Posted on 05/09/2003 10:15:16 AM PDT by Remedy
Interesting link, thanks. Looks like I've got to do a bit of research, because the last post in that thread sure seems contrary to what I can dimly recollect (the mists of time grow thick).
What I do recall is that for some reason, back in 1990 there were a number of "loophole" guns on the market. These were mostly Norinco AK-S rifles that were already in the shipping pipeline when GHWB's exec order took effect. The original receiver of each rifle was cut per BATF regulations, after which the rifle (by then just "spare parts kit") was allowed into the country.
At least one enterprising company (B-West) assembled some of those parts on new, American-made receivers (if you run across one bearing that rollmark, excercise caution. They are infamous for poor heat-treating), and *voila*: legal firearms available for sale - in otherwise original condition. Pistol grip, bayonet, the works.
Something prompted those importers to turn functional rifles into parts kits. If not an executive order from Bush 41, than what?
Remarks and a Question-and-Answer Session With Reporters
February 16, 1989
(snip)
Gun Control
Q. Mr. President, even though there's been a cutoff, there is something called guns that is so rampant in this country --
The President. Helen, it's been a great pleasure. The last question -- --
Q. Why won't you answer the question, because this is one of the most clearly -- --
Mr. Fitzwater. Thank you.
The President. What was your question?
Q. The question is: Are you going to exert any leadership in trying to forestall these -- --
The President. Do you know that there are laws on the book outlining the import of AK-47's -- automatic -- --
Q. No, I didn't.
The President. Well, see, there's a fact. So, where does that lead you? You already had laws that prohibit the import of fully automated AK - 47's. That law is on the books. So, are we talking about law enforcement? Are we talking about -- --
Q. We're talking about semiautomatic AK - 47's, sir. We're talking about semiautomatic guns.
The President. What do you mean by semi?
Q. I mean no cocking, pull the trigger, the gun fires each time I pull the trigger.
The President. Look, if you're suggesting that every pistol that can do that or every rifle should be banned, I would strongly oppose that. I would strongly go after the criminals who use these guns. But I'm not about to suggest that a semi-automated hunting rifle be banned. Absolutely not. Am I opposed to AK - 47's, fully automated? Am I in favor of supporting the law that says they shouldn't come in here? Yes. But Helen, with all her experience, didn't even know it was there. Nor did I until I looked it up. [Laughter]
Q. I don't know how you -- when did you find out? I don't know how you can read the paper every day -- 13 deaths on Valentine's Day.
The President. Exactly, which concerns me enormously.
Q. What will you do -- --
The President. When you let a guy out of jail to commit a crime like this, it's outrageous. Two of these people were people that already had -- have -- help.
Q. So, you think it's okay for people to have guns?
The President. To have guns? Yes, I do. Do I think it's all right for people to have fully automatic AK - 47's? No, I think the law should be -- --
Q. Sir, the issue is the -- in Stockton, that was a semiauto. That was not a fully automatic weapon.
The President. Well, but I've answered your question on that question. I'm not about to propose a ban on service .45's or something like that.
Q. On semiautomatics -- right?
The President. No, I'm not about to do that. And I think the answer is the criminal. Do more with the criminal. Look, the States have a lot of laws on these things. Let them enforce them. It's hard, very hard, to do. But that's my position, and I'm not going to change it.
Q. Is there nothing you can do about the murder capital of the United States? As the number one resident?
The President. Well, we need the help of all the press to do something about it.
Q. When did you find out that they were banned? Today? [Laughter]
The President. Slightly before you did, put it that way -- slightly before you did.
Note: The exchange began at 2:24 p.m. in the Oval Office at the White House. Marlin Fitzwater was the President's Press Secretary. In his remarks the President referred to Patrick Purdy who, armed with a semiautomatic AK - 47, shot and killed six schoolchildren on a playground in Stockton, CA, on January 17.
Hmmm.
Of course, BATF most likely did that at the President's request - keep in mind that similar actions were taken against the importing of the "Streetsweeper" shotgun during Reagan's second term. BATF's authority to makes these sort of calls does not, unfortunately, sunset. If I understand the situation correctly, even if the Assault weapons ban does evaporate in 2004, BATF can simply fall back on its old protocol and continue to screw with us. Have a look:
I didn't get that impression at all. In fact, although I called her a "girl" I think from her verbiage and voice timber that she is a grown woman...a staffer. She said she and her husband are both NRA members and she fully agreed with me that the Bill of Rights is no place to "play political stratego." At least that was what she said. Pardon me for my sexism. LOL
I have already made it abundantly clear to my friend, Jeb Bush how I feel in this matter and I think your suggestion to make it clear to local and state organizations is a good idea, although I think the Miami Herald letter also said so. Still it never hurts to make things up close and personal.
You and I are in 100% complete agreement. I've been a party activist for 28 years, but I'll go elsewhere if this piece of garbage slops over the edge.
Just as the Dems take the blacks and other minorities for granted, so too, do the 'Pubbies take gun owners for granted. In order to exercise some clout...we may well have to run them out so there will be NO doubt whose play it was...and then fight a defensive war for four years to hold the line and send another Republican up who shows gunowners some real respect.
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