I think it’s also important to set realistic expectations for the American people.
There are things we can do quickly. Expanded background checks, mandatory waiting periods, closing gun show loopholes, etc.
An assault weapons ban is more complicated. 1/x
There are things we can do quickly. Expanded background checks, mandatory waiting periods, closing gun show loopholes, etc.
An assault weapons ban is more complicated. 1/x
There is approximately a zero percent chance a 50/50 Senate that includes Manchin and Sinema would ever be able to pass an assault weapons ban.
It’s also not clear how helpful an assault weapons ban would ultimately be. If you use Clinton’s ban as a reference: 2/X
It’s also not clear how helpful an assault weapons ban would ultimately be. If you use Clinton’s ban as a reference: 2/X
A ban would likely encompass semiautomatic firearms and/or high-capacity (over 10 rounds) magazines.
It would also almost certainly—as Clinton’s did—include a grandfather clause that would exempt the millions of weapons and magazines that are already in circulation. 3/X
It would also almost certainly—as Clinton’s did—include a grandfather clause that would exempt the millions of weapons and magazines that are already in circulation. 3/X
This is how it worked with Clinton’s AWB. Manufacturers were forbidden to produce the banned weapons except for military and law enforcement, but there were “pre-ban” weapons and magazines still in circulation. 4/X
Some people will inevitably say “ok cool, so don’t include a grandfather clause,” but that’s not as easy as it sounds.
Who gets to be the one to tell tens of millions of law-abiding citizens that their weapons are now illegal? 5/X
Who gets to be the one to tell tens of millions of law-abiding citizens that their weapons are now illegal? 5/X
There are options, of course.
Buyback programs have had limited success, and some have been widely successful (see: Australia).
I’ve seen folks suggest a *mandatory* buyback program - but with a piecemeal registry system in the US, that’s not really possible, either. 6/X
Buyback programs have had limited success, and some have been widely successful (see: Australia).
I’ve seen folks suggest a *mandatory* buyback program - but with a piecemeal registry system in the US, that’s not really possible, either. 6/X
Then you have the obvious threat of violence that would come from the government telling people (read: the morons who invaded the Capitol) that they have to relinquish their (now illegal) weapons.
Many would probably comply, but many would almost certainly fight. 7/X
Many would probably comply, but many would almost certainly fight. 7/X
I say all of this not to suggest that we don’t push for some form of an assault weapons ban, but to urge that we take care of the easy stuff that would still make a difference first. 8/X
The right *wants* us to get into a protracted fight about assault weapons, because it’s not going to go anywhere with this Congress, and nothing will change.
We’ve had too many pointless fights over this. Let’s actually make a difference this time. (End)
We’ve had too many pointless fights over this. Let’s actually make a difference this time. (End)
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