News Is Bush's Lax Gun Control Policy Putting the 'Homeland' at Risk?

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The discussion centers on the lapse of the assault weapons ban during George W. Bush's presidency, highlighting concerns about public safety and the accessibility of military-style firearms like the AK-47. Critics argue that allowing such weapons to be sold increases the likelihood of gun violence, especially given the emphasis on "homeland security." Some participants note that the responsibility for the ban's expiration lies with Congress, not Bush, who had indicated he would support its renewal if presented. Others argue that the ban was ineffective, primarily targeting cosmetic features rather than addressing the real dangers of firearms. The conversation also touches on the rarity of political assassinations and the effectiveness of the Secret Service in preventing such events, suggesting that while gun accessibility is a concern, the actual threat level may be influenced by various factors beyond just the availability of assault weapons.
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It seems that Bush, under the pressure of pro-gun groups allowed a ban on assault weapons to lapse. This seems to be rediculous, given his militaristic determination on "homeland security." Now, how exactly will the "homeland" be safe when any loony over 18 can go out to a store and buy an AK-47? Expect to see more shootings in the news with these easily accessible weapons of mass homicide.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,10764381%255E1702,00.html

Thanks a lot Bush. We'll be seein you out the door in 2004.
 
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Well, the things Bush does inside the USA are not about security for the people. They're about security for the people in power.
 
Gza said:
It seems that Bush, under the pressure of pro-gun groups allowed a ban on assault weapons to lapse.
Not to get all factual on you or anything BUT it wasn't up to Bush to stop the ban from lapsing, it was up to congress. They obviously chose not to. Furthermore, Bush also publicly stated that he would sign it and stop the bill from sunsetting if congress were to put it before him. Congress obviously did not put it before him, therefor...it was allowed to set softly upon the western horizon. :wink:
This seems to be rediculous, given his militaristic determination on "homeland security." Now, how exactly will the "homeland" be safe when any loony over 18 can go out to a store and buy an AK-47? Expect to see more shootings in the news with these easily accessible weapons of mass homicide.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,10764381%255E1702,00.html

Thanks a lot Bush. We'll be seein you out the door in 2004.
It was a bad law, based mostly on cosmetics. Certified loony's as well as Felons still are not able to go out and by any weapon and if ak-47's are eligible for purchase (nobody has shown me they are, sor far) then they would still have to be limited to semi-automation. As semi-automatics on the whole were never banned, of what real relevence is that? Other then clip size, there is really no change except for allowing weapons who have cosmetic differences to be back on the market.
All of the ranters and ravers would do better to push for a more sensible law instead of crying about the loss of this one.
 
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Assault weapons = ugly = threat to national security
 
How many assassinations in the USA were committed with assault rifles? How many with single shot rifles and pistols?
 
For Presidents:

Lincoln: Pistol
McKinley: Pistol
JFK: Single shot rifle
Ford: Pistol on both occassions
Reagan: Pistol

Frankly, I would be more worried about pistol-grip, short-barreled shotguns.
 
It was a bad law, based mostly on cosmetics. Certified loony's as well as Felons still are not able to go out and by any weapon and if ak-47's are eligible for purchase (nobody has shown me they are, sor far) then they would still have to be limited to semi-automation. As semi-automatics on the whole were never banned, of what real relevence is that? Other then clip size, there is really no change except for allowing weapons who have cosmetic differences to be back on the market.
All of the ranters and ravers would do better to push for a more sensible law instead of crying about the loss of this one.

If that's true then I guess I have some research to do, before I can talk about this any further. Thanks Kat :smile: .
 
I've always been amazed that there are not far more political assassinations. It's very easy to put a bullet in something the size of a head from several hundred metres away, and there are a lot of frustrated people out there.
 
I've always been amazed that there are not far more political assassinations. It's very easy to put a bullet in something the size of a head from several hundred metres away, and there are a lot of frustrated people out there.

The secret service is an amazing organization. Anywhere the president will be in public sight, they will pretty much figure out every single location concealed sniper fire can come from and secure it. It really isn't as easy as one would think. The relatively few assasinations of presidents supports this.
 
  • #10
The current world record for a 0.50 calibre is 2.4 kilometres, by a Canadian army sniper. That's a lot of area to cover.

I wonder if there are actually many attempts, which fail due to the SS, or there aren't many attempts.
 
  • #11
Adam said:
The current world record for a 0.50 calibre is 2.4 kilometres, by a Canadian army sniper. That's a lot of area to cover.

I wonder if there are actually many attempts, which fail due to the SS, or there aren't many attempts.

But in an urban environment, there aren't that many sight lines, while in an open area, the possible locations for a sniper are few and thus controllable. I think the prevention of sniper fire is difficult but doable if you have only specific sites (such as transfer to and from vehicles) to control. Modern "bulletproof" and opaque vehicles solves the other part of that problem. I would think they'd worry a lot about the possibility of shooting down aircraft, though.
 
  • #12
JohnDubYa said:
For Presidents:

Lincoln: Pistol
McKinley: Pistol
JFK: Single shot rifle
Ford: Pistol on both occassions
Reagan: Pistol

Frankly, I would be more worried about pistol-grip, short-barreled shotguns.

Dubya, you forgot about Garfield :eek:..ummm, nevermind. :rolleyes:
 

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