06-15-2016, 11:24 PM
So, how many known suspected domestic terrorists and sympathizers have purchased guns legally?
From February 2004, when the background check system began monitoring the terror watch list, through 2015, 2,477 names of would-be gun and explosives buyers were on the watchlist. Nearly all were for gun purchases.
Of those, 91 percent, or 2,265, of the transactions were permitted. Yep, 91 percent of those being watched by the government for suspected terrorist affiliation were allowed to legally buy guns because they weren't felons or known to be diagnosed with dangerous mental illnesses.
Over 80% of Republicans, 85% of Independents, and 90% of Democrats support changing the law and prohibiting such gun purchases, and that's before the Orlando shooting.
I don't object to the Republican stipulation that if the prohibition is passed into law, those on the list who fail the background check can appeal the decision if they feel that they're unfairly suspected -- as long as there are no riders attached to that stipulation, and as long the appeal process is objective and consistent. I don't think the Democratic politicians will object to the stipulation under those conditions either.
I support the Democratic filibuster in progress today. And, I think the prohibition is going to be passed into law with bi-partisan agreement this year. If so, I think and hope it opens the door for future bi-partisan cooperation on gun access/control legislation and diminishes the NRA's power to override the predominant will and safety of the American people.
Very few Americans have room any longer for the "slippery slope" argument made by gun extremists when any gun legislation is broached, in my opinion. And, it's currently the right political climate for politicians to acknowledge that and take appropriate gun control action which is favored by a large majority of Americans.
Refs:
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/why-...ther-faqs/
http://www.pollingreport.com/guns.htm
From February 2004, when the background check system began monitoring the terror watch list, through 2015, 2,477 names of would-be gun and explosives buyers were on the watchlist. Nearly all were for gun purchases.
Of those, 91 percent, or 2,265, of the transactions were permitted. Yep, 91 percent of those being watched by the government for suspected terrorist affiliation were allowed to legally buy guns because they weren't felons or known to be diagnosed with dangerous mental illnesses.
Over 80% of Republicans, 85% of Independents, and 90% of Democrats support changing the law and prohibiting such gun purchases, and that's before the Orlando shooting.
I don't object to the Republican stipulation that if the prohibition is passed into law, those on the list who fail the background check can appeal the decision if they feel that they're unfairly suspected -- as long as there are no riders attached to that stipulation, and as long the appeal process is objective and consistent. I don't think the Democratic politicians will object to the stipulation under those conditions either.
I support the Democratic filibuster in progress today. And, I think the prohibition is going to be passed into law with bi-partisan agreement this year. If so, I think and hope it opens the door for future bi-partisan cooperation on gun access/control legislation and diminishes the NRA's power to override the predominant will and safety of the American people.
Very few Americans have room any longer for the "slippery slope" argument made by gun extremists when any gun legislation is broached, in my opinion. And, it's currently the right political climate for politicians to acknowledge that and take appropriate gun control action which is favored by a large majority of Americans.
Refs:
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/why-...ther-faqs/
http://www.pollingreport.com/guns.htm