Assault weapons ban back in play; Feinstein tries to get reluctant Congress ...

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | Feb 9, 2004 | by Edward Epstein

[Lazamataz]

Washington -- Gun control hasn't emerged as a leading issue in the 2004 presidential race, but that is likely to change as Democratic California Sen. Dianne Feinstein intensifies her effort to win renewal of the decade-old assault weapons ban, which expires in September.

[justshutupandtakeit]

To me that is a issue of regulating elections. I would have to see the exact quotation on that to make a more definitive statement, it does not sound exactly right.

[justshutupandtakeit]

Thin air I guess.

[mrsmith]

1758 election for the Virginia House:
"... Washington's backers decided to spare no expense. In the thirsty heat of midsummer the qualified voters, firends and onlookers present consumed more than 150 gallons of rum punch, rum, brandy, wine and beer, not to mention two gallons of cider, and brought Washington's campaign expenses to 39.6 [Pounds]."

"... words passed between Washington and Payne. Exasperated, Payne, the smaller of the two, suddenly felled Washington with his walking stick. The embarassment of Washington's prone position was amplified by his recent commission as commander-in-chief of Virginia's forces. The crowd that observed the encounter awaited a challange to a duel. But reflection on what he had said convinced Washington that his remarks had indeed been offensive; he requested a meeting with Payne and declared himself in the wrong."

George Mason Gentleman Revolutionary by Helen Hill Miller

You are too hard on the Ninth and Tenth Amendments, they serve an important function as rules of construction for interpreting the Constitution (though obviously not with some here). They are implicit in many rulings even when not specifically mentioned.

[justshutupandtakeit]

The favorite new tactic of gun control is the lawsuit against makers and sellers. These have been curbed as well and there either has been a fed law signed about this or one is working its way through Congress. Not sure which but am sure one of the other participants can clarify.

This was as great a threat to the 2d as ANY law if not more.

[SirAllen]

such as automatic ammunition clips [lie - there's no such thing.]

You are correct. I assume they must mean that part of the law where if a magazine goes from holding 10 bullets to 11 bullets it somehow becomes evil.

[Double Tap]

Nope, never said that. You implied that we didn't get the gun control legislation stopped until the Republicans won the presidency. That is not true.

Gun control has gotten better in the last 6-8 years if for no other reason than the proliferation of CHL laws across the nation. But again, that has had nothing to do with the presidency.

[justshutupandtakeit]

Elbridge Gerry is not much support for anything. Who cares WHAT he thought?

That Federalist does not change what the 2d says and it gives the role of the militia as the protection of a free state.

Now it should be recognized that Madison proposed at the Convention that the fed government have the authority to FORCE states to toe the line and to militarily intervene if necessary. His proposition was too radical for the convention and it was voted down.

It should also be recalled that the British military leadership was abominable. It was so bad that appointing leaders who deliberately acted to allow the colonists to win would have been hardly worked more to the colonials advantage. It was stupid beyond belief.

[Charles Martel]

Rove is thinking it's an election year. He also knows that no matter how much most of us protest or say otherwise, in the end we'll still vote for Bush.

Yes, that's probably what's at work here. Someone should mail Rove a postcard with Tom Foley's picture on it and some text reading: "Greetings from IrrelevantVille, MissingMyFormerPower, USA"

It's a bit ironic that angry, motivated pro-gun voters responded to the "Omnibus Crime Bill" (and AW Ban) by turning the House of Representatives over to the Republicans. Now, a Republican administration threatens to sign the same law (actually much worse) that pissed off everyone ten years ago. Perhaps the House Republicans will remember the role this played back in '94 and dig their heels in. It's looking like they're the only ones who can save Bush's political skin on this issue. If it never gets to his desk, he'll get a pass on saying that he'd sign it.

BTW, don't expect a push on the "guest worker" garbage until after the election. It's WAY to hot a topic right now, but it won't be a problem for a lame duck.

[TigersEye]

I wonder what your living Constitution that means whatever you want instead of what the Founders intended will mean tomorrow?

Apparently you gravely misunderstand me and have no intention of granting me the same due respect I granted you. Your position on inalienable rights is clear enough now. Good day to you.

[justshutupandtakeit]

For me it would mean "citizens of the United States."

[justshutupandtakeit]

Sorry but I couldn't resist.

[mrsmith]

I gathered you prefer your interpretation over the Founders'.

I don't see where I was wrong or disrespectful- and good day to you.

[Monty22]

So what's the situation? Is this bill being debated now? What's going on?

I am really sick of having to fight for gun rights at every turn. We gotta make sure this thing isn't passed.

[justshutupandtakeit]

Militias in 1776 were groups which trained regularly and were often led by men who had military experience.

Training is even more important today since the type of weaponry is far more sophisticated and the gap between the ordinary citizen and soldier far greater. In addition, those on the frontiers used firearms far more often than most people today. Perhaps not you.

[Charles Martel]

The favorite new tactic of gun control is the lawsuit against makers and sellers. These have been curbed as well and there either has been a fed law signed about this or one is working its way through Congress. Not sure which but am sure one of the other participants can clarify.

Uhh... that very piece of legislation is the bill to which Feinswine attached her AW Ban renewal as an "amendment". Previous posts in this thread indicate that the NRA is going to urge pro-gun members of Congress to kill the entire bill rather than let it through with the AW Ban language attached.

[justshutupandtakeit]

I am not asking you to argue MY case just yours. Where is any evidence that those amendments have played any significant role in our legal history? I say they have not and if you want to dispute that then stop playing games and do so.

[Charles Martel]

See my post, # 535.

[Monty22]

I'd far far FAR rather have the entire bill die than any new bans being added, or the old one going on.

[justshutupandtakeit]

There is no absolute right to free speech and never has been.

[woerm]

crud,


I'm willing to BET the reptiles do the same thing with the AWB and make it DiFi friendly as well (permanent)