What should bother every American is the fact that any president, democrat or republican, has the gall to sidestep the constitutional process by abuse of the 'executive order'.
This fact, regardless of the subject matter, should have every American up in arms. (pun intended)

true. but it seems that every single thing this President does...the republicans are ALL up in arms. screaming and ranting about things that the very last President from long long long time ago of about 5 years did Executive Orders as well. What is it about this President that is soooo different? Obama signed into law pretty much what Reagan wanted to be signed into law and he did worst as Governor on gun control. Christie wanted the same gun control tactics as well. The answer to this....who knows?

http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/executive-orders/disposition.html

list of all executive orders from past presidents

I'm a Democrat and I disagree with many of his policies/actions. It;s a good thing we have some balance/opposition in Congress. I'm disappointed that he responded to the question about armed protection for his children by namecalling instead of a legitimate answer.

the reason he probably responded that way...again....every nitwit knows that President's and their family need special protection because of well....they are the President of the United States. Anyone not understanding that (NRA), are complete idiots. Why wasn't the NRA up in arms and generating commercials when Reagan was being anit gun or when he banned guns all together when Governor of California?

From a long long time ago in another galaxy

http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/executive-orders/wbush.html

There is no comparison between the personal risk that the president and his family take in his carrying out that role, and the risk the average citizen is exposed to. The president and his family are a constant target. There is no debating that.

well then, if that is so (and I believe it myself) he could have just stated that RATHER THAN RESORTED TO NAMECALLING. I expect namecalling here (like nitwit) but I expect better than that from our leader.

Ammend, although you say it not debatable, some feel ANYTHING IS DEBATABLE

@Hugh- I can't speak to the President's response to the ad, as I haven't heard him say anything specifically about. Can you elaborate? Regarding the protection of the first family, are you implying that the President's family, including his children, is unwarranted considering the nature of his position? If that's the case, I can't get behind that thinking. It's clear that there are those who would seek to do them harm simply because they are members of his immediate family. I would think that most politicians increase their exposure to risk in the performance of their role, be it members of congress, the senate, house of representatives, even mayors and city council members, but none are the focus of international threats to the level of the president as none of them represent what that role represents. That's just is, that's why it isn't debatable.

You couldn't have misconstrued what I said + what I meant any worse. I won't even bother to go through each part of what you said about it. You said you couldn't speak for the president BUT both you and Tony had an answer to the question. I thought your answers were credible. It makes no diffence whether or not I agree, they were genuine answers. The president did not answer. He instead called the NRA names. This who;e discussion was due to happened to those school children. The level of protection for leaders is different , as is the people who want to harm them. Their motives + methods are different. The number of targets they are seeking is different. The approach to protecting the presidents children is different than what was provided for the children who were attacked. Again I say that all of this is indeed debatable and deserves thought + discussion without namecalling/

its the same rude chaotic outbursts others have done as our leaders and the highest authority deserves the highest respect.

'You Lie'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgce06Yw2ro

or this video here: just imagine obama said this about biggest attack ever. where were the outrages from the republicans then? what about the republican leadership on speaking like that to a President?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5FTrdFWHxk

So you're saying it's OK because someone else did it? You answered the question FOR him but he didn't? I was expecting an answer from the president.

no i am not saying that. I am saying let's make sure we are calling out the same exact actions or worst. The same outrage for yelling You Lie or any other insane outbreaks should be addressed with same stance rather than nitpicking every little thing this President does and I mean every little thing. It's getting ridiculous and the American people are getting fed up...could also be why huge landslide loss to Mitt.

I can' believe you used the example"I lied" ... time proved that HE DID LIE! Obama is a mudslinging arrogant bully! Do as say or I will tear you down...agree with me or shut up. I have never felt that he is my president because he continues to alienate me by demeaning my beliefs. He tears me down as a Catholic, as a gun owner, as a republican....where is his outrage for all the black children killed every day due to gang violence? Take one look at Chicago. I get sick watching the 11 o'clock news and hearing about the 2 yr. old in Philly that was shot in the head during a drive by. Ok, 20 white children were killed at school and it is horrible, but any more horrible than the angels killed on our city streets every day. Obama hasn't even touched that topic. His so called fixes won't fix anything! It's just one more power grab. Also, no one was saying Obama's girls didn't need protection. The point was...don't our children deserve it TOO? You say our kids aren't under the same threat...I would venture to say that the parents in Ct. would beg to differ...I guess they needed it after all.

