[TheBattman]

Yep - and look at the huge decrease in crimes involving so-called "assault weapons". [/ sarcasm off]

This issue goes way beyond reduction in crime or violence, as crimes involving "assault weaons" was not a huge problem. As we know, more people are killed annualy here by medical malpractice than with firearms, much less "assault weapons". What this is realy about is people control.

In the case of GW supporting the ban, I believe he is just pandering to the left in an attempt to look more moderate. Unfotunately, he looks like a liar/traitor to those of us in the pro-2nd amendment crowd who believe that he took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.

[OldPossum]

I don't think that President Bush is pandering to the left. If he is pandering at all, it is to that part of the electorate that doesn't understand guns and are afraid of them, to wit, women.

Also, he is cognizant of those "independents" (those, it seems, who tend to have no firmly-held set of political values that puts them in either the Democratic or Republican camps) who are like that subset of women who are "against" guns.

Our job is to make sure that this legislation never gets out of the House of Representatives. Forget about the Senate; that's a lost cause (too many Democrats and wimpy Republicans).

[Unwavering Conservative]

I believe Dubya will not hesitate to sign for an extension of this Bll if it reaches his desk.