Yet again -- still, actually -- the vast majority of American citizens are demanding something be done to reduce gun violence. The slaughter of little schoolchildren couldn't generate any action. Maybe the worst mass shooting in American history will.
Or not. Yesterday's unsurprising time-waster in the U.S. Senate showed just how influential the NRA really is. Four gun control proposals came to the floor, and all four were shot down (to use a phrase.)
The sensible proposals were the two from Democrats: 1. A ban on selling firearms to those on the TSA no-fly list, a.k.a. No Fly-No Buy, and 2. A new requirement for background checks for internet sales and gun show sales.
The Republicans/NRA came up with two craven, chicken-shit proposals of their own: 1. A 72-hour waiting period for those on the no-fly list. (These aren't home equity lines. We're talkin' about lethal weapons!), and 2. More money for the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), but no expansion of checks for internet or gun show sales. In fact, this proposal would make it more difficult to deny a gun for mental reasons, and easier to appeal such a decision.
The Democrats returned the favor by rejecting these toothless schemes.
It appears that no amount of horror, bloodshed or public outcry can pry Republicans from the clutches of the NRA. They are cowards, but it's hard to think rationally when your paycheck is written by the devil.
No comments:
Post a Comment