I am an American people and a Democrat. Presidents get asked tough questions. Do you think he should have answered or called names? You amy think winning the election meant he should insult 49% of the country I say he should be trying to unite the country and address the problem of gun violence.

Btw...he apologized for his outburst! I have yet to hear Obama apologize for anything!

He called republicans "the enemy"! I saw it with my own eyes! I was appalled and insulted as I watched him. He lied about the cost of my healthcare going up...I can't keep my dentist as he promised because my health coverage had to change with the new year...he lied that, as a Catholic, my religious liberties wouldn't be trampled on, I am insulted when he claims people like me are racists when I don't agree with him on policy issues or that I want old people and children to suffer and starve because I think changes need to be made in some programs.....I could go on I'm sure! I despise this man. Obama is a truth spinner and out right LIAR! Also, I agree with Kirsten Powers, he acts like a petulant child. Tony, try something I taught my four children....don't excuse bad behavior with other people's bad behavior!!!

lolol. how'd i do that? where's my apology? lol

Oh Tony, I am an Italian /Irish/Jersey girl...boy could I answer you in SOOO many ways, but I will just bid you adieu!

What's not to like in the proposals...Nothing in there that said about confiscating your guns...You can keep 'em except for the assault weapons.

"what's not to like" Hopefully, you aren't suggesting that we all "like or dislike" evrything the way you see it?

The 23 executive orders were a big dud. Nothing important or even helpful. Maybe some of the things about mental health might help someone somewhere. Just an opportunity for a photo op with children for our campaigner in chief!

"If America worked harder to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people..."

There's the problem right there. Blame the object, when the fault is with said "dangerous people"....why not keep them off the streets in the first place? Oh, wait, it's about "criminal justice", and not justice for the victims. Talk about reactionist policy...

So an emotional mom has her child write a letter to a trusted politician??. . The conversation about this tragedy has been taken over by well-intentioned (but ignorant) people who never fired a gun and have never even seen an assualt rifle. Although there are experts, law enforcement, and yes, even the NRA who certainly know something about this, they are being ignored and ridiculed. This is not a thoughtful process to address a serious problem It is more like a recipe for disaster.

"Guns are abominable" - Nixon
"Assault weapons don't belong in the streets"- Reagan
"Take my name off your NRA membership"- Daddy Bush

Wilfredo, so you would ask "what's not to like"? Then someone answers what they don't like and you tell them why they are supposed to like what you like. Have you ever been accused of being the "voice of reason"?

The simply stated goal at the beginning of this article is to "keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people". Probably 80% of Americans would agree with this goal. You can guess that a large portion of the 20% would be the people that this goal is aimed st, including the many crazies and convicted felons who are forbidden by law to not own a weapon BUT STILL DO.. A well-thought out program/policy will have some effect on this goal. HOWEVER , a poorly thought out program will have the opposite effect. If a year from now, the 20% of people who are already ignoring the law still have their guns but the majority of the responsible gun owners don't have them, the 80% will be WORSE OFF then they are presently. Even those who don't like/want guns will now find their safety compromised when the bad guys have them and the good guys don't. A huge OOPS. If you do a poor job trying fix this, you will make it worse. So if you have no interest in owning a gun and you think some poorly thought out program is gonna "fix things" THINK A LITTLE HARDER. The 20% may be quietly laughing with no intentions of disarming. Be careful what you wish for. Do you trust politicians, emotional Moms and children who write letters to decide these things?. It certainly would be a good start to better enforce the current laws. The laws could be made stronger. But only with thought + consideration by knowledeable , thoughtful (not knee jerk) people

Are you saying that law enforcement is the problem? I'd like to hear their side of that. In fact, I'd like to hear more from them than from Moms, kids, politicians and people who just hate guns. I'd like to hear from sociologists and psychologists. It is understood that the NRA is agenda driven, just like politicians, but they certainly know something about guns. As R-C pointed out, their idea about armed security in schools sounds like the presidents "new idea" about resource officers (uniformed police). Why the battle/insults between them when they BOTH PROPOSED THE SAME THING? There is a need for more leadership +compromise between them . This is a complex , difficult task. Done poorly, it will actually make things worse. A month never goes by without reading of a felon, rearrested for something, who also has a gun even though it is against the law for him to have it. If they could just put an end to felons carrying guns, that would be a huge step forward to end gun violence. Do you think those felons are just going to listen to a new law and turn them in?

