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

[tonyswife]

Originally posted by Mamu


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

While this may be true, and I generally agree that no one in the general public "needs" an assault weapon, we can't make laws based on what we think people "need" After all, no one "needs" an SUV and SUVs are responsible for far more deaths per year than assault weapons. I doubt most people are in favor of banning SUVs. Well, maybe some people are.

 

[SoCalKDG]

After all, no one "needs" an SUV and SUVs are responsible for far more deaths per year than assault weapons. I doubt most people are in favor of banning SUVs. Well, maybe some people are

Everytime one almost hits me it crosses my mind, thats for sure.

 

[tonyswife]

Originally posted by SoCalKDG
Everytime one almost hits me it crosses my mind, thats for sure.

Amen! LOL, but seriously, they're just cars, as dangerous as the person operating it.

 

[str86diesel]

Originally posted by 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.

Amen on this. Plus what most people don't realize is that the AWB did not stop the sale or importation of so called "Assault Weapons." This ban was intended for certain manufacturers (Norinco and Kalishnakov) to stop the importation of Automatic weapons and US production of magazines that held more then 15 rounds. But even though the production of US made magazines could not hold a capacity greater then 10, you can still own and purchase imported mags that hold more then 10. Talk about a loophole.

There was a quote that was made in the first post that I want to clearify:

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.

For the record, Bush can not let this expire. He can make an executive order to place a hold on this, but Congress has to approve or disapprove this law.

Also, keep in mind as I have stated, This ban has not affected sales of AK type rifles in any way. The only states that you currently can not purchased these types of rifles is New York, New Jersey and California. Every other state has full access to selling them. It is left up to the store owners discresion as to what he/she wants to sell.

ok, I'll get off of my soapbox now.

If anyone is interested in understanding all of this better, here is a link that puts some understanding to all of this.

Click Here

 

[Dr. Quack]

Neither party is bringing up this legislation for renewal and as someone earlier pointed out, it is simply because of the NRA. Both parties learned the serious lesson the NRA delivered 10 years ago during mid-term elections when control of Congress passed from Dem to Rep. A major reason was the passing/signing of the gun control law.

Now neither party wants to touch this hot potato especially with the stakes so high in this election year. This just shows the power of a well-organized, well-funded group.

 

[JimB.]

There isn't any need for these kind of weapons in our society.

There is also no need for cars that travel more than 75 mph, & cars kill 10X as many people than guns in our country. When are we gonna' ban Corvettes?

More people are killed by alcohol than guns.

More people are killed by cigarettes than guns. By a factor of about 1000.

This is feel good useless legislation. Want it extended? Call your senator or congressman. They pass the laws, not the President.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Originally posted by JimB.
There is also no need for cars that travel more than 75 mph, & cars kill 10X as many people than guns in our country. When are we gonna' ban Corvettes?

..

Even an SUV can be useful to an ordinary citizen if they use them responsibly. An assault weapon is of absolutely no use to the ordinary citizen. There is no responsible use for an assault weapon by an ordinary citizen.

 

[str86diesel]

Originally posted by Deb & Bill
There is no responsible use for an assault weapon by an ordinary citizen.

Define assault weapon? According to the ATF it is any firearm that can hold a capacity of more then 15 rounds in the magazine. Hmmm that means that handguns, and most style rifles qualify as an assault weapon.

What about people such as myself who compete on a normal basis in shooting events? We (the general public and Local Law enforcement) compete using both handgun and different style rifles (including military style rifles) pending the event.

So when you specify "ordinary citizen" is that discarding Law Enforcement? Whom as I recall had to use a military style rifle to stop a bank robbery in Hollywood?

Remember that this law only is affecting law obiding citizens. So what do you propose we do to get the real threat off out of society? Cause I can guarantee you that criminals are not purchasing their weapons from local stores. So no matter if this law sunsets or not, you still have not solved the real problem.

 

[Elwood Blues]

Originally posted by Deb & Bill
Even an SUV can be useful to an ordinary citizen if they use them responsibly. An assault weapon is of absolutely no use to the ordinary citizen. There is no responsible use for an assault weapon by an ordinary citizen.

Really?

Are you saying that anyone that owns one of these weapons can't go down to the range or the dump and have fun shooting it in a safe and responsible manner?

The ONLY difference between this type of gun and the rest that are not on the banned list is the ability to fire many rounds in a rapid manner.

If I sit there at the target range and shoot an assault weapon one round at a time in a slow sequence or I shoot my bolt action deer rifle one round a time, the difference is what?

 

[raider93]

Guns do not kill people. Bad people will use any means available to them as a weapon. Gun laws do nothing, but punish responsible gun owners. I have been firing weapons on a gun range and on hunts since my 8th birthday and have never had the urge to use one against a human. My uncle taught at the Dallas Police Academy and my dad was a sniper in Korea. We respect our weapons in my family and teach our kids the right way to use them. I think that is better than letting them learn about guns on video games. We have 18 fireams in our house under lock and key and no violent video games. It's all in the upbringing folks. Guns have nothing to do with it. I feel like weak punishment is the reason for violence in the US, not the guns. I will definitely be voting for Bush!

 

[snarfer1]

Originally posted by Deb & Bill
Even an SUV can be useful to an ordinary citizen if they use them responsibly. An assault weapon is of absolutely no use to the ordinary citizen. There is no responsible use for an assault weapon by an ordinary citizen.

That's your opinion. I might not be 'ordinary' but I enjoy shooting all of my firearms, thank you!

What was really frightening was Jim Florios original gun ban, where he basically attempted to seize private property. Under his original ban, you had to surrender you firearm to him (or the NJ State Police would seize it). No compensation, No selling to an out-of-state person, no permanent disabling of the gun. Many gun owners stood to loose thousands of dollars.

The way I explained it to non-gunners at the time (and please remember that this applies to NJs gun ban - the model for the national ban IMHO)

The Governor has decided that all engagement rings of 1.0 carat and above are illegal. You must surrender them to him. You will not be reimbursed for your loss. You may not sell, trade or give away these rings to anyone, even in another state. If you fail to comply, you home will be raided by a SWAT team and your diamonds forcibly removed.

So while YOU don't think that I have a legitimate use or right to my 'assault weapon' (Is my religion, weight, hair color, body art next?) Thank G-d that I live in America where I have rights, and do not have to follow your beliefs, or ask your permission.

Tony

 

[Ted and Holly]

Originally posted by Elwood Blues
Really?

Are you saying that anyone that owns one of these weapons can't go down to the range or the dump and have fun shooting it in a safe and responsible manner?

The ONLY difference between this type of gun and the rest that are not on the banned list is the ability to fire many rounds in a rapid manner.

If I sit there at the target range and shoot an assault weapon one round at a time in a slow sequence or I shoot my bolt action deer rifle one round a time, the difference is what?

Remember how JFK was shot. Three shots, in VERY rapid succession from a bolt action rifle. Does this mean they should be banned too?

The idea that any person or group can tell me what to do is insane.

Look at the statistics. Many more people die in auto accidents each year than those that die from firearms. Should we ban automobiles?

Ted

 

[OKW Lover]

Originally posted by crazyforgoofy

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? [/B]

Nice try. But its Congress that has to act first.

Regardless of anybody's position on gun control -- or any other subject, the constitutional process still has to be followed.