Finally, Obama acts on sane gun safety measures
Yael T. AbouhalkahPresident Barack Obama did not go far enough for me on Wednesday in announcing some sane gun safety measures.
Frankly, he couldn’t. That would have required much stronger regulations on who should even own guns in this country - by my take, far fewer people than do now.
And he could have been far more explicit in calling for bans on the production of all kinds of guns, not just assault weapons.
However, given political realities, he did several good things.
He signed executive orders to quickly put in place some restrictions and actions that could reduce gun violence over time and better control the sale of them. Oh, and for all the Republicans calling for Obama to be impeached for this, Presidents Reagan, Bush I and Bush II signed hundreds upon hundreds of executive orders. Legally. And without being impeached.
He told Americans he really believed in the Second Amendment. That’s code to his critics for “Shut up about how I and the federal government are coming for your guns.” But Obama also made it clear Americans have a right to not have to worry so much about being shot as they go about their daily business.
Finally, he said he nation’s aim ought to be keeping as many guns - and not just assault rifles - out of the hands of people who should not have them. The universal background check is a good idea.
Congress needs to get behind all of the president’s proposals. The fact that there are too many bought-and-paid-for NRA elected officials in Washington will damage the president’s plan, but I hope it will not be stopped in the end.
David L Davis
4 months agoAnother Social Speech, nothing to change a gun owers mind. Is it amazing those who have never seen a real gun or fired one have answers to gun control. GooGoo is a candy bar !