I'm not "confessing" for anyone. But it would be great for law enforcement to explain their view on why this happens. There may be another part of the system that allows this to happen continuously. I would guess that the everyday patrol guy is tired of having to deal with armed convicted felons on a regular basis. It decreases his safety (and ours)

From the wisest man around. Wish we were wise enough to elect him president

"New York’s Assembly just rushed through some of the strictest gun control laws in history. But will they make any difference? The background checks and restrictions on sales of guns and ammo wouldn’t have deterred the Sandy Hook shooter, who simply stole his weapons. The law requires therapists whose patients make threats to report them to the state. Expect that to be challenged in court. Guns with even one cosmetic feature of a military rifle are now illegal assault weapons. Opponents say that will turn thousands of law-abiding gun owners into criminals overnight. The increased sentences for gun crimes might deter some criminals, but mass shooters tend to commit suicide anyway. And it reduces the maximum number of bullets in a magazine to 7, which one gun owner said means that homeowners will now have 7 shots while criminals will have 30. There’s no question the anti-gun laws will make New York safer. The question is, safer for whom: citizens or criminals?"

For more of the Huckabee Report, visit MikeHuckabee.com.

Rosemary,
Again, what specific steps do you recommend to reduce gun violence?

Rosemary, from your post,I can't tell whether you are a Republican or Democrat. And no namexalling or accusations. My compliments.

Rosemary,
Many of your recommendations are included in the White House gun plan.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/preventing-gun-violence#what-we-can-do

Wrong again , as usual. I read all of the posts here. You've done far more name-calling and made more accusations than anyone on this discussion. Add to that the out-of-context dubious "quotes" by dead presidents. A lot of the names you.ve called others would better apply to you. Hopefully, you won't grow up to be a politician. Go find a corner and talk to yourself. I won't even respond to your drivel anymore.

Can we please get this point straight...not ONE of the proposals would have had an effect on the Newtown shooting. Also, the problem wasn't that this young man didn't have access to mental health care. He chose not to get help. He was an ADULT! His mother was trying to get him committed. Her fault was giving him access to her guns when she knew he had issues! There is a fine line here. We can't step on someone's liberty by forcing care on someone even if everyone around him knew had issues. Foot Hood could have been prevented if the psycho's superiors weren't handcuffed by political correctness. Let's not insult the Muslim. Wilfredo, you are a fool plain and simple. Go put your head back in the pitcher of kool aide! Criminals will always have access to guns! These fixes only effect the law abiding citizen. Why don't you discuss what the Democratic Party has done to the black community. There is a big part of the gun violence problem! Will any of these proposals keep guns out of those hands?

Also Wilfredo, is every republican a tea bagger? I am smart enough to distinguish between a democrat and a left wing wacko such as yourself! Btw, I am not a member of the tea party, but what is your issue? They are a group of Americans from all 3 parties calling for upholding the constitution and being fiscally responsible....wow...that's horrible! So unlike those occupy people destroying property and raping women!

KimA,
"We can't step on someone's liberty by forcing care on someone even if everyone around him knew had issues."

This is wrong. All or most states have laws and procedures for involuntary commitment of mentally ill people.

Kim A,
"Can we please get this point straight...not ONE of the proposals would have had an effect on the Newtown shooting."

The White House plan addresses gun locks and improved gun safety technology. If these are implemented now, the probability of Newtown-type incidents in the future will be reduced. For example, personalized guns that can be used only by authorized individuals.

And what about the mother or son who is home during a home invasion when the father is out...they can't protect themselves. The incident that just occurred with the mother who shot the intruder 5 times to protect her 2 children would have ended differently. She shot him 5 times and he still walked away. Lucky he didn't have a partner. There was also a recent story of the 14 year old boy who shot an intruder. He protected his younger siblings. As I stated...the law abiding citizen is effected...not the criminal. Don't you realize the Newtown nutcase could have just as easily set explosives off if he was that intent on killing a lot of people. You people chase your tails with no real solution. Some knucklehead just committed suicide by hitting himself in the head with a hammer...yes a hammer! Also, why do you need to take my point and dissect it...you CAN NOT force someone to take their meds! As I stated, the mother was in the process of having him committed. Did I make myself more clear. That doesn't change the fact that he didn't seek treatment for himself!!! The option WAS available!

