Posted on 02/18/2018 3:04:55 PM PST by Kaslin
Today on NBC's Meet the Press, Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) chatted with host Chuck Todd about the proper solutions to end mass shootings such as the one that occurred last week in Parkland, Florida that left 17 innocent Americans killed.
Sen. Lankford argued for more extensive background checks, but maintained that the right to own guns is still a constitutional right that must be respected and recognized. Sen. Lankford also emphasized that the ultimate problem is not the type of gun used, but the intent of the person wielding the gun that makes the difference.
The host asked Sen. Lankford what, if any, measures need to be taken to prevent future tragedies. The junior senator from the Sooner state said the system put in-place must be fixed to properly conduct back ground checks.
“I'm on the same legislation with Senator Cornyn on what they call the Fix NICS. That is the first thing of multiple things that need to be done. That is fixing our background check system to make sure that all information is actually getting in there,” the Senator said.
“As we've seen with a previous shooting, we had an individual that had a criminal record that didn't get into the NICS system, so they were able to legally purchase a weapon. In this case, we have a lot of warning signs that were out there. And people in Parkland and all across the country have every reason to be grieved and incredibly furious. Social Services was in this home more than 20 times,” he added.
Sen. Lankford also praised the community for warning the FBI. “The community did all the things that the community should do to be able to engage. They saw something, they said something.”
When pressed as to how exactly the government should determine who can or cannot own a gun, Lankford reminded Todd that the right to bear arms is still a constitutional right that must be respected.
“I have no issue with more extensive background checks. I have no issue with slowing down purchases for people that show all the basic warning signs. We have determined, as a country, that only a court can actually take away a constitutional right. And the right to keep and bear arms is a constitutional right. So we have courts that step in on mental health and other things.”
Lankford again added that the system must be improved. “There are ways to be able to do this to make sure that we keep the system clean and clear. It is a major issue in the country, making sure that we have background checks, but the background checks have all the information that's needed on it.”
Todd later asked if he thought that the AR-15 should be used as a hunting rifle, to which point Lankford said it’s up to the individual and pointed out that many more crimes are committed by somebody with a pistol than a rifle.
"So there are three or four, five times as many crimes committed with a handgun than there are with a rifle. So we can have that conversation," Sen. Lankford told Todd.
"But when you look at the statistics, many, many, many more shootings occur with a pistol than they do with a rifle. I'm fully aware that you've got situations like this, with a mass shooting with an AR-15. But the pistol has still been the weapon of choice for murderers," he added.
"I understand that. But going back to the AR-15, is this a hunting rifle, in your opinion?" asked the host.
Lankford pointed out that "some actually do hunt with an AR-15."
Lankford then emphasized personal choice, saying, "I think it's up to the individual. The problem is not owning an AR-15, is the person that owns it. Again, you not go back to the how of what particular weapon is chosen, it's the why. I have individuals in my neighborhood that own an AR-15. That doesn't make it a dangerous neighborhood or them dangerous individuals. It's the individual themself becomes the issue, not the weapon that they're holding.
When asked if he thought it should be harder to buy an AR-15, Lankford said anybody with with a criminal background, mental instability, or domestic should have difficulty buying a firearm.
“I actually don't think it should be,” he said. “I think what should be is difficult for any person with any kind of criminal background history, domestic violence, mental instability, all of those things, regardless. I don't care whether they're buying a 22 pistol or an AR-15."
The Republicans comments come as both sides of the aisle are being pressed by their respective bases to find a workable solution to preventing mass shootings in America.
The current gun check system works better than the politician vetting and accountability for their promises.
The hysteria used to be about banning handguns, although semi automatic rifles were around then too. So what has changed? Maybe, just maybe, it’s not about the firearms.
rms
Virginia Tech shooter didnt use an AR 15..I believe he used a handgun..the Senate has armed guards, Congress has armed guards..I remember a few years back they asked some Dem Congressman if he was OK with Congress not having armed security and he said “No we need to be protected we are more important”
F Chuck Todd, gun control is a proven failure. Try discussing something else.
Consider the parallels to alcohol and firearms. Both are items that are deeply embedded in our culture, have immense potential for misuse, but are widely and responsibly used by the vast majority of people. Each has a vocal population virulently opposed to it.
So, how did Prohibition work out? Epic fail on all stated objectives, with none of the stated beneficiaries being helped. Who did benefit from Prohibition? Lead to huge organized crime problem, and undermined respect for the law by previously responsible and law abiding citizens.
The problems caused by alcohol misuse cannot not be solved by Prohibition. The problems of firearm misuse cannot be solved by Prohibition, either. Who stands to benefit?
It is pathetic that we don’t protect our schools like we protect the worthless Congress Critters. How much would it cost? The libtards will never spend the money so they are frauds and the agenda is all about gun grabbing.
Columbine shooters were both 17 and it happened before the AWB went into effect.
Age restrictions and gun restrictions don’t change the behavior of bad people.
More important than the average citizen?
Cho killed 32 and wounded 17 using a Walther P-22 and Glock 19, two of the most common calibers available (.22 and 9mm).
In this facilities case, their security system should be brought to public scrutiny . Particularly of the policies employed. For starters this school has a so called “gun free zone”. It does have a parking lot officer who may be armed assigned to patrol the multi acre site in a golf cart , but bans guns from the rest of its internal security .
Because of these Ding Bat liberal policies it brings up another question. Just how safe and secure are those kids ? There’s a lot of krap that happens; Assaults, fights, thefts, books and items stolen, teachers accosted, kids intimidated. Drug use ...
Examine records reporting how student vs student, and student vs teacher altercations, vandalism, and thefts, which are bound to occur were being dealt with.
For an educational unit this size it’s pretty clear their security system failed . In a secure system Cruz would have never gotten inside.
Yep don’t see an AR15 on that list..what the left wants eventually is to ban ALL guns..first the AR 15 because they call it “Assault” even though it isnt..than the rifle, handgun, and finally the pistol
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