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Hillary Clinton
Related: About this forumIn light of several recent shootings....
First, for almost the last year I have repeatedly posted that Bernie's record on guns I find to be abhorrent, but also a prime example of a politician quietly being influenced by an industry while speaking with a forked tongue. Here's a recent and revealing overview; but you should read the entire thing, watch the videos, and check the facts:
http://bluenationreview.com/nra-spent-thousands-to-get-bernie-elected/
Bernies history on guns is hardly the model of progressive purity. During a recent Morning Joe appearance, he was defensive when asked to comment on New York Gov. Andrew Cuomos assessment that on gun manufacturer immunity, Bernie made a political decision on a moral issue.
Bernie modulated his position, and the NRA decided to go after his Republican opponent Peter Smith, pouring money into ads opposing Smith, which they knew would benefit Bernie. NRA honcho Wayne LaPierre endorsed Bernie, writing to members: Bernie Sanders is a more honorable choice for Vermont sportsmen than Peter Smith. It worked.
Bernie won. And he kept his word.
Bernie modulated his position, and the NRA decided to go after his Republican opponent Peter Smith, pouring money into ads opposing Smith, which they knew would benefit Bernie. NRA honcho Wayne LaPierre endorsed Bernie, writing to members: Bernie Sanders is a more honorable choice for Vermont sportsmen than Peter Smith. It worked.
Bernie won. And he kept his word.
At the early stages of this primary, I saw Bernie's language as "coded" to make the NRA supporters happy, and Bernie has benefited by getting support from white, male Archie Bunkers who love their guns. We have no idea how many of those contributions to Bernie might be seed money from interest groups who easily circumvent disclosure rules. (Here's an example: http://www.crewsmostcorrupt.org/mostcorrupt/entry/vern-buchanan.)
Hillary is much stronger on gun control, and she has always been more in line with my view (pasted below). Most importantly, if you really believe in SOCIAL JUSTICE, not just money; then you have to do something about guns in America. I think that Hillary is very aware of this issue, and she will fight to get a handle on the insanity where dangerous people have easy access to guns. When Bernie attacks Hillary for "influence", there is no evidence that she has ever taken any action except in the best interest of the American people - if not all people. Bernie clearly appears to make political decisions as a result of under-the-table support from the gun manufacturers and gun organizations.
People Control, Not Gun Control
This is my generic response to gun threads where people are shot and killed by the dumb or criminal possession of guns. For the record, I grew up in the South and on military bases. I was taught about firearms as a child, and I grew up hunting, was a member of the NRA, and I still own guns. In the 70s, I dropped out of the NRA because they become more radical and less interested in safety and training. Some personal experiences where people I know were involved in shootings caused me to realize that anyone could obtain and posses a gun no matter how illogical it was for them to have a gun. Also, easy access to more powerful guns, guns in the hands of children, and guns that werent secured are out of control in our society. As such, heres what I now think ought to be the requirements to possess a gun. Im not debating the legal language, I just think its the reasonable way to stop the shootings. Notice, none of this restricts the type of guns sold. This is aimed at the people who shoot others, because its clear that they should never have had a gun.
1.) Anyone in possession of a gun (whether they own it or not) should have a regularly renewed license. If you want to call it a permit, certificate, or something else that's fine.
2.) To get a license, you should have a background check, and be examined by a professional for emotional and mental stability appropriate for gun possession. It might be appropriate to require that examination to be accompanied by references from family, friends, employers, etc. This check is not to subject you to a mental health diagnosis, just check on your superficial and apparent gun-worthyness.
3.) To get the license, you should be required to take a safety course and pass a test appropriate to the type of gun you want to use.
4.) To get a license, you should be over 21. Under 21, you could only use a gun under direct supervision of a licensed person and after obtaining a learners license. Your license might be restricted if you have children or criminals or other unsafe people living in your home. (If you want to argue 18 or 25 or some other age, fine. 21 makes sense to me.)
5.) If you possess a gun, you would have to carry a liability insurance policy specifically for gun ownership - and likely you would have to provide proof of appropriate storage, security, and whatever statistical reasons that emerge that would drive the costs and ability to get insurance.
6.) You could not purchase a gun or ammunition without a license, and purchases would have a waiting period.
7.) If you possess a gun without a license, you go to jail, the gun is impounded, and a judge will have to let you go (just like a DUI).
8.) No one should carry an unsecured gun (except in a locked case, unloaded) when outside of home. Guns should be secure when transporting to a shooting event without demonstrating a special need. Their license should indicate training and special carry circumstances beyond recreational shooting (security guard, etc.). If you are carrying your gun while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you lose your gun and license.
9.) If you buy, sell, give away, or inherit a gun, your license information should be recorded.
10.) If you accidentally discharge your gun, commit a crime, get referred by a mental health professional, are served a restraining order, etc., you should lose your license and guns until reinstated by a serious relicensing process.
Most of you know that a license is no big deal. Besides a drivers license you need a license to fish, operate a boat, or many other activities. I realize these differ by state, but that is not a reason to let anyone without a bit of sense pack a semiautomatic weapon in public, on the roads, and in schools. I think we need to make it much harder for some people to have guns.
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In light of several recent shootings.... (Original Post)
Sancho
Apr 2016
OP
Cha
(297,655 posts)1. Thank you for this very important info on this very important issue.
Rose Siding
(32,623 posts)2. Any way you look at it
Bernie benefited by not standing up to Big Gun.
yallerdawg
(16,104 posts)3. Keeping up with our Second Amendment rights.
"Guns don't kill people - Americans kill people." - Michael Moore
http://www.gunviolencearchive.org/
pandr32
(11,612 posts)4. Excellent! Sensible gun control please!