I fail to understand political agendas of many elected official. The U.S. Constitution clearly provides rights via the Bill of Rights to those of us who aren't socialists. However, Mr. Obama continues to erode this right! Hopefully all of you Liberals can understand that the power of your speech (Freedom of Press) that all of you hide behind will be next after the right to bear arms. Think about other countries throughout the world that have taken away guns. Then look at how many of these countries have had an increase in violence and rulers who kill the masses. More later. @Tony you might want to reconsider your approach with other and try a nicer approach...just a thought.

KimA,
"Can we please get this point straight...not ONE of the proposals would have had an effect on the Newtown shooting."

Pediatricians advise parents on maintaining a safe environment for their children. If Nancy Lanza had received such advice, she might not have been so cavalier about encouraging her troubled son to use guns.

The White House plan includes actions to make sure pediatricians can continue to provide such counseling, in spite of attempts by the NRA and others to restrict this form of preventive medicine.

Nazaretti, you are a typical lefty! You easily get off on some nonsense tangent point! Your point has nothing to do with the proposals set forth. I will not entertain you by getting into specifics about mental health problems. Just because there are crazies out there doesn't mean my rights need to be stomped on. Because there are ***holes that drive drunk doesn't mean my right to have a drink or two should be taken from me. I am responsible! You people will just keep dancing around the issues without giving any credible solutions!

KimA,
This is the plan's proposal to which I refer , quoted directly from the White House plan:

"Protect the rights of health care providers to talk to their patients about gun safety:
Doctors and other health care providers also need to be able to ask about firearms in their
patients’ homes and safe storage of those firearms, especially if their patients show signs of
certain mental illnesses or if they have a young child or mentally ill family member at home.
Some have incorrectly claimed that language in the Affordable Care Act prohibits doctors from
asking their patients about guns and gun safety. Medical groups also continue to fight against
state laws attempting to ban doctors from asking these questions. The Administration will
issue guidance clarifying that the Affordable Care Act does not prohibit or otherwise regulate
communication between doctors and patients, including about firearms."

KimA,
Please share your own "credible solutions" with us!

Teenager in New Mexico shot 5 people including 3 children in a house...Guns were found in the house.

Sometimes there is NOTHING you can do to prevent other people from being stupid or evil. This is one of those cases....many are! I just went through a 2 month dance to get a valid passport. Of course the legal responsible person like me gets put through the wringer. The criminal has his ways of getting documents illegally. It's all a joke making you liberals FEEL safe! It makes us no more safe! If anything it makes us more unsafe because we can't protect ourselves. I couldn't help but notice that you didn't address the gun problem in our cities. The criminals will always have access to guns! The real problem starts at home. We can't force people to bring up children in loving and caring families. You can't force morality. Our liberal society excuses bad behavior.

Here's another point...I would love to see these liberals who are so ready to restrict guns to come out with any kind of restriction on abortion....oh no...we can't touch that! You bleeding heart hypocrites!

Wilfredo, I am sorry I offended you by calling you a left wing wacko. Clearly I touched a nerve.

KimA,
I agree that sometimes there is nothing that can be done to prevent a multiple murder. However, I also think that sometimes there IS. Just because we cannot be perfect is no excuse not to try to be better.

Once again, what are your "credible solutions"? Or have you given up?

ronald reagan's greatest hits

Reagan on taxes ...he was by todays definition and Joe's definition a "Liberal"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAgOOLs3ie0

Reagan on social security....HUGE LIBERAL REAGAN from Joe's definition and tea party
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihUoRD4pYzI

Tony and gang, we are discussing Obama's plan which you are in support of. Why do you and your people continue to bring up Bush 1, Bush 2, Reagan, Chris Christie etc...we are debating Obama's sad excuse for a solution. I know this is hard for you, but can you stay on point!

Tony when you say "they" have put restrictions on abortion I am assuming you mean those crazy republicans. I can be certain that I have NEVER heard a lib talk about restrictions. As senator Obama didn't even want to allow doctors the right to treat babies that somehow lived through the abortion process. He felt that it interfered with the right of the mother.

Joe, I couldn't agree more!

Tony you are thick. You don't see the difference. You are comparing liberal vs republican. You act as though republican has one meaning. We are saying Obama is a liberal democrat. There are plenty of democrats that aren't in step with him. Just because some prominent republicans say something doesn't mean the whole Republican Party feels that way.

