In which I remind DU that the assault weapons ban doesn't do what you think it does

[beemer27]

61. Thanks Recursion

There has been so much mis-information being tossed about that it is like a breath of fresh air to hear some one explain it in understandable words. The first "assault weapon" ban was based upon information designed to scare people. It was not based upon solid facts. That is how come is was called an assault WEAPON ban instead of an assault RIFLE ban. The terminology was deliberately chosen to confuse people. In fact, the first ban did almost nothing for the crime rate. It only made some people feel good, and a lot of dealers and manufacturers very wealthy.
I do not profess to know what the complete answer to our problems are. Allowing private individuals to call a government number to check on the status of a potential purchaser would be a good start. There would be no need to supply them with details, just a simple yes. this person is cleared to purchase a legal firearm, or no, this person is not allowed possession of a firearm. This would be the best first start, and it is endorsed by the pro, and the anti gun sides. It would also provide liability protection for the seller.
Trying for another flawed assault weapons ban now would just be a waste of time. It would polarize the population even more, and it would not address the problem.