Why is President Bush allowing the Assault Weapons Ban to expire?

[crazyforgoofy]

On Monday, September 13th, at midnight, the national ban on military-style assault weapons will expire, allowing these murderous weapons back on our streets.

In 2000, President Bush campaigned on a promise to renew the ban. Yet today, after we've endured mass murders like Columbine and terrorists have bought assault weapons on American soil, President Bush is letting the ban expire.

Since 1994, the assault weapons ban has taken the deadliest military- style weapons off our streets, dramatically cutting their use in crimes by 66 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Justice, and reducing the murder rates of police officers and the public.

This is not a partisan issue -- the assault weapons ban was supported by Presidents Reagan, Ford, Carter, and Clinton, and by Republicans Tom Ridge and Rudy Giuliani. The ban is supported by 74 percent of American voters, by Republicans and Democrats on the committees that investigated 9/11, and by virtually every police officers' association including the Major Cities Chiefs Association, International Brotherhood of Police Officers , National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), National Black Police Association, and Hispanic American Police Command Officers Association.

Yet President Bush is letting the ban expire, as he refuses to call on Congress to send him the ban renewal for his signature.

If he lets it expire, beginning Tuesday the 14th of September, an 18-year-old will once again be able to buy an AK-47 assault rifle in most states.

Why?

 

[tar heel]

Three letters -- NRA.

I'll add this to my already-long list of reasons I would never vote for Bush.

 

[barbeml]

 

[peachgirl]

Originally posted by tar heel
Three letters -- NRA.

He needs every vote he can get no matter what the cost.

 

[Doug123]

Bush is a conservative Republican. I wouldn't expect any different from him.

The NRA is a powerful lobbying group with lots of money, as well. Like it or not, money makes a big difference in who we elect and the eventual policies of those elected officials.

Bush seems to have a special gift for not making much sense. For example: on one hand he makes "fighting terrorism" his administration's top priority. And yet, he most likely will allow this gun ban to expire, a restriction first put into place to help combat domestic "terrorism." Explain that one to me.

 

[jazznms]

so the big gun company can make "moe" money, is that what a good Republican is supposte to do?

 

[vacationman]

If Kerry gets elected, he has stated that he will reinstate the ban so don't worry too much.


EDIT: Kerry just changed his position and now states he will not call for the ban to continue. With the election still two months away, maybe he will change back.

 

[jrydberg]

A better question is why is Congress allowing the ban to expire. Sure, President Bush could exert considerable influence, but ultimately it is for Congress to decide. So talk to Bill Frist and Dennis Hastert and company.

 

[tonyswife]

I'm not sure the ban accomplishes anything. Terrorists and other criminals are not going to refrain from buying and using the weapons just because there is a law.

 

[crazyforgoofy]

Originally posted by tonyswife
I'm not sure the ban accomplishes anything. Terrorists and other criminals are not going to refrain from buying and using the weapons just because there is a law.

It could make it harder for them and much harder for the next "Columbine High School wannabe."

 

[caitycaity]

regardless of where to lay the blame, it is something that really disturbs me.

 

[snarfer1]

was really poor legislature, feel good do nothing partisan politics.

I live in NJ where only crooked politicians and county prosecutors can carry concealed. Period. And only Police Officers are exempt from the NJ Assualt rifle ban (much stricter than the US ban in terms of the number of firearms banned, and a 10 round magazine limit). In the last four years the only times these weapons have been used to kill civilians is when a police officer went postal.

Also, prior to Jim Florio banning our guns and pet turtles (salmonella scare), and continuing afterwords, more people each year were beaten to death with baseball bats then all of the so-called 'assault weapons' combined.

Finally, if memory serves me right, (And when I get flammed enough, I look for it) The number one or Number two organizer of the Million Mom March used a handgun for criminal purposes, soon after the march. Typical gun banner, I'll take guns away from everyone but me.

What is really concerning when the ban expires, is how will they enforce the law? Hmmmm, you gun is preban, your magazine (clip) is ban and your ammo is post ban, what do we do sarge?

Gonna be fun.

Columbine would not have been prevented by any law, come on you can not be that naive to believe that. These maniac kids who both their parents and police ignored all the warning signs about! Had planned this to the end, and had bombs as well. Columbine was going to happen one way or an other. Now if we had sensible right to carry laws, an armed teacher could have saved many lives.

Tony

 

[totalia]

It's Bush. With the number of stupid things he does, does this really surprise you?

Hopefully we can get Kerry in and he will renew it.

 

[Laurajean1014]

Kerry was on TV earlier flaring guns in the air................. I think he's changed his mind...... again.

 

[Mamu]

This is 2004 not the Wild West, and we all know Texans like there Guns.

There isn't any need for these kind of weapons in our society. Goes to show how strong some lobbyist can be.

 

[LisaSt]

Because he is a redneck LOL. Mayybe to try and win back some NRA voters for his side possibly is the one reason I could think of.

 

[jmmom80]

Hopefully we can get Kerry in and he will renew it.

Can't happen. Prez's don't renew laws, congressmen do.

Maybe a better question would be why aren't kerry & edwards back in dc fighting to have the law reauthorized?

 

[palmtreegirl]

Originally posted by jmmom80
Can't happen. Prez's don't renew laws, congressmen do.

 

[tonyswife]

Originally posted by crazyforgoofy
It could make it harder for them and much harder for the next "Columbine High School wannabe."

It may, but I doubt it. Making drugs illegal hasn't made them any less available to the general pubic, including and especially high school students. But, I'm not arguing in favor of assault weapons. I'm not particularly fond of guns of any kind, I don't own any and if the ban is lifted, I certainly won't run out and buy an assault rifle, just like most of the rest of America. It was just a thought. I just think the law is ineffective. <shrug> I'm open to the idea that the law is effective. I've had this discission many times and I haven't heard a convincing argument yet.

 

[shrubber]

It was a bad law.
It cost law abiding gun owners more money to protect their families.
It did not reduce crime at all.
It is a severe infringement on your Second admendment rights.