Yes, I thank The Lord every night we have good ole Joe as our VP! Lol I can see why the fools follow that idiot! In regard to gridlock, everyone knows it's up to the president to lead and bring the two parties together. Other presidents have succeeded, but poor poor Obama, it's not his fault. Those nasty republicans are just standing in his way. Of course, it's not because they disagree with his policies, but because they just don't like him! lol Everyone just wants poor Obama to fail. :(

I agree completely! I feel as though he is always on attack! It's a real shame. The divisiveness rubs off on all of us. Look how nasty we can be with each other. He is our leader....president to all Americans. I know I don't matter to him at all. It's so frustrating. I know that I have been guilty of my ugly side coming out...:(

I must remind the other side of this debate that Obama was re-elected because of the lousy agenda Mitt Romney had advanced on the campaign..."Let Detroit go bankrupt, Who cares about the 47% freeloaders", and other pathetic Republican foreign policy ideologies, like bomb, bomb, bomb Iran!..Detroit has recovered and the 47% persevere...No we are not going to bomb Iran...This should give us goosebumps listening to them...This is not blind support to Obama's programs...This is common sense choice.

Both the media and the politicians put effort into keeping Americans both divided and ignorant. Looking at this discussion, it is evident they've had some success.

Willy, I can almost guarantee that you are part of that 47%! The reason Mitt lost was because white America sat this one out! I watched footage from today and thought Michele should look in the mirror when she talks to others about obesity. I also couldn't help but notice how arrogant and divisive Obama's was. So sad! I wish they would both start walking the walk!

It is clearly true, as the above thread illustrates, that there are Americans who hate President Obama. But it is also true that a large majority of Americans, after seeing him in office for four years, voted to reelect him. Obama's opponents must agree that, having won a second term, he has the right, in fact the duty, to work for the agenda he ran on. To deny that is to deny the very foundation of our American democracy. We elected him. He must defend the Constitution, protect us, and work for the agenda we voted for.

He ran on raising taxes and cutting spending. He got his tax increase. unfortunately we are all feeling that, except people who don't pay taxes at all. He has yet to talk about cutting anything. He claims that he ALREADY made cuts...cuts that include cost savings from NOT being at war! Funny math all around. I do despise this man and everything he stands for!

He has done NOTHING to change the sad state of the black community. They are worse off with him as president. The ignorance on the left is astounding...they continue to say we are "getting better....moving in the right direction". Really? The Democratic Party keeps people dependent on the government to retain their power. The Democratic Party is made up of ignorant people too stupid to realize it!

Yes Willy, we are living the good life! 7.8 is great! The number of people on food stamps...no problem...let the good times roll! As for Tony (***hole)' the mental health joke never gets old! Lol loser!

Yet another typical shooting day at the office in Texas...Good commercial for gun manufacturers...This should up more gun sales as it always does after gun violence...Arm the good guys to shoot the bad guys, is that it?

Willy, you are a total loser....ooh I will take 7.8 over 7.9. I guess it is better than 8.0! How about we aim for the 6s, but you go ahead and think big! Also, I don't know where you get your facts, but the number of people on food stamps EXPLODED under Obama! Tony, I guess I will meet you in la la land a**hole!

Tony, really.....***hole is vulgar? Thought a GUY named TONY could handle it especially when he tells a young lady she belongs in a mental institution. If you can't stand the heat stay out of the kitchen. Try growing a pair! ( whoops, that's vulgar!)

Willy, I just had the pleasure of reading your response admitting your were part of the 47%. Here's my shocked face. :0 lol! Don't you mean the rich get richer by MY expense since YOU are a DRAIN on society! Filthy rich...wow...how about classifying them as working people? I was right when I called you ignorant.

As a Democrat, I urge to anyone who admits to being part of the 47% and then be proud of it to stop.. You'll wreck it for all of us. Especially those in genuine need. Muzzle it you fool.

Your remarks about the 47% are making Romney look like he knew what he was talking about. There are plenty of people in the 47% who are unfortunate and deserving of help. 40 years ago, I was one of them. But I "unstuck myself" with a good attitude and hard work. Plenty of people are copying your "quotes" and sending them to politicains and legislators as an example of what you think of their generosity + programs to help. You are HURTING the 47%, but you'll be famous.

Willies no fool...Maybe he will get discovered and start a reality show. called "Willy on Welfare " The life and times. Thanks Willie for validating what we all assumed by now know. You took the bait , hook line and sinker. Thank You!! Fox news will have a party with your documentary.

