a bill that would restore an expired federal ban on the sort of high-capacity ammunition magazine that was used in the Jan. 8 shootings in Tucson that killed six people and injured 13, including Representative Gabrielle Giffords, Democrat of Arizona.

Full story: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/29/us/politics/29obama.html

[AtheistCrusader]

1. Looks like bull to me.

Every single reference seems to boil back to gibbs stating "I wouldn't rule out that at some point the president talks about the issues surrounding gun violence".


I wouldn't RULE OUT...

We'll see though. I think he knows full well it's pretty much a loser of an issue.

[RSillsbee]

2. I think he might try to get behind

the BATFE's new long gun sales reporting scheme.

I do kinda like this line though and many Democrats fearful of the gun lobby’s power,

[LawnKorn]

3. The Republicans would just love to have a high profile fight over gun control

The Republicans would force it to the top of the news cycle and drag it out for as long as possible. With the public's attention focused on guns, the Republican's complete lack of performance in policy would be covered up.

[X_Digger]

4. "Oh Br'er Bear, please don't throw me in the briar patch!" -- n/t

[rrneck]

14. bullseye. nt

[RightNoMore]

5. Gun control

needs to take place in very small, small steps. The goal should be to gain control without the other side even knowing it is happening. Remember Chess and not checkers.

[slackmaster]

7. That's like trying to slowly swim to shore when a rip current is carrying you out to sea

Gun control advocates have lost the war.

[X_Digger]

11. Which is why even the smallest step in that direction will be opposed.

Having made clear the ultimate goal, you've* screwed yourself.



*Not literally 'you', but the gun control crowd.

[DissedByBush]

15. That is generally how people lose their freedoms here

Your concept is nothing new, it is standard practice for the totalitarians.

[spin]

16. If you notice the pro-gun team is well aware of your tactic ...

and to see just how well it is working just study this map for a minute.



edited for mistake in title

[slackmaster]

6. Do I have time for breakfast before he starts?

Wake me up when Congress is likely to take up the issue.

[RightNoMore]

8. That is why,

it must be done by the Bureaucrats. That is were true power for change will come. Give me 100 high ranking left leaning bureaucrats over any elected official any-day.

[slackmaster]

9. I see gun control as an authoritarian/libertarian issue rather than a left/right one

Go far enough to the left, and you find yourself at a place indistinguishable from the far right.

[jody]

10. Agree. Question (a) do individuals have inalienable rights that government is obligated to protect

whether enumerated or unenumerated or (b) is government omnipotent and can prohibit those rights?

Those who want government to ban firearms or infringe upon their possession so that they cannot be used for self-defense is supporting answer (b) above a totalitarian government.

[PavePusher]

13. Wow. So much for a representative democratic republic, eh? n/t

[spin]

17. That worked out real well in the Soviet Union ...

The United States has the longest lasting written constitution in the world. How long did the USSR last? To save you the effort of looking it up, the answer is from 1922 to 1991.

The reasons for this might well be the First and Second Amendment to our Constitution. Guaranteeing freedom of the press, speech and religion plus the right to own firearms might prevent uprisings such is currently happening in Egypt.

The three branches of our government helps to insure that one branch doesn't gain too much power. Those in power have a difficult time hiding their failures and corruption from the public. They realize that they can only push so far before a voter backlash occurs and they lose office. They also realize that if they decide to replace the Constitution with a different form of government, an armed populace can rise up and overthrow them.

Our Constitution is possibly the most liberal and progressive document ever written as it gives rights to citizens rather than to the government. It requires that government serve the people not that the people serve the government.

I personally would prefer to vote for people to represent me rather than be guided by some pompous bureaucrat that I have no influence on. The free press enables me to gain the knowledge I need to vote and freedom of speech gives me the opportunity to express my views without fear. I enjoy the right to choose my religion or not to be religious. I can own firearms for my own enjoyment or to use in self defense or even as a means to oppose a tyrannical government if absolutely necessary.

In theory, your idea sounds great. In reality it sucks. The problem isn't necessarily in the concept but in the fact that it ignores basic human nature.

[pipoman]

12. Nonsense..

"...many Democrats fearful of the gun lobby’s power,..."

How about 'many pro-2nd Amendment Democrats will fight gun control legislation'. The republican lead gun control movement wants nothing more than to place any pro-gun control debate on the backs of Democrats.

Tricky Dick Cheny's recent feigned approval of magazine capacity restrictions is just his latest attempt to lure gullible gun control Dems into a seat and office losing debate..wake the fuck up...Cheney is not on your side Dems..