General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: All hope is lost. DU gun debate shows that America isn't ready for real reform. [View all]spin
(17,493 posts)a very high percentage do not wish to see any ban that might effect the firearms they own.
They also vote. Most will not vote for any politician who wishes to ban firearms.
In many homes the husband may buy the firearms and be the "owner" but his wife and children may also enjoy the shooting sports. The members of such families that are old enough to vote may show up at the polls to vote out any politician who wishes to ban firearms even though they would not be considered to be gun owners.
Voting gun owners are the true power of the gun lobby. The media uses the NRA as a whipping boy for its failure to convince voters to elect politicians that support strong gun control.
However most gun owners are willing to improve the gun laws in our nation so that it is far more difficult for a violent criminal or a person with a severe mental problem to legally purchase a firearm. Many do not totally agree with the NRA on this issue as the NRA opposes any and all changes. Consequently it is possible that a law requiring an NICS background check for the purchase of any firearm might actually pass which would close the "gun show loophole."
If our party overreaches and tries to impose draconian gun laws we may lose many seats in Congress after the midterm elections.