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 state’s 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 lobby’s 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.
Hope that you don't mind my pinging you to this thread. I read the thread, that you posted on Wednesday and am curious as to whether or not you had seen any of the exchange alleged in this article. Can you verify this?
Thanks.