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Issue 10
June 10, 2004

Reagan's Assault Weapons Ban Legacy

While gun lobby extremists call Reagan a traitor, On Target joins most of America in remembering the 40th President - and how he was responsible for making the Assault Weapons Ban law.

And if George W. Bush really wants to emulate President Reagan, he might want to lift a finger to save and strengthen the assault weapons ban.

IN THIS ISSUE

* Reagan's Assault Weapons Ban Legacy. While the nation mourns President Reagan, On Target looks at the conservative icon’s enlightened stands on gun policy in his later years.
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Reagan's Assault Weapons Ban Legacy

The folks over at KeepandBearArms.org are calling Ronald Reagan a traitor during this week of remembrance (yep, that's Reagan they're talking about). On Target wondered why they would call America's 40th President, who Guns & Ammo magazine once hailed as the " Gun Owner’s Champion," a traitor. It seemed rather, well, unpatriotic.

So this week On Target takes an in-depth look at Reagan's stance on gun safety, and how his direct involvement helped make the Brady Bill and Assault Weapons Ban law.

Among the unforgettable images from Reagan's presidency being replayed this week are scenes from the March 30, 1981 attempt on his life. That day introduced the world to the bravery of the Secret Service and the law enforcement officers who protect the President. And it forever changed the life of Mr. Reagan's press secretary, James Brady.

John Hinckley's deed left Brady paralyzed - and determined to end America's "no questions asked" firearm policies. Brady and his wife Sarah got behind a proposal that would require criminal background checks for firearm sales through licensed dealers. It later became the Brady Bill.

President Reagan played an instrumental role in passing this landmark legislation. In late March of 1991, ten years after the shooting, Reagan joined his former press secretary at George Washington University Hospital. There, at the very hospital at which both men were treated for their near-fatal wounds, Reagan said " You do know that I'm a member of the NRA, and my position on the right to bear arms is well known...But I want you to know something else, and I am going to say it in clear, unmistakable language: I support the Brady bill, and I urge the Congress to enact it without further delay."

President Clinton signed the Brady Bill into law in 1993.

Later, in 1994, Reagan directly lobbied Members of Congress to pass the federal Assault Weapons Ban. The ban passed the U.S. House of Representatives 216-214, a margin of just two votes. One of those votes was cast by former Rep. Dick Swett (D-NH), who credited Reagan’s direct involvement for his "aye" vote. Swett told the Boston Globe, "he made up his mind after being lobbied by the idol of GOP conservatives, President Ronald Reagan."

Reagan also won over the second vote that made the Assault Weapons Ban law. According to Wisconsin's Capital Times, former Rep. Scott Klug (R-WI) voted for the assault weapons ban only after a "last-minute plea" from Reagan.

Said the Times: "For Klug...the defining moment came when he received a personal message from former President Ronald Reagan. A handwritten note from Reagan was faxed to Klug, asking the Wisconsin congressman to support the ban. The note said, in part: 'Dear Scott: As a longtime gun owner and supporter of the right to bear arms, I, too, have carefully thought about this issue. I am convinced that the limitations imposed in this bill are absolutely necessary. I know there is heavy pressure on you to go the other way, but I strongly urge you to join me in supporting this bill. It must be passed. Sincerely, Ronald Reagan.'"

Reagan's legacy includes support for stronger gun laws. It's true that while Reagan was President, he did not champion these initiatives. And in 1986, Reagan signed NRA-backed legislation that actually weakened federal gun regulations.

But in his later years, Reagan bucked his own party and lobbied for bills like the Assault Weapons Ban. He knew it was the right thing to do. Contrast his actions with the current President - who refuses to lift a finger to save and strengthen the ban - and you understand why Reagan should be praised, not mocked as a traitor.