First I should mention that I strongly support gun rights. However earlier this year I had some hope that our national gun laws could be improved in the following manner:
1) Universal background checks for the sale of all firearms would pass and become law.
2) The NICS background check system would be improved and all states would be required to add the names of those who are violent criminals or who have been legally adjudged as having serious mental issues to the NICS data base on a timely fashion.
3) The punishment for the straw purchase of firearms and the smuggling of such firearms into the inner cities of our streets would be increased significantly. More federal money would be spent to stop these activities.
These simple steps seemed possible after the Newtown school shooting. Unfortunately the gun control advocates pushed for more draconian measures such as a new assault weapons ban.
So instead of passing some reasonably effective laws, both sides of the debate ended up calling each other names. Many people feared new laws would pass and rushed down to the local gun stores to buy firearms and ammo and cleaned off the shelves. Gun shows had lines awaiting entry that stretched around the block. Membership in the NRA increased dramatically.
Today many people who never owned a firearm now do and many lack the basic safety training to safely handle such a dangerous item. Many gun owners who did not own a "black rifle" now do and have also bought a number of high cap magazines for their new toy. Gun owners bought even more firearms and now many have what could be considered an arsenal along with thousands and thousands of rounds for their weapons.
I also fear that the push for strong gun control will lead to the loss of many seats at state and national level held by good Democrats. Republicans and the Tea Party will definitely use their opposition to another assault weapons ban to gain votes and may win many tight elections.
The waters for the chances of improving existing gun laws have been poisoned by the overreach of the gun control advocates and the media. Today more people who have little reason to own a firearm now have one. Many are not target shooters or hunters. Many live in safe areas and have little to fear from criminals and lack the training to be able to effectively stop a criminal from breaking into their home with their firearm and are unwilling to spend the time and effort to gain proficiency with their new weapon. Many will refuse to store their weapons properly.
The sad part is that now both sides have cemented themselves into a position and refuse any compromise.
At this time I see little hope of passing new gun legislation at the national level although it is still possible at state level. I find this extremely disappointing.
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