Gun Control Prediction: next few weeks!

[Loosedhorse]

Perhaps you have noticed that one side in the upcoming presidential/congressional elections has been looking at the polling numbers and getting more and more confident of their victory. They've even begun "analyzing" the reasons for their up-coming triumph: "This is a repudiation of..."

My prediction (you read it here first!): Swollen with confidence, someone on that side is going to propose "common sense gun safety regulations" soon, BEFORE the elections: close the loopholes, reasonable restrictions, assault weapons, etc.--all the standard rhetoric.

Why? So after the election, if things work out as they are predicting, they will say: "We have received a mandate from the American people--this is something they elected us to do!"

We've heard for years that gun control is "off the table," "a political non-starter," "poison" that no politician wanted to touch--I've never bought into that, but I think it--and the recent Heller decision--may have bred a lot of complacency into gun owners. But I think the prospect of a big victory is changing the ideas of what can be passed during the next administration.

My q's: Anyone think I'm wrong--if so, why? And, if I'm right, anything we can do to counter it?

(PS: I am NOT looking for "this candidate is bad" political stuff, but rather: is this scenario a likely threat to our gun rights, and if so, how do we mitigate the damage?)

 

[BullpupBen]

Wether wrong or right we should always be aware of possible threats, and this is certainly the biggest one in the 21st century as of yet.

The best thing anyone can do is to get more people into shooting. The success of our lobby depends on a large number of Americans supporting gun ownership and detesting gun control, which can only happen if more Americans become gun owners and therefore become more educated about firearms.

 

[jjohnson]

Single Issue Voting

Well, here's your chance to stand by your guns. Literally.

My left-wing spouse would like to see big changes from where we've been for the past eight years, and I have to say that, even as a veteran, there are some things I'd like to change.

The Second Amendment isn't one of them.

So... as narrow minded as it may seem, I'm taking things seriously enough to vote with the single issue in mind. Others who feel that way may choose the same, while others express their rights otherwise. To me, though, it's my "line in the sand" and I'll have my vote counted, and will put my money where my mouth is.

 

[ConstitutionCowboy]

I used to think I wanted reloading equipment. In retrospect, I think I'll just buy a ***load of ammo. By the time I'm out of ammo, it should be over. Then I'll buy the reloading equipment.

Sorry to see you're still in the Commongulag of Massachusetts, Loosedhorse. I escaped back in '89.

In answer to your prediction, It is a very likely scenario. Buy ammo. I assume you already have arms.

Woody

 

[HoosierQ]

I agree that complacency is bad. "Freedom Is Not Free" and all that. However, I just do not see gun control, despite the personal beliefs of various lawmakers and executives, as as big an issue as those who remain vigilant do...like the NRA...the sky is always falling with them...and I'm a member and will stay a member...just saying it is there job to remain vigilant regardless.

Our candidates have got to win states like Texas, Florida, Indiana maybe...places where gun control really is a non-starter.

I do not think you are wrong...at all. I just don't think anybody is going to get very far with it. Nobody has made much of an issue of it so far and given both side are counting on winning some of the old "red" states, I think bring up gun control prior to the election will loose votes.

All worth about .02

 

[AirForceShooter]

People:
the fight now is for Congress. The Presidential part is over. We must make Congress republican again.
AFS

 

[MGshaggy]

and the recent Heller decision--may have bred a lot of complacency into gun owners.

I would say that has to be the understatement of the month. However, I just don't see any political benefit for either candidate to raising the gun issue before the election. At this point, it stands to hurt either more than help by galvanizing gun owners against them and proving the NRA ads right.

OTOH, I could see obama trying to get something passed - either VERY early in the first term, or in the first or third year of a second term (if he lasts that long). Nothing will likely be done too close to an election.

 

[HGUNHNTR]

I doubt we will see any serious changes in rhetoric, as an imagined voice of the people is not what is required to pass another awb after the election.

 

[Mikee Loxxer]

They don't want to fire up the pro second amendment crowd prior to an election. They will wait until after November to do that. Additionally they will want their guy in office to sign any new gun control legislation. I suspect they won't be pushing anything new through until at least the middle of next year.

 

[ilbob]

We must make Congress republican again.

Got to find some first before they can run. Most of the current crop ar barely disguised socialists.

I don't care for either party any more. Best thing that can happen is grid lock so nothing happens.

