Speak for yourself, pal. If the ballot says Bush (R) and Kerry (D), you can be damn sure I vote check the box for Bush. Unlike you (apparently), I remember the damage that 8 years of Clinton did to this nation. The Assault weapons ban cannot match up against the innumberable other freedoms which will be sacficied if the Democrats gain power again.
That'll go over well with the NASCAR crowd.
No way in hell do I want to go back to a Democrat president over just this one issue important as it is.
We already know the Dems are anti gun.
The 2004 expiration of the 1994 "assault weapon ban" is part of the "existing gun laws".
No one's faulting Bush for enforcing the present ten-year ban, they're faulting him for saying that he would enact a *NEW* ban (presumably a permanent one) when the old one expires.
Rove is either an idiot, or a bad bald-faced liar, and neither option inspires confidence.
Based on the utter failure of all political operatives who've gone toe-to-toe against Rove, Sam Cohen will probably regret it if Rove remembers their exchange.
Cohen comes up far short of Rove's political savvy, talent, and genius. Whereas Cohen has one narrow pet issue that matters the most to him, Rove knows of all issues that matter the most to the success of his clients.
The smart money is on Rove in this battle. Cohen has no chance.
Bottom line: When this law sunsets in 9/04, we're all going to be a happy lot. And it's going to happen.
Bush sides with the NRA and against law enforcement on every major gun safety measure including closing the gun show loophole, concealed weapons, and mandatory child safety locks.
Concealed Weapons : Bush Signed NRA-backed Concealed Gun Bill. In 1995, Bush signed an NRA-backed bill to allow private citizens to carry concealed handguns in Texas, ending a 125-year ban on concealed weapons. [ Dallas Morning News, 5/27/95; Oil and Gas Journal, 6/19/95 ]
Bush Signed Bill Allowing Guns In Churches : In 1997, Bush signed a bill that allowed Texans to bring their guns into churches and synagogues unless a sign specifically barred them from doing so. [ Texas HB2909, 75th Legislature, www.capitol.state.tx.us; Legislative History, Texas HB2909, 75th Legislature, www.capitol.state.tx.us ]
Gun Shows : Bush Bowed to NRA, Failed to Lead on Background Checks Legislation . Bush claimed to support background check requirements for unlicenced dealers at gun shows, but declined to assist the passage of a state bill on that very issue. Bush claimed the federal government should solve the gun show problem, but only endorsed an NRA-supported, loophole-filled amendment. [ Houston Chronicle, 4/27/99; Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5/22/99 ]
Texas Leads the Nation in Number of Guns Shows. Under Bush, Texas offered convicted felons more opportunities to purchase guns than any other state in the country through a loophole that allows people to purchase guns at gun shows with no background check. Texas led the country with 472 gun shows in 1998 -- 222 more shows than the state in second place. [ San Antonio Express-News, 3/18/99, 4/14/99; South Bend Tribune, 2/18/99 ]
Child Safety : Bush Opposes Mandatory Child Safety Locks. Bush opposes mandatory gun safety locks -- instead he thinks the locks should still be voluntary. [ Christian Science Monitor, 5/13/99 ]
Texas Received "D" in Protecting Kids from Guns. Texas received a "D" -- the sixth worst grade in the nation -- from Handgun Control, Inc. for failing to pass laws to protect kids from guns. The national gun-control group cited Texas?failure to prohibit juveniles from owning handguns, as well as the states prohibition of municipal laws that are stricter than state law. [ Houston Chronicle, 9/15/98 ]
Special Rights for Gun Makers : Bush Signed NRA-Backed Bill Giving Gun Manufacturers Special Rights. In 1999, Bush signed legislation -- called the "gun lobbys top priority" -- that gives gun makers special protection from being held liable for the design and marketing of their products. [ New York Times, 6/20/99; Associated Press, 5/19/99; Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5/18/99 ]
For some people the fact that Dubya has shown support for a bill that, even Karl Rove says, has no chance of passing is cause for sleepless nights. I sleep very well thank you.