When I was a child, my mother taught me some quaint fairy tales that I carried through life. Don't bite the hand that feeds you. The goose that laid the golden egg. I've remembered those when I was on both the receiving and the giving end. Noboby believes that "poor people are destroying the country". There are enough ignorant, useless, fools who will do that for us. I promise you I won't go "gaga about" SS + Medicare (that I am on) I am thankful for those programs, realize they are UNSUSTAINABLE as they are now configured, and hope that they can find a solution . Both Democrats and Republicans with have to compromise to find one. Drivel is in the eye of the beholder.

You suggested that I might not know where the SS money comes from. You forgot to mention (or didn't know) that the company you worked for also paid and equal amount , dollar for dollar with your hourly payment. I am still working for myself and pay both ends (double) ss but I accept it as part of the system we have. I'm certainly nor whining, complaining or crying about it. Or suggesting that somebody else pay more so I can pay less.

I got a W2 form in the mail today, from a part-time job. I had no Federal income Tax withheld, but I did have Social Security tax and Medicare tax withheld. Does this mean I have to turn in my "47 Percenter" card? What a conundrum!

Wilfredo I just couldn't stand it anymore. I had to disagree I tried to be nice and call it drivel. I could have called it other things. And there is Soooo much of it. I am afraid it may never stop.

Nazaretti, perhaps Wilfredo will come along and help. He has both a 47% card AND a degree in (lala)-economics

I think it's soooo funny that Obama's followers will soon realize just how many of us are "rich"! We are all paying more people.....wake up!

Wayne LaPierre went on a rampage again invoking more fear among its acolytes about Obama's gun control proposals.

But Jill, I'm so confused! I pay Medicare and Social Security tax but not Federal income tax. Am I a wealth creator or a parasite on society? A maker or a taker? Please explain it all to me, Jill.

Nazeretti, now you just sound like an ass.

I have given it some thought since you asked...I would say you are a taker and most likely a HUGE parasite on society!

:)

Wilfredo I didn't invent the 47% card. Nazaretti did in his post JAN 23 12.59PM People question your credibility when you accuse somebody of something they didn't do? Even worse than drivel Can you say "oops" or "I'll be more careful"?

Wilfredo,
Thank you for your kind comments. Please keep your posts coming, and don't let the haters drag you down!
-Nazaretti

Nazaretti let Wilfredo know that you invented the 47% card (which doesn't really exist) He probably won't believe me.

How do you know it doesn't exist? Have you been violating parole and picking pockets again?

Just let your buddy Wilfredo know that you made it up. He accused me of doing it. He is offended. Own up to it instead of insinuating that I "violated parole" and am "picking pockets again". You make me ashamed to be a Democrat.

Nazaretti, you sound like an angry girl! Why the huge chip on your shoulder?

Angry or not, he should own up to his "invention" of the imaginary 47% card. Nazaretti, are you saying that you're not a Democrat but an independent?

Wilfredo. Ok as long as you understand that Nazaretti made up the imaginary card. Why would you ask me about it when you know it is imaginary and I've never seen one. Ask the "guy who knows"

Nazeretti, I am sorry. I thought you were a woman. :) Whoops! Willy and Nazzy need to man up! Rip up those "cards" and join the fulltime workforce!

To get back to the original title of this thread, Sen. Feinstein has now introduced a bill to ban assault weapons. The Washington Post provides an analysis of her bill in their "Wonkblog" column:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/01/24/the-last-assault-weapons-ban-didnt-work-will-the-new-one-be-different/?hpid=z2

I do not think this bill has much chance of passing Congress. There seem to be better prospects for a greatly beefed up background check system for prospective gun buyers. Even the NRA agrees that "bad guys" shouldn't have guns, and the background check system is designed to make it harder for "bad guys" to get guns.

Can we all just agree that bad guys will always be able to get their hands on guns?News flash to Feinstein...banning guns in this country doesn't ban them in other countries. The gun will still exist and criminals will have NO problem getting their hands on them. Please wake up people! It's all a dog and pony show.

It would be great if we could have a "posturing day". On that day, Feinstein, the NRA, Obama, angry mothers, letter-writing kids and all of us with wonderful opinions could spout off (but for 1 day only) The next day, they could begin the inevitable COMPROMISE which will eventually happen. Hopefully it is a wise one that will make things better and not worse.

