Ashcroft Reverses Bush Administration Position on Renewing Federal Ban on Assault Weapons

PRNews ^

[Travis McGee]

There will be a mass killing somewhere in the US before the ban expires. I can't help but believe that a "set-up" will be in place to keep the ban in effect or made worse.

That is the plot of my novel, which begins with an "assault rifle massacre" in a packed football stadium. You can read 28 chapters of it on the website.

[Jim Robinson]

Well, how about that. These no account Rinos, Bush and Ashcroft actually standing up for the Constitution? Can't be. Not a dimes worth of difference between the 'Rats and 'Publicans.

[Cloud William]

My own take is that the administration is playing chicken with the Republicans in congress to avoid having to use a veto: "You guys had better not let this renewal get to my desk or I might just sign it and then we'll both have to take the heat." The President is also up for renewal in the fall of 2004 and I'm sure that he would rather not have to deal with this topic.

That's probably a good estimation of what is going on here. Back before the election, Bush was asked directly about the AW Ban sunset provision (it was one of those "one question for the candidate" forums). He clearly understands that signing a renewal of the AW Ban is pure political suicide and took the position that no such legislation should ever reach his desk. Given that early comment - and the fact that he got the Republican Congress that he wanted, it makes perfect sense that Bush is now making sure that Republican lawmakers know that he doesn't intend to go down alone.

[OHelix]

I'll believe that ban going away when I see it.

I feel the same way...

I've never owned a gun. I'm not a gun guy, or a even a hunter. But I find the notion of making guns illeagal to the general population is somehow going to make the place safer to be illogical... And there is no question in my mind that those who encourage people to adopt that idea as valid have sinister alterior motivation. Tin-Foil hat accusations aside, Communism is a REAL, documented, conspiracy, and has been continuously at work in our country's political, entertainment, and educational systems since long before I was born... As the Constitution states, the right to keep and bear arms is "necessary to the security of a free State"... And it IS a priority of Communist Art of War style strategy, to eliminate that right from our nation. All the illogical arguments by the gun-ban croud are the result of that conspiracy. I find it disturbing that the Bush administration ever even hinted that they supported such anti-American legislation. Maybe it was simply political dishonesty, or maybe a lapse of reason... I hope so. Regardless, I HOPE they WILL reverse the trend, even if it's just from political pressure. But as you say, I'll belive it when I see it.

[nunya bidness]

I don't own any "assault rifles" just Homeland Defense Rifles.

It's my patriotic duty.

[gdc61]

assault rifles are nice , i own 2 SKS.......but i sleep with a 12ga.mossburg500w/pistol grip.&7 3"mag 00buckshot. way better than an assault rifle or handgun any day. IMHO

[Cloud William]

I will believe it when I see it. And if the war goes badly and the economy tanks, we may be seeing President Hillary and Attorney General Schumer in two years. Then all bets are off.

What a cheery thought. However, you raise an important point: Whether or not the AW Ban sunsets in 2004, similar (and probably much worse) legislation will be passed the next time that the Democrats hold the White House and a Congressional majority.

So... What to do? Buy lots of ammo *today*, I reckon.

[OHelix]

I don't own any "assault rifles" just Homeland Defense Rifles.

It's my patriotic duty. I like that!!!

[thinktwice]

With the U.S. military busy in Iraq, with North Korea threatening nuclear war, and with three big NATO allies turning tail ...

The time for supporting and strengthening a well armed American militia -- for homeland security -- is NOW.

[Rasputin_TheMadMonk]

You aren't the only one who believes the Demonicrats are willing to do anything to forward their agenda. I just wish that the remaining free Americans were as willing to take hard steps to protect this country from them.

One way or the other, blood is going to be spilled in America, it can either refresh the tree of liberty or drown the last bastion of freedom. Ours or theirs, it's not so hard a choice.

And we all know the LiberalScum (tm) are all about freedom of choice...

[gdc61]

lol , great line , mind if i steal it ?

[Travis McGee]

I like "HDR" even better than "SUR!" (Sport Utility Rifle)

[Travis McGee]

It makes a nice tag line also!

[gdc61]

i'm goin to snuggle with my shotgun

[Travis McGee]

Sooner or later, there is going to be a "super Columbine" event, which may happen on its own, or with a little help.

If this happens under President Hillery and Atty General Schumer, then TSWHTF.

[nunya bidness]

Have at it. I got it from the guys over at SniperCountry. They started using the term after the Beltway Sniper flap.

[spodefly]

BLOAT / CACHE / S.S.SU.

[Travis McGee]

Glad to find it.

[Pan_Yans Wife]

I was thinking of the bank-robbers with the assault rifles, and the cops who had to go to the gun dealer, to get rifles, so that they could kill the bank robbers. (Was this Stockton, or some other incident?)

To any intelligent mind, this would be the number one reason why these weapons should NOT be banned. Criminals will always have the armaments that they need or want... and our police desperately need them, to protect innocent people!

[wardaddy]

Is this news for real?....I'm quite suprised.

They will take major heat over this.