Cornyn supports more checks at gun shows
Posted on 09/22/2002 6:44:39 AM PDT by MeekOneGOP
Cornyn supports more checks at gun shows
Kirk favors enforcing existing laws rather than making new ones
09/22/2002
In the race to elect Texas' next senator, it's the moderate Democrat who says unlicensed sellers at gun shows don't need to run background checks on buyers, and the conservative Republican who says a law should be passed to give them more scrutiny.
Republican John Cornyn supports more precautions for dealers at shows, and Democrat Ron Kirk opposes them.
"I believe we need to enforce our current gun laws rather than create new ones," Mr. Kirk said.
Mr. Cornyn, the state attorney general, thinks the checks are necessary.
"They should allow it to be done without delay," he responded.
The candidates were asked their views on guns after appearances Saturday by Charlton Heston at Southfork Ranch and in Longview, where he campaigned for Mr. Cornyn.
Both candidates agree on other issues involving guns.
They both support the state law that allows cities to ban concealed weapons from being carried into parks, hospitals and other public places. A move to keep cities from banning concealed weapons on public property is expected to be a leading gun-related proposal in next year's Texas legislative session.
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The Senate candidates also both own guns, though neither has a state license to carry a concealed weapon.
Mr. Cornyn, who says he likes to hunt, has a collection of riffles, shotguns and a pistol. Mr. Kirk did not specify the type of firearm he owns.
Mr. Heston, who recently disclosed he has symptoms consistent with Alzheimer's disease, is president of the National Riffle Association. The legendary actor said his support of Mr. Cornyn stems from his protection of the personal freedoms enjoyed by Americans.
Mr. Cornyn said he teamed with George W. Bush in 1998, when he was governor, to develop the Texas Exile program, which he said led to more than 1,200 prosecutions for violent offenders who used guns.
But the attorney general said prosecuting criminals does not sour him on the rights of citizens to bear arms.
"I'm proud to support the second amendment rights of Texans and Americans," he said. "People like me and other law abiding citizens are not a threat to the public, so there's no real reason to try to control or otherwise limit law abiding citizens the access firearms for legitimate purposes."
Mr. Kirk has a similar stand.
"I respect the right of sportsmen and law abiding citizens to own guns and would fight to protect these rights in the U.S. Senate," he said.
Gun control advocates want federal legislation that would force unlicensed sellers at gun shows to conduct mandatory criminal background checks.
Mr. Kirk says existing laws are sufficient.
Mr. Cornyn, in contrast, says such checks are needed.
"He's strong on keeping guns out of the hands of people who are not eligible to have them," said Cornyn spokesman Dave Beckwith. "He feels the trade-off is worth it."
The right to own and carry guns was the key topic during Mr. Heston's appearance at Southfork in Parker, east of Plano. In the infamous Oil Baron's ballroom as seen in the show Dallas, Mr. Heston urged the crowd of 150 to support John Cornyn.
Looking frail as he moved slowly to the podium, he waved at the crowd, pausing once to interact with a children's choir. The crowd stood an applauded the man best known for his movie role as Moses in the Ten Commandments for several minutes.
Mr. Heston spoke for less than a minute, but his message was clear.
"John Cornyn defends freedom and the Bill of Rights," he said. "John Cornyn supports President Bush. Texas and American needs John Cornyn."
Mr. Heston ended his speech with a reference to his starring role in the 1959 epic movie Ben-Hur, a role that merited him an Oscar.
"Just remember, you've got to stay on the chariot," he said.
The film's climatic chariot race is considered one of the most riveting action scenes ever captured on film.
Mr. Cornyn said Mr. Heston's visit to the Dallas area stirred his emotions.
"We have new reasons to admire Charlton Heston and his courage," he said. "He is an example of the triumph of the human spirit," he said. "He's still vigorous. He's got a lot to offer and he has very strong principles."
Mr. Cornyn then delivered a line that brought another ovation.
"Just when I thought we couldn't top bringing the president to Texas, we brought Moses to Texas," he said.
After his visit to Southfork, which generated $30,000 for his campaign, Mr. Cornyn visited Longview.
"In East Texas, they refer to gun control as using both hands," he said.
E-mail gjeffers@dallasnews.com
Nah ! At worst, it's just a speed bump. A vote for Cornyn is a vote to kick
da$$holes arse ! I'll smile when I vote for Cornyn on November 5th !! 
President Bush is supposed to come to Texas to offer his support to John Cornyn. Please keep an open mind and see what he has to say about Cornyn and the Senate control issue. Thanks.
You said a mouthful there MAP. I'm disappointed with the general slip to the left also. When is the last time Pubbies actually had control of both houses and the White House? I don't know right off hand, but I believe it was the 40's. We've got to get our guys, uh Pubbies, running the show before we really have a clue what they will do. In the meantime they may have to make some compromises, albeit distasteful, to gain control. If they're able to pull it off, that's when we'll find out what they're made of; not before.
You can't really believe gridlock would be preferable to Pubbies in charge can you? How could we know; few of us have ever experienced gubmint with the Pubbies in charge. We've got to do what we can to give 'em the opportunity to see if they've got the Right Stuff.
FGS
FGS
Don't know how long you've been around but Kay Bailey before she was a Hutchenson did that in Houston too.
I agree. Cornyn is with me on 95% of the issues but I'm going to vote against him because of his stance on this one. Why should I care what Kirk thinks about abortion, judges, Senate leadership, military spending or taxes?
This is good thinking and I'm with you all the way.
Actually, it just means you are wholly ignorant of the issue and should probably keep your mouth shut on it until you bother to educate yourself.
I feel like a chump every time I vote for jerks like Cornyn. He will go to Washington and make it harder for law abiding citizens to buy a gun all the while claiming to be pro-RKBA. He isn't and neither are you.
I used to look down on people who didn't bother to vote and let guys like Kirk win. Now I know they just got tired of being chumped by people like you and Cornyn.
Feel safe all you want. Imagine whatever utopia you want. I am sick of your games and your propaganda.
I can't believe you said that. You're assuming a sufficiently motivated crook or other ne'er-do-well will not be able to obtain a firearm anywhere but a gunshow?
But I think if even one life is saved by a background check then it is a good feature.
The same could be said of unlimited wiretaps on our phones by LE. After all, if we have nothing to hide... You might be a fan of seat belt laws; they're for our own good you know.
If you believe for a minute that gun control is about just keeping guns out of the hands of criminals, I'm sