Kerry Says Nation Imperiled by Bush Inaction on Weapons Ban

[papau]

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-campaign11sep11.story
THE RACE TO THE WHITE HOUSE
Kerry Says Nation Imperiled by Bush Inaction on Weapons Ban
He risks a push for gun control as the president renews his attack on his foe's stand on Iraq.
By Michael Finnegan, Edwin Chen and James Gerstenzang
Times Staff Writers

September 11, 2004

ST. LOUIS — With the nation's assault weapons ban on the verge of expiring, Sen. John F. Kerry accused President Bush on Friday of endangering public safety by refusing to fight for renewal of the law, while Bush continued his effort to undercut Kerry's national security credentials.

<snip>Describing himself as a hunter and gun owner, Kerry pointed to widespread police support for renewing the weapons ban.

"As a hunter, I have never, ever thought about going hunting with an AK-47 or an Uzi or anything else," the Democratic nominee told several hundred supporters at a campaign forum in St. Louis.

The Massachusetts senator, whose votes for gun control have led the National Rifle Assn. to give him an "F" rating, accused the president of bowing to pressure from the gun lobby by failing to push Congress to extend the ban. And in a new turn, Kerry drew a link between Bush's stand on the issue and the threat of terrorist strikes.

"These folks are out there talking about the war on terror, trying to scare Americans," Kerry said. Meanwhile, he said, an Al Qaeda manual urges attackers "to come to America and buy assault weapons."
<snip>

[JI7]

1. great move how he connected it to part of fight against terrorism

[A_Possum]

2. Mentioning the al qaeda manual is brilliant

Why is Bush making it easier for al qaeda to buy weapons in our own country?

[papau]

3. I agree

:-)

[liberalmuse]

4. Yay, Kerry!

I like seeing him take the initiative in going after Bush policy. However, I still want him to be himself. The man just comes across as honorable and a quiet, yet steadfast type of leader. He will make an excellent President.

I'm one of the few people who think Kerry is making the right moves because he is not trying to be something he is not. IMO, he's going up against this phony Bush 'myth' created by our corporate-pandering, PRAVDA media. I'm not so sure another candidate could do better at this point in time by going with the one-two punch because let's face it, the media is heavily favoring Bush in coverage. Kerry is not just running against Bush. He is running against the corporate media, the wealthy who control most of this country, the Saudis who own a pretty large chunk of DC and American interests, widespread ignorance, and the religious right. These are strange times.

[JohnKleeb]

5. thats right

I just wish I could debate this issue, Kerry explained this issue much like my government teacher did to us, he first started out by polling us, how many of you believe in the second amendment, we all raised our hands, I am not a fan of guns but you do have the right to hunt and protect yourself. Then he discussed how he came from a background, West Pa which is hunting country, I know this too because my family is pure West Pa, Johnstown and Pittsburgh, and he was like listen my family were hunters, and they even let us out of school early to start hunting season. He was like I am for common sense, background checks are logical and etc, he's a current reservist too. Kerry and him framed this issue in a way I could argue it better, I am for the need to protect yourself and to hunt though I find hunting for sport and not for survival absurd, and I wish more people would understand the difference.

[JI7]

6. i agree

i wonder why those who are complaining about Kerry not doing anything aren't responding. Kerry said Bush is helping terrorist. that's a pretty powerful and TRUE statement. yet those who complain the most have nothing to say but complain.

[JohnKleeb]

9. I really dont see why anyone needs an assault rifle

I dont think Jefferson and the founding fathers who implanted the Bill of Rights knew what arms would come about, remember these guys began to die as the industrial revolution was beginning, the first machine gun was invented by Dr. Richard Gatling I believe in 1862. Hunting Rifles and Shotguns are fine for hunting and protection as is a handgun, I dont have a problem with handguns really.

[shraby]

7. What you call hunting for sport is

quite often a very different thing. Many families I know of including my own and my extended family hunt then process the meat. We can it, freeze it and use every part of the animal we can for food. It helps a lot in the winter. The deer hides are given (or sold for $5.00 or so) to someone who tans it.
This I don't call hunting for sport.

I agree that AK-7s are not a necessary item for anyone to own, but a person can't hunt during season without a rifle or shotgun.

[JohnKleeb]

8. I respect people who hunt for food

You can own a shotgun or rifle, thats fine by me, thats fine with me but an AK47 is just absurd. Yeah, my family up in PA does the same with their meat, I am fine with that, its just you do know there are some people who hunt simply to hunt not for food.

[slackmaster]

10. I hope Senator Kerry is wrong about the peril

It's less than 24 hours away now.