General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Why is it that the main objection concerning gun control [View all]Jenoch
(7,720 posts)the issue is not clear. I don't think you are correct in your supposition anyway. I think the main issue of gun control is that the proposals being made either have failed in the past or are perceived to be ineffective in the future.
There are many misconceptions about guns out there. Here are a couple:
Assault weapons are commonly used in crime. Rifles of all kinds are used in fewer than 4% of gun crimes.
Most guns used in crime are stolen from people who own them legally. Only 10 to 15% of guns used in crimes are obtained in this manner.
I think some new legislation on gun control will be passed. I also believe it will have little effect on crime rates.
I think stiffer penalties should be assessed for all crimes in which guns are used. That includes long prison terms for straw purchases.
There was an unintened consequence from the last federal AWB. Prior to the '94 - '04 law there were not that many so-called assault weapons in general circulation. The supply was reduced, (tempoararily, new assault weapons that were legal were sold during the ban) and the demand skyrocketed. Now, there are so many AR-15s (and AR-15 clones) that a ban will not be too effective. The political shitstorm that is predicted if mandatory gun buyback laws are passed might be enough to keep them from being discussed, let alone passed. (I am sure the gun manufacturers would welcome such discussion, it's good for sales).