Democratic and Republican "Insiders": Worlds Apart on Guns

By: Lowell
Published On: 4/30/2007 3:29:53 PM

The latest National Journal "Insiders Poll" provides evidence of stark differences between Democrats and Republicans on guns in the aftermath of the Virginia Tech murders.  First, though, one thing that Democrats and Republicans pretty much agree on is that it should be "harder for mentally ill persons to purchase a handgun."  On this point, 97% of Democratic "insiders" and 88% of Republican "insiders" are in favor.

Now, to the stark differences:

*81% of Democrats, but only 18% of Republicans, believe that, "in the wake of last week's massacre at Virginia Tech," Congress should "[r]equire a mandatory waiting period for the sale of handguns."

*78% of Democrats, but only 10% of Republicans, believe that Congress should "[r]eimpose the 1994 assault weapons ban."

*Finally, just 3% of Democrats - but 55% of Republicans - believe that Congress should "[m]ake it easier for people to carry concealed weapons."

Regardless of how they feel on the issue, the comment of one Democratic insider sums up the politics of the situation: "The NRA won't let any of this happen."  Personally, I think it's a sad commentary on our government that one narrow interest group, whether it's the NRA or whoever, can dictate policy like this.  But that's the way it is in Washington, DC these days, and I fail to see how that's going to change anytime soon.

Comments



They don't say... (ericy - 4/30/2007 5:18:07 PM)

how independent voters feel about this.


This is an "insiders poll" of Congress (Lowell - 4/30/2007 5:21:28 PM)
It's all Democrats and Republicans...


Mental health (jamur - 4/30/2007 6:36:05 PM)
It's unfortunate that all the oxygen for meaningful progress on the important issue of mental health is being crowded out of this critical stage by aimless discussion of gun control measures which simply will not happen.


ending our love affair with guns (bamboo - 4/30/2007 6:39:12 PM)
Whatever Democrats say they believe about guns, they're not acting on those beliefs. The NRA has them wrapped around their little finger as much as the other side. Democrats have a lot to account for too.


The NRA is an obstacle to public safety (mkfox - 4/30/2007 6:40:37 PM)
in the wake of the Tech tragedy. Nationwide registration of firearm purchases? Nope. Reinstate the assault weapons ban? Nope. Every state having waiting periods? Nope. Not expanding public access for concealed weapons carriers? Definitely nope. Mulling the idea of a nationwide handgun ban for non-law enforcement/military? Absolutely nope. Background checks at gun shows? Nope.

All of these proposals are common sense in my mind but thanks to the NRA's influence, power, support of laws that endanger law enforcement and average people and perverse wording of the Constitution, they won't happen anytime soon. I was sad to read Boucher won't push any new sweeping gun control initiative because there isn't broad support in Congress or the White House. I despise the NRA not only because of the reasons I've said but if they were truly dedicated to protecting individual civil liberties then they wouldn't endorse or subsidize candidates, PACS or parties, which is something ACLU doesn't do.



Hard to believe isn't it? (Matusleo - 4/30/2007 6:54:56 PM)
I too am confounded by the NRA's stranglehold on the gun debate.  How can one lobby have so much muscle that it shuts down even reasonable discussion of the issues?  Why do so many of our Democratic lawmakers feel they need to offer olive branches to this group?  Especially in the wake of the tragedy at my alma mater.

And my old congressman, Boucher, not going to do anything?  He ought to be ashamed of himself.  I voted for him in four consecutive elections, and yet when my community, the Hokie community needs him the most, where is he?

We definitely need a bigger majority in Congress, with a Democratic President if we are ever going to see the death-lock the NRA has on the national discourse removed.

Ut Prosim