Beware Walmart’s Role in the Gun Control Debate

[xchrom]

http://www.thenation.com/blog/172165/beware-walmarts-role-gun-control-debate

As Vice President Joe Biden plotted his task force’s plan of action on gun control this week, he invited representatives Walmart to the White House to talk about it. That makes sense—as we detailed last month, the retail giant is the biggest seller of weapons and ammunition in the United States. Stakeholders as far-flung as the hunting groups Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever were invited to meet with Biden’s task force, so Walmart surely has a place at the table.

In fact, many progressives and gun control advocates argue this is a very positive development .The thinking goes like this: Walmart would stand to benefit from a strengthened background check system, because independent sellers would have to go to a certified gun retailer (like Walmart) to conduct background checks—or might stop selling guns altogether, thus sending more customers Walmart’s way. The chain also must protect its image as a responsible, family-friendly store: it previously partnered with Mayors Against Illegal Guns to adopt tougher standards for gun sales.

So maybe Walmart can hop on board and advocate for the White House’s gun control package, thus lending a significant voice and lobbying power to the good guys’ side, and creating a crucial rift between gun retailers and manufacturers.

That all sounds good—if it happens like that. (Store officials haven’t yet announced any position on gun control following the White House meetings.) But there’s significant reason to suspect it won’t work out so splendidly. Clearly, the best of both worlds for Walmart would be a strengthened background check system that drives new customers to its stores, and no assault weapons ban.

[leveymg]

1. Walmart will sell us the noose America uses to hang itself, for less.

China, Inc. has a vested interest in accelerating our political and economic collapse into a debtor nation that owns nothing except the cheap plastics they sell us and rents everything of real value from global landlords. Not our friends.

[OneTenthofOnePercent]

2. I think the last line in the OP is the best compromise available.

Clearly, the best of both worlds for Walmart would be a strengthened background check system that drives new customers to its stores, and no assault weapons ban.

Make ALL sales (dealer & private) go through the background check. This will cut down on the trafficking of guns to felons via unrestricted private sales. I also think we could also tighten up the reporting requirements for the background check system so fewer prohibited people fall through the cracks.

[Sherman A1]

3. As I recall

Wal Mart announced they were too busy to attend the VP's meetings.

I hope that they regret such a statement and get into the debate.

[Turbineguy]

4. Walmart also knows

that dead people don't buy stuff. That's something the NRA doesn't give a shit about.

[ancianita]

5. Good to see this. Walmart's kept a low profile on its own gun sales, nationally.

It seemed to me that their initial refusal to attend, then caving, shows that the White House forced them to the table, perhaps, I like to think, to be told to get with "how it's gonna be" on the retail end. Given their market, I don't see Walmart thinking that any good could come to its business by advocating for a gun control package, though.

[Recursion]

6. That best of both worlds sounds pretty good

Require a background check for private sales, and don't waste time and capital setting limits on what a legal rifle can look like.