Posted on 06/16/2004 8:42:31 PM PDT by TERMINATTOR
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California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R), who became a movie star by blowing up and shooting anything that stood in his way, has reaffirmed his support of the federal assault-weapons ban.
In a letter to Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) last month, Schwarzenegger called on Congress to renew the ban, which is scheduled to expire in September.
As you are well aware, Californians overwhelmingly support the ban on these dangerous weapons, wrote Schwarzenegger, who spoke out in favor of the ban during last years campaign for the governorship but has not been very vocal on the issue this year.
The renewal of the federal ban on assault weapons is a prudent, common sense effort to limit the prevalence and availability of dangerous weapons and protect public safety, Schwarzenegger added.
It shows the broad support for this, said Eric Howard, a spokesman for the Brady Campaign to End Gun Violence.
Feinstein is one of the bans strongest advocates in the Senate, where a majority voted to extend it in March. While the ban-renewal bill has some bipartisan support in the House as well, House GOP leaders are unlikely to schedule a vote on it. Some lawmakers may attempt to force a vote through a discharge position.
But such a move could be dangerous for Republicans during an election year. The National Rifle Association (NRA), which is strongly against the bans renewal, was one of the presidents strongest allies in 2000. But the group has yet to endorse Bush, and his signing of an extension could put it an endorsement in jeopardy.
Chris Cox, the NRAs chief lobbyist, dismissed Schwarzeneggers description of the guns covered by the ban as dangerous military firearms.
The letter is factually incorrect, Cox said. The assault-weapons ban has nothing whatsoever to do with military weapons.
While the White House supports the ban, the president has not pressured GOP leaders to act. Gun-control advocates say Schwarzeneggers endorsement of the ban is another example of the Republican governor breaking from Bush.
If the president does not step up to the plate, the ban will be terminated, Howard said.
Schwarzenegger has been quiet about gun issues, some activists pointed out, at times seeming to align with Second Amendment supporters and other times siding with gun-control advocates. The ban has strong support from law-enforcement agencies and is considered popular in California, which has enacted state gun-control laws as well.
Proponents of the ban hope that the famous Republican governors support will add momentum to their cause.
Were very happy that the governor is taking a public position on this, and publicly calling on the president to take responsible action, said Howard. I know the governor is hearing from his law-enforcement constituency and the public.
Feinstein said, I welcome Governor Schwarzeneggers support in this effort to ensure than the ban is reauthorized and that military-style assault weapons arent allowed back on the streets of America. Assault weapons are the weapons of choice for criminals and those seeking to do the maximum damage possible in the shortest amount of time.
But Cox said the NRA remains confident that the ban will end in the fall.
This law has had no impact on crime, Cox said. In 10 years theres not one shred of evidence that its been effective, and were confident that come September this ban will be allowed to sunset.
I'll bet the star struck know-nothings are just real proud of themselves for picking this gun grabber over Tom McClintock.
bumpo
Ping-o!
They've done more to advance liberalism, than Bustamonte ever could have.
What do you think Governor Bustamante would have done?
http://calrepublic.tripod.com/
I'm all for Indepence of Californa.
Be a lot better for us all.
"They've done more to advance liberalism, than Bustamonte ever could have."
Care to substantiate your assertions with some facts?
Uh....independent from who? Mexico?
Of course, but McClintock would have lost anyway.
Q: So, what is left?
A: Sending hardliners up the pipeline.
Q: How is that done?
A: By getting out and doing something - each and EVERY one of the gun owners in CA. Until then, expect more of the same.
Well I see Governor Rino is doing his very best to undermine the Constitution, weaken the second amendment and further spread his liberal social policy agenda.
I strongly disagree with his comments, but they have no legal bite.
The Federal AWB is utterly irrelevant to California - that state has already passed a far more sweeping ban on so-called "assault weapons" that will strip its citizens of military-style homeland defense rifles within a generation, and whether the Federal ban is renewed or not, California citizens will still be subject to felony charges.
Molon Labe!
Facts disprove your statements.
What facts? All I see is your usual liberal spin jive. Bustamante would have encounterd much opposition. Arnold has both sides supporting his lib agenda.
Semi-automatic. If he ever used a semi-auto, I never noticed. It was usually Spray and Pray. Especially "Predator" which involved a man borne Gatling of some sort.
so far Arnold made the CA Legislature repeal the driver's license for illegals bill, repealed the car tax, refused to raise taxes, despite of the Dems trying to push him into it, is cutting the budget, has the trust of the financial markets ( CA's credit rating was raised), just to name a few things for starters - in his first six weeks in office.
You have a problem with any of it?
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