Dissing the Second Amendment

In their rush to pass new gun control measures, Democrats cite polls, including one sponsored by the Denver Post, that show support for new gun restrictions.

And, indeed, there is support, albeit much of it is 60 percent or less and the questions tend to be leading, such as use of the term “assault weapon” and asking questions that imply the laws are just continuations of current policy; i.e., “reinstate” and “restoration.”

But more importantly, both national and local polls show the public is supportive of basic Second Amendment gun rights, and when offered a general philosophical choice, they pick stricter enforcement of current laws over passing new laws.

Democrats, in their enthusiasm and after decades of frustration, would like to use this moment of policy momentum to pass the most aggressive anti-gun legislation possible. Hence, their strict liability legislation for gun manufacturers, retailers and owners. The bill was immediate described as extreme, but its attraction to Democrats is obvious. It would likely remove assault-type weapons without an outright ban; it attacks gun dealers and manufacturers, a strongly disliked group in Democratic circles; and it sets a precedent for other jurisdictions and applications, such as banning all automatic weapons.

More cautious politicians, like Gov. Hickenlooper, immediately took a hands-off position.  As the Washington Times pointed out:

“What should have been a shining moment for the Democratic legislative leadership – last week’s much anticipated rollout of a proposed package of eight gun bills – instead landed with something of a thud. Rather than embracing the effort, Gov. Hickenlooper, a Democrat, released a statement afterward saying he would study the issue.

Analysts quickly pointed out that the centerpiece, a proposed bill creating strict liability for gun manufacturers, retailers and owners, conflicted with a 2005 federal law. One rural Democratic lawmaker reportedly called the idea ‘crazy.”

‘The governor and lots of Democrats are taking a hands-off position,’ Denver pollster Floyd Ciruli said. ‘They’re saying they want to see what the bills say, which is political speak for, “I want to see how this plays.”’”

See:
Denver Post: On gun legislation, Coloradans’ views change since September
Washington Times: Legislators feeling the heat on gun laws