General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: What is an "assault rifle," he asked sarcastically. [View all]discntnt_irny_srcsm
(18,470 posts)I have said things like "control is a myth". The only real control exists either as self-control or in places like ADX Florence.
On the contrary, the NRA probably loves very passionate displays for control and a furor of political activity around it. After all, every time it seems like there may be a new law or a candidate perceived as RKBA hostile is elected or has a chance of winning, the guns just fly off the shelves, the fund raising for the ILA gets put in high gear and the NRA membership drives become more commonplace.
The post to which I was replying, was suggesting that all mag fed semi-autos need some additional heavy regulations like perhaps banning them all or requiring some onerous level of constitutionally offensive hurdles to obtain or maintain possession. I just don't see it happening. I do see a lot of interest, expression and activity. I do hope there is some progress overall that is brought about.
My concern is that without looking at the details and mechanics of what makes a handgun or long gun work the way it does, those with the passion will fail to agree or maybe just won't sufficiently articulate to their representatives what they want. I have close friends and basically an adopted adult daughter who hunt wild hogs. There is no better alternative for that than an AR-15.
I can see lots of interest. Maybe there's a majority of Americans looking for more in the way of useful gun laws. I think it would be a tremendous Democratic victory if a reasonable and enduring law(s) was passed. OTOH it would be tragic failure to have a measure pass and fail in court.
I've heard about some folks mocking the MSD students that are speaking on this topic. I can't help but admire them more for continuing to speak. I see speaking out for your principles basically like this: If you aren't being attacked, either your cause isn't important or you're on the wrong side.
I hope you won't take offense at anything I'm saying here. I used to be a Republican. I became a Democrat because Obama was a sort of a guiding light toward progress for me. I staring lurking here on DU before the 2012 election and I drew the conclusion that Democrats would be the instruments of all (or almost all) political progress for the here and now.
As far as gun laws are concerned, I suggest that having a clear, reasonable and attainable objective is the only way progress will happen. I read posts from a lot of folks that seem interested in punishing gun owners somehow, costing them money, taking their guns or whatever. I have a lot of my own ideas on some things but I see another AWB or similar law as a swamp of a mistake.
I am not one saying, "There is or was no passion for gun control." I'm just saying it looks in some places there is an unfortunate ration of passion to pipedream.
Thank you for your attention and have a good night.