Wilfredo I didn't have to look far to find examples of your name-calling. "michelle-hater" 1-23 "filthy rich" 1-23 "blowhard" 1-22 There are plenty more

Nazaretti, I am really try to refrain from calling you a name! You are foolish shall we say. My point, which I am certain you will screw up again, is that making stricter laws and adding gun restrictions for law abiding gun owners isn't solving ANY problem. I am not sure if I am not getting your sense of humor or if you really are that ignorant. I went through and read some of your posts. I think the latter might be true!

Willy, it is obvious you are quite smitten with our First Lady, but please get a hold of yourself. You are over the top. You call a woman whom you don't even know disgusting because she called Michele Obama unattractive. Obviously, not everyone agrees with your accessment of her "beauty". I, for one, don't find her attractive. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder! Why do you take it so personal?

Nazaretti, stop before you look even more foolish. Here's a phrase for you to learn....black market! Criminals DO NOT go through the legal process. Can you really be that naive?

Mary,
You seem to think that all gun violence is committed by people with prior criminal records - "criminals". This is not the case. There are previously law abiding citizens who, for whatever reason, snap. If they have ready access to weapons of mass destruction, they can kill many people in a short time. Think of Adam Lanza, among many, many others.

The restrictions being proposed will take time to work, but the sooner we start, the sooner our society will become safer.

Nazaretti - If someone has "snapped" and firearms are not available, they will simply use whatever they can, a hammer, a propane tank, a vehicle, whatever. If someone "snaps", they could just as easily strangle someone to death.

It is not possible to eliminate all the possible ways in which people can become hurt or killed. Despite all of the safety improvements for automobiles, people are still killed every day on the road. After a while, and we are well past that point, the personal freedoms of the many are greatly infringed upon for the benefit of a few. Sometimes, as the bumper stickers say, S**T HAPPENS.

Nazeretti, you really can't be that stupid. I will not pay your game any longer.

Willy, you went on a whole rant on how you are not a name caller, then you immediately call me disgusting because I dare to agree with whoever found Michele Obama unattractive. You need to check yourself. Obviously you have a bazaar infatuation with her! Relax, I'm sure she isn't reading Patch!

Nazaretti you distorted Wilts post and only used strangling as an option for Lanza. No one believes he would have strangled 27 kids. But there are other options used by evil + determined people. Just one example would be the serin attacks in the Japanese subway years ago. They killed more people in that attack without any firearms at all. There is a huge difference between passing a law against assualt weapons and actually eliminating them. If it is done poorly, understand that we could all be worse off than we are now. You cannot trust politicians, letter writing kids and people who just 'hate guns' (or the NRA for that matter) to make a thoughtful decision that may backfire. I would suspect as a registered Independent, your trust in politicians is not that great.

Hugh,
Yes I distrust politicians, but I also recognize that government is, for this time and place, our way of taking communal action. People are social animals, and communal action is an essential part of being human.

Restrictions on weapons and ammo are only part of the White House plan for addressing gun violence - you can find the plan on the whitehouse.gov web site. I would like to see action by many people and groups on multiple fronts - mental health, media content, fewer weapons of war in civilian hands, etc.

The Feinstein bill explicitly does NOT repossess assault weapons, but does restrict transfer from one person to another - background checks, for example. Even the NRA seems to agree that background checks are an acceptable way to make it harder for convicted criminals and the dangerously mentally ill to get their hands on weapons of war.

No one has claimed that they can totally prevent mass murders, but I think we can reduce their frequency and deadliness. A proposed action can be worthwhile, even if it is imperfect.

Mary,
Look up the definitions of "bazaar" and "bizarre" - we want to keep our Patch discussions literate!

Wilfredo in my post JAN 23 I did not call YOU a fool. I said there were "enough fools to do that for us" There is an expression we've all heard. "if the shoe fits , wear it" Apparently, you chose to put that shoe on? Good thinking!!

Regardless of what you said, I was wrong to call you a fool. I don't think name-calling or accusations are appropriate. I can do better than that.

Willy, you don't HAVE to call any one names. You CHOOSE to! Don't excuse your bad behavior by pointing to someone else's bad behavior. Your mother should have taught you that lesson. So you can call Sara Palin stupid and ugly? Can you say hypocrite? Nazeretti, you show your ignorance by not realizing that iPads automatically fill in words sometimes. Every time I write your name, Nazareth comes up. The mistake wasn't noticed. Thank you for proving your pettiness and ignorance by your inability to let it slide. Guess it made you feel like a big intelligent man! Lol!

Whoops, meant AAPL - Apple. I made a mistake (note the active voice, as opposed to "The mistake wasn't noticed" passive voice).