 

[Eyesac]

They would never risk a backlash BEFORE the election...

 

[damien]

IMHO

The economy issue now is capturing 100.00% of the public attention. I don't think Obama is going to be doing anything on any issue other than the economy until the economy is stabilized. If they tried to push any other agenda and it took even 1 full day of Congressional time, there would be hell to pay, not the way Obama wants to start his presidency (assuming that happens). Passing gun control would be a loud contentious issue for weeks, even with 60 Democrats in the Senate.

I hate to say this, but as long as America suffers from this economic crisis, I think gun control and almost all other issues are off the table in the Congress.

 

[JImbothefiveth]

And, if I'm right, anything we can do to counter it?

Write your representatives! And when someone votes for gun control, if you live in an area with lots of sportsmen (Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, etc.) MAKE THEM FAMOUS! Tell everyone how they are against your gun rights.

 

[esmith]

the fight now is for Congress. The Presidential part is over. We must make Congress republican again.

Yeah, i don't think so. Polls show Obama leading, but every news station is biased to the left, excluding fox news. I know of many hardcore libs that would be willing to vote for mccain over obama.

We've heard for years that gun control is "off the table," "a political non-starter," "poison" that no politician wanted to touch

If anyone believes that Obama and Co. don't want to limit your gun rights then they are a fool. The focus is on the economy, yes, however don't think that they won't try and slip one past us. Obama's home page states that he supports a permanent AWB.

 

[jackstinson]

I predict that I need another tinfoil hat.

 

[orvpark]

My inlaws are hardcore liberals..........and gun owners...........they don't hunt, and own them specifically for self defense. They informed me that they will not vote for president. This was a suprise to me, they vote on every little thing that comes accross a local ballot. They said they would go and vote for everything else on the ballot just not pres.

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

the recent Heller decision--may have bred a lot of complacency into gun owners.

Maybe the fudds. I haven't seen any major changes or gun laws come tumbling down (then again I don't live in any of the cities that actually followed the SC ruling instead of stomping their feet and plugging their ears like children). Heller was just one keystone and there is a long road ahead. Without control of any of the branches there will be no progress possible and Heller will be forgotten within a year.
I'm sick of digging in our heels. We finally get some momemtum and confidence and now may end up facing 4+ years of hoping they'll just leave us alone.

 

[kimbernut]

Single Issue?

Many have called us single issue voters. I disagree. Any politician willing to take away any one of our Bill of Rights is willing to take them all away but only if we the people allow it. "The presidential part is over." I don't think so. It ain't over 'til it's over. Don't quit and never give up.

 

[cchurchi]

Any economic bill the majority passes next year will have massive gun control attached to it. Why not when you have a fillibuster proof majority?

 

[Big Matt]

I readily admit to being a single issue voter => 2A rights. I see that the economy is in trouble but honestly I believe (and I'm not an economist by any means) that most of this "trouble" is caused by the media and our country’s societal discourse. For instance, I'm a mechanical engineer designing building systems; and my father is a construction worker. I see a LOT of building projects in the pipeline; Dad sees a LOT currently in construction or soon to be bid. And I'm not talking residential sized projects, but $50 million and up. And not just one or two either but lots of them.

Driving from Stroudsburg PA to Hershey PA you will pass at least 10 large construction projects in the $30-100 million range. Of course fuel is up as are other items, but I don't think that things are as bad as they seem. But then now you have this "panic" and people pulling their $$$ out of the markets and going crazy, and Europe/Asia following suit - well of course now the problem has just intensified.

I say don't panic about the economy, but be quite concerned about this election and the attack on our 2A rights. This is the perfect time for them to try to take away what they can, while everyone is distracted by the economy. If I can see that (and I'm admittedly an idiot) you can bet that they already know it and are planning their moves accordingly. Remember you’re not paranoid if they actually ARE trying to get you…

 

[buzz_knox]

The economy sucked in 1934. That didn't stop them from passing the NFA.

 

[RONSTAR]

No Matter What Happens It Wont Effect Me I Will Not Give Up Any Of My Firearms.

 

[Justin]

If you want to debate or discuss gun control legislation, that's what the legal forum is for.

However, all we ask is that you discuss actual legislation that has been proposed, rather than all of this useless sitting around in a circle and telling each other scare stories about the anti's that go BOO!