Thom Hartmann: Is It Time to Re-Think the 2nd Amendment in America?

[thomhartmann]

Mike Papantonio, Attorney, Host, Ring of Fire Radio joins Thom Hartmann. One week after the Colorado massacre, the President Obama urged common-sense gun controls like full criminal background checks for gun purchasers and new measures to ensure the mentally ill can’t buy guns. The President also hinted that he’d support a ban on assault rifles. President Obama sounded more like Senator Obama, who had a much tougher stance on gun control, supporting a ban on all semi-automatic weapons as a state senator, and as a U.S. Senator voting down legislation to protect gun manufacturers and sellers from lawsuits when someone is killed using their products. Despite the conspiracy theories coming from the NRA and other gun interest groups, gun rights in America have expanded under President Obama. Thanks to President Obama - people can carry concealed guns into national parks - and also carry guns on Amtrak trains. Not one time has the President tried to restrain the Second Amendment Amendment. In fact - The Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence - a group that gives politicians grades on gun control issues - gave President Obama an "F" after his first year in office - as he's completely failed to pass any gun control whatsoever. But are we about to see a turning point after yet another high-profile shooting massacre in America? Is it time to re-think the role of the Second Amendment in America - back when it was drafted, it was pretty difficult to load and shoot a gun. Today we have machine guns... Let’s hope Members of Congress grow a spine, say no to the NRA’s blood money, and enact some much-needed gun controls to curb this epidemic of gun violence in America.

The Big Picture with Thom Hartmann on RT TV & FSTV "live" 9pm and 11pm check www.thomhartmann.com/tv for local listings

[HopeHoops]

1. Take note: I've seen reports that the hospitals are capping or eliminating charges.

I can't confirm that, but I seriously hope it is true.

[gejohnston]

2. Criminologist James D. Wright was spot on

in this 1988 article.

http://www.nationalaffairs.com/public_interest/detail/second-thoughts-about-gun-control

[demwing]

3. Two different questions:

The title - "Is It Time to Re-Think the 2nd Amendment in America?" Answer: No.
The text - "Is It Time to Re-Think the role of the 2nd Amendment in America?" Answer: Absolutely.

The former seems to question whether we need the 2nd amendment, the later wonders whether we shouldn't interpret it differently.

Very different question, very different answers.

[Fire Walk With Me]

4. Considering the militarized riot police seen today in Anaheim at a peaceful protest,

I'd say the second amendment is a fantastic idea.

[baldguy]

5. Right, start shooting police officers.

[Fire Walk With Me]

6. Did I say that?

Don't reply to this, you obviously don't get it.

[baldguy]

7. Are you saying you had some *OTHER* meaning?

Especially when RW gun worshipers are so enamored of the absurd idea that the 2nd Amendment makes armed insurrection a Constitutional action? Bullshit. Sorry, but the rest of us aren't that stupid. That's exactly what you meant, and you know it! You're just too much of a coward to admit it.

[Dokkie]

8. I think he is suggesting

taking the guns from the police. Which I support 100%. Take the guns from the police then disarm the people., its going to be like rats trying to bell the cat