http://www.ontheissues.org/2016/Bernie_Sanders_Gun_Control.htm
-Hailey Lam
Monday, October 5, 2015
Bernie Sanders and Gun Control
As a Democrat who is considered by many of his opponents as an advocate for socialism, it's strange to hear that he is on the fence on gun control. His voting history shows that he voted "yes" on banning high-capacity magazines, "yes" on allowing firearms on Amtrack trains, "yes" on prohibiting foreign policy that restricts US gun ownership, "yes" on prohibiting product misuse lawsuits in gun manufacturers, and "no" on decreasing gun waiting period from 3 days to 1. The recent mass shooting at Umpqua Community College brings the conversation on guns to the forefront, and it is not a good time for Bernie, who has won elections with the NRA's help in the past, to be talking about this topic while Hillary calls for the nation to stand up to the NRA. Bernie Sanders believes that in order for there to be gun control laws, the laws must be applicable to all states. Unlike urban areas, people in rural states enjoy hunting, and as a Senator from Vermont, Sanders believes that people should be allowed to hunt with guns. His stance has lost him support on both ends of the political spectrum, liberals and the NRA. However, his stance makes sense, in a country with views so diverse, it's important to be sensible. But as a country grieving for the lost lives in the mass shooting, we are incapable of being rational. We need to look at what works and what is an infringement on our rights. Bernie has it right, gun control shouldn't be a crackdown on hunters, but restrictions that prevent mass shootings. Background checks, a ban on assault weapons and improved mental health services are reasonable but that ends when it becomes an excuse to take away our natural born rights.
-Hailey Lam
-Hailey Lam
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Because of the surging numbers of mass shootings in recent years, there has been a growing number of people who want EXTREMELY strict regulations on guns. This is what James Madison was trying to prevent through Federalism - the temporary passions of the people. I think Bernie Sanders is doing a good job keeping his head above those waters, having the interest of everyone in consideration. And perhaps we too should also think about gun control more thoroughly. These regulations seem obvious to us as blue state New Yorkers, but most of us have never had to life a lifestyle that required guns.
ReplyDeleteLike Thomas has said, Bernie is a good man to stand his ground because there are just so many opinions and different life styles surrounding the use of guns. He isn't wavering and doesn't look to be changing his views on gun control. Hopefully he can gain support from the public who have to look at others than just themselves.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that Bernie Sanders does not want to restrict gun control is surprising. Democrats tend to believe in restricting gun laws but this is not evident in Bernie Sanders views. Bernie Sanders views are influenced by the fact that he himself is owner of a gun. It is surprising that after all these shootings Bernie Sanders does not want to restrict gun laws.
ReplyDeleteIf we should want to keep the right of using gun control, then we should be able to have laws which tightly control and govern this right. Bernie is giving a good compromise for this issue, so that both sides can have this as a compromise. If licensed gun owners follow laws, their can be less issues.
ReplyDeleteIf we should want to keep the right of using gun control, then we should be able to have laws which tightly control and govern this right. Bernie is giving a good compromise for this issue, so that both sides can have this as a compromise. If licensed gun owners follow laws, their can be less issues.
ReplyDelete