Would you support the following change to the Democratic Party Platform?

[jody]

Poll question: Would you support the following change to the Democratic Party Platform?

MODS, please leave this in the GD Forum because it is a general Democratic Party issue.

Our 2000 Democratic Party Platform, ( http://www.democrats.org/about/2000platform.html ) says:
QUOTE
Strong and Sensible Gun Laws. A shocking level of gun violence on our streets and in our schools has shown America the need to keep guns away from those who shouldn't have them - in ways that respect the rights of hunters, sportsmen, and legitimate gun owners. The Columbine tragedy struck America's heart, but in its wake Republicans have done nothing to keep guns away from those who should not have them.

Democrats believe that we should fight gun crime on all fronts - with stronger laws and stronger enforcement. That's why Democrats fought and passed the Brady Law and the Assault Weapons Ban. We increased federal, state, and local gun crime prosecution by 22 percent since 1992. Now gun crime is down by 35 percent.

Now we must do even more. We need mandatory child safety locks, to protect our children. We should require a photo license I.D., a full background check, and a gun safety test to buy a new handgun in America. We support more federal gun prosecutors, ATF agents and inspectors, and giving states and communities another 10,000 prosecutors to fight gun crime.
UNQUOTE

Democratic Leadership Council (DLC) Founder & CEO Al From recently held a Gun Safety Press Briefing and the DLC recently discussed a recent poll "Winning the Gun Vote" which gave the following results on page 21.

When asked "Which type of candidate are you most likely to support",

57% of respondents chose "A Democrat who supports 2nd Amendment gun rights, closing some gun law loopholes, and enforcing the laws on the books" versus

32% of respondents chose "A Republican who supports 2nd Amendment Rights",

Would you support changing the Democratic Party platform to the following simple statement:

Strong and Sensible Gun Laws. We support 2nd Amendment gun rights, closing gun law loopholes and enforcing laws on the books"

[Terwilliger]

1. surely you don't agree with THIS!

The Columbine tragedy struck America's heart, but in its wake Republicans have done nothing to keep guns away from those who should not have them.

Those who "should not have them"?? Talk about a threat to 2nd Amendment rights!


NO, on the question, btw...you support "laws on the books"? I wonder if you supported the laws on the books as people were deciding whether or not to make them laws.

[David__77]

2. Yes, but by the way, I don't like From's politics.

I agree with this proposal, but not because of the DLC rationale. I agree because I think the law's are sufficient and we must state support for gun ownership rights. That's a point of principle for me, not a cynical political calculation.

[jody]

3. Kick

:kick:

[CO Liberal]

4. It's Too Simplistic

Many people will perceive the platform change as caving in to the Nuts Ruining America. I see no problem with the 2000 platform.

[Scott Lee]

5. Gun issue is one we're taking a terrible beating on

And it has to do with some common sense, not emotional rhetoric.

Just wishing guns would go away won't cut it.

[el_gato]

6. sounds like a furthering of the police state to me

especially this quote:

"We should require a photo license I.D., a full background check, and a gun safety test to buy a new handgun in America. We support more federal gun prosecutors, ATF agents and inspectors, and giving states and communities another 10,000 prosecutors to fight gun crime."

[Selwynn]

7. Not as worded, no I wouldn't support it -- not tough enough.

I like the Strong and sensible gun laws part. But I don't like the implication that enforcing laws on the books is necessarily enough.

Basically, I support the 2nd ammendment, and I don't believe tough regulatory laws on guns and gun ownership have anything to do with it. I support both the right to bear arms and the responsibility and consequences that should come with bearing arms. Stronger gun laws and gun regulation is needed.

[Selwynn]

8. I guess I misread it... I'm confused

I like the paragraphs about tougher gun laws - but then the last statement in blue doesn't seem to suppport that position at all..

The statement in blue is what I don't agree with. I believe there should be far greater regulation, liscencing and responsibility over gun ownership.

[Selwynn]

9. Wow I need sleep - I get it now.

The answer is no - I support the 2000 democratic party platorm 100% and do not support changing it at all.

[Wild Bill]

10. so what's lacking?

I don't see how stronger gun laws and more regulation will help. What laws do you susgest?

Background checks for all gun sales (private in state sales) is about the only one I would add to the books right now.

[Selwynn]

12. I believe stronger gun laws and more regulation will help, so..

..clearly we are at an impasse. :)

[sandnsea]

11. No, we have to be more responsible with guns

The solution for our party is to talk more about gun responsibility and successes of gun laws. If we keep tossing aside Democratic values, there really *won't* be any difference between Democrats and Republicans. I thought that's what Howard Dean was all about, making Democrats proud to be Democrats again.

[TexasPatriot]

13. 2nd amendment gun rights

There is nothing wrong with supporting 2nd amendment gun rights! Afterall, the 2nd amendment is fairly discriminating in what those rights are.

[Mairead]

14. Anything From's for, I'm against.

There's a good rule: when you see a cannibal using a knife and fork, the important part is that he's a cannibal.

[jody]

15. Kick

:kick:

[jhfenton]

16. I voted yes, but...

I still take issue with the "loophole" language. There is no "gun show loophole," so there's nothing to close. The "loophole" language has gotten too tied up with the mythical "gun show loophole" to put it in the platform.

Otherwise, I can live with stronger enforcement of the laws on the books. Every crime is already illegal!

So, it's not perfect, but the DLC is on the right track, as usual. It's a major improvement from the 2000 DLC Platform plank on firearms. That was appalling.