tequila4kapp said:
My perspective: guns are not going away so we have to look elsewhere to eliminate these tragedies. I'm convinced there's a mental health component to this, very likely tied to social media. If there are subsets of society that are at greater risk then we can introduce safeguards. There are other subsets that could be looked at similarly.
This line of discussion will either show we share common ground or that we don't have a lot to talk about:
Measures frequently opposed by Republicans:Universal background checks: For years, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act (H.R. 8), which would require background checks for all gun sales and transfers, has been passed by the House but blocked in the Senate by Republicans. The NRA and Republican supporters argue that expanded background checks primarily affect law-abiding citizens and would be ineffective at stopping criminals.
Your thoughts:Bans on assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines: Democrats and advocates have repeatedly called for the reinstatement of the federal assault weapons ban, which expired in 2004, and a ban on magazines that hold more than 10 rounds. While most Democrats favor these bans, majorities of Republicans oppose them. Bills to reinstate the ban have passed the House but stalled in the Senate due to Republican opposition.
Your thoughts:"Red flag" laws: These laws, also known as Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs), allow law enforcement to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others. Republicans have generally opposed federal red flag legislation, with critics citing concerns that the policies may strip due process from gun owners.
Your thoughts:Bans on bump stocks: In June 2024, Senate Republicans blocked a bill to ban bump stocks, which was introduced after the Supreme Court overturned a Trump-era administrative ban. Republicans argued that a ban would affect law-abiding citizens and that the Supreme Court's ruling should stand.
Your thoughts:Closing loopholes in background check laws: Republicans have frequently blocked legislation aimed at closing specific loopholes:
The "Charleston Loophole": This loophole allows a gun sale to proceed if a background check isn't completed within three business days. A 2021 bill to close it passed the House but was blocked in the Senate by Republicans.
Your thoughts:"Ghost guns": Republicans have voted against legislation aimed at cracking down on the sale of untraceable, self-assembled firearms.
Your thoughts:Restricting gun access for those with specific dangerous histories: Republican-led efforts have blocked legislation to prohibit firearm access for people on the federal terrorism watch list ("No Fly, No Buy") and for individuals with temporary restraining orders for domestic violence.
Your thoughts:Increased accountability for gun dealers and manufacturers:Republicans have added policy riders to spending bills that block funding for the implementation of rules aimed at cracking down on gun dealers who commit violations.
Efforts to repeal the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), which grants gun manufacturers broad immunity from liability, have also been blocked.
Your thoughts: Cancel my subscription to the Resurrection
Send my credentials to the House of Detention
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