If abortion rights survived 8 years of GOP dominance then I am supremely confident that gun rights will be fine for the next 8. Barring any "true patriots" doing something dumb and turning public sentiment against gun owners as a whole.
Actualy it is that very thing which is likely causing them to hold off on gun control during these tough economic times.
From the Department of Homeland Security report, (and there is many similar reports which also brief the president and members of Congress) :
(U//FOUO) The possible passage of new restrictions on firearms and the return of military veterans facing significant challenges reintegrating into their communities could lead to the potential emergence of terrorist groups or lone wolf extremists capable of carrying out violent attacks.
(U//FOUO) Proposed imposition of firearms restrictions and weapons bans likely would attract new members into the ranks of rightwing extremist groups, as well as potentially spur some of them to begin planning and training for violence against the government. The high volume of purchases and stockpiling of weapons and ammunition by rightwing extremists in anticipation of restrictions and bans in some parts of the country continue to be a primary concern to law enforcement.
U//FOUO) DHS/I&A assesses that lone wolves and small terrorist cells embracing violent rightwing extremist ideology are the most dangerous domestic terrorism threat in the United States. Information from law enforcement and nongovernmental organizations indicates lone wolves and small terrorist cells have shown intent—and, in some cases, the capability—to commit violent acts.
After Operation Desert Shield/Storm in 1990-1991, some returning military veterans—including Timothy McVeigh—joined or associated with rightwing extremist groups.
They toss in various references to racist things and the other common spins you see in such reports so they are easier to swallow and allow the reader to view all types of discussed individuals as "them". It makes it easy to mentaly distance yourself from those who can be percieved as radicly different and alien.
Reading between the lines though you can clearly see the statements.
It clearly illustrates a government fearful of an armed populance who believe strongly in thier RKBA.
A government that fears some people really mean "from my cold dead hands".
A government that really believes future gun control, especialy combined with other things like bad economic times could result in more McVeigh style attacks in retaliation against the government, as they make reference specificly to Mcveigh.
Elements of the government are afraid the population could react quite bad to gun confiscation and the passage of gun control laws.
They feel this potential is increased because of the economic times and the returning veterans.
Eric Holder, Hilary Clinton, Joe Biden and other members of the Obama Administration specificly chosen by Obama for thier views and thier experience have all called for, discussed or mentioned gun control favorably in the last few months. Such as in relation to Mexico.
The Treaty of the Americas was another push in that direction.
Many times the unofficial response by Obama during repremands has been "now is not the time".
Even people such as Pelosi have shown that and said similar things.
So ironicly it is fear of McVeigh style retaliation that is giving pause to government. However that same fear is prompting a strong desire for increased authoritarian practices, massive surveillance, tracking capabilities and a host of other measures that enables better control.
"Now is not the time" for gun control, because there is still various pockets of "Right wing extremists" that could engage in domestic terrorism in response.
Clearly the government does not yet feel is has a strong enough iron grip on the population to take on the "right wing extremist" elements. That time may come in the future, but "now is not the time".
I anticipate the strengthening of government and LEO powers before the next wave of gun control.
Bills such as the Cybersecurity Act of 2009 would go a long way in accomplishing such things. Giving access to bank records (gun/ammo purchases) telecommunications, and the legal ability to shut down any section of the internet at will for national security.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=448310
'Now is not the time', there is right wing extremists to worry about. Perhaps in the future when the government feels it is strong enough and able to monitor and restrict most citizens to prevent or reduce the threat such domestic terrorists pose.