APPL

I am going out on a limb and guessing that neither Willy nor Nazaretti graduated high school! Btw....M. O. Looks like an angry gorilla!

Just thought I would have some fun playing your game! :)

Btw...I think it may be....so many chips!

While I do enjoy reading these immature insults let me go back on topic. Banning so called assault rifles will not save any lives some one can kill just as many people with a semi automatic hand gun just as fast. A ban might make people falsely feel safe warm and fuzzy inside but it wont save any lives.

Ron, I agree! Someone intent on killing a mass number of people could also use explosives. The schools are limiting access, but whose to say someone couldn't set up right outside the school and hit a crowd as they leave. There are so many scary options. We just can't prevent all these scenarios. Everyone seems to be running on a hamster wheel. A lot of spinning, but no real solution. All these proposals help the naive feel better because "at least we're doing something". It doesn't matter that they won't change a thing except for taking our liberties away!

This entire thread is disgusting. If you are all adults you should be ashamed of yourselves. Would you talk to people to their face as you talk to them hiding behind your computers? To think you are all members of the same community. do you all teach your children to behave this way when faced with differing points of view? You should all be embarrassed.

President Barack Obama's fellow Democrats are poised to frustrate his efforts to enact the most sweeping limits on weapons in decades...As the Senate prepares to begin debating new gun control measures."

Based on their previous voting records, some of the more than dozen Senator include: Sens. Max Baucus of Montana, Mark Begich of Alaska and Mark Pryor of Arkansas, not to mention Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Patrick Leahy of Vermont, who will be chairning the hearings and Senate Democrat Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada himself.

see: http://news.yahoo.com/democrats-may-stand-obamas-way-gun-measures-134432125--politics.html

Mary,
"A lot of spinning but no real solution."
What "real solutions" would you propose?

Ron,
Sen. Feinstein's bill applies to a number of pistols:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/01/24/the-last-assault-weapons-ban-didnt-work-will-the-new-one-be-different/?hpid=z2

Mary,
I agree - stronger penalties, no more "slaps on the wrist".

Mary,
One item in the White House plan: "Create serious penalties for gun trafficking."

http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/wh_now_is_the_time_full.pdf

That is a good start!

A few of the proposals, such as stiffer penalties for trafficking, would be supported by more than 80% of Americans. They would be politcally correct to the point where legislators would be able to support them without wasting time on Feisteins bill (even she doubts that it would be acceptable in it's proposed form). It is important (in their own eyes) to look good. They could do this in steps. Take the obvious winners/no brainers that most people would agree with, write a proposal for those , vote on it. That should do 2 things. Make things safer. And make it look like they actually did something. Then wrangle away at the other ideas that are more controversial and probably need more thought

That article says Booker supports universal background checks, improving data sharing on people with mental health issues and criminal backgrounds, and a tightening of anti-trafficking laws. Sounds like a very good start!

Wilfredo, you used the rationale that it is OK to namecall + make accusations if someone does it to you. But you are doing both to the NRA. The NRA didn't call you any names or make any accusations about you. They aren't even here to defend themsleves. Is there a new rule that we didn't know about? I'm neither an NRA member or fan. You agreed to stop name calling but now it's behind the back to people who aren't here to defend themselves

Sir, please stop nitpicking...I thought we are done with this nonsense...I believe it is OK to characterize an entity as being out of touch...I am too insignificant to the NRA to bother with but many of you enjoy calling people nasty names if they disagree with their opinions...Insulting individuals is so ignorant...Hey, one poster here even wished bodily harm on me and my family because I like gun control..."Michelle Obama is fat and ugly and unattractive"...What in heaven's name does this have to do with our debate on gun violence...Mercy!

Wilfredo once upon a time, I got a nasty email from a space alien who threatened my family with a ray gun. He was probably just a windbag and I didn't hold it against the other space aliens. . I ignored it and never even mentioned it to anyone ( til I read your post). We are all in grave danger!! Mercy indeed!!

The same alien is after both of us? He must be a Republican.

You Know woudn't be nice enstead of using the sad newtown thing as a sidestep, smoke and mirrors, throw things to the side,...agenda promoting, song and dance maneuver to deflect attention away from the BUDGET and the DEFICIT and things that really matter to the producers of America, (NOT his voter bace.)...... sorry I got to stop...I have to take an antacid tums.... nobody listens at all and it does me no good to try... best luck to all in coming days