Senate Braces for Fight Over Gun Lawsuits

WASHINGTON - The nation's gun lobby is close to realizing a long-sought goal of protecting firearms manufacturers and dealers from being held legally responsible for violent crimes committed with their handguns and automatic weapons.

Supporters believe they have the votes in the Senate to pass as early as today a bill making it virtually impossible for victims of gun violence to file civil suits against the industry -- a testimony to the political clout of gun manufacturers, which have become increasingly vulnerable to civil lawsuits in the District and several states. Twelve Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Harry M. Reid (Nev.), are joining with the Republicans to support the legislation.

"This bill has one motivation -- payback by the Bush administration and the Republican leadership of the Congress to the powerful special interests of the National Rifle Association," Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) said yesterday. "The unholy alliance and control of the legislative process against the safety of our citizens is immoral, and it's a disgrace."

Well, Senator, like the bumper sticker sez - Ted Kennedy's car has killed more people than my gun.

I believe the WAPO has made few editing mistakes. I believe it should read like this.....

"WASHINGTON - The nation's automobile lobby is close to realizing a long-sought goal of protecting car manufacturers and dealers from being held legally responsible for violent crimes committed with their sedans, vans and suvs. Supporters believe they have the votes in the Senate to pass as early as today a bill making it virtually impossible for victims of automobile accidents to file civil suits against the industry -- a testimony to the political clout of car manufacturers, which have become increasingly vulnerable to civil lawsuits in the District and several states.
~~~snip~~~ Vincent Morris, a spokesman for D.C. Mayor Anthony A. Williams, said: "It's disappointing but not surprising that this Congress wants to accommodate car makers at the expense of victims."
D.C. case in the crosshairs
The automobile industry is particularly nervous about the D.C. law because plaintiffs are not required to show fault or prove that a car used in the commission of a crime was defective. Lawrence G. Keane, general counsel for the National Automobile Manufacturing Association, which represents the car industry, said every injury involving a van, sedan or suv within the District's borders "could potentially give rise to a lawsuit."

Ahhh, that's better :-)

The nation's gun lobby is close to realizing a long-sought goal of protecting firearms manufacturers and dealers from being held legally responsible for violent crimes committed with their handguns and automatic weapons.

Funny how the Post or MSNBC would never run an article that started out:

"The nation's automotive lobby is close to realizing a long-sought goal of protecting automobile manufacturers and dealers from being held legally responsible for auto accidents due to drunk driving."

In what bizzaro world is a manufacturer held liable for the illegal use of their products by the victims of the criminals?

Savage is right. Liberalism is a mental disorder.

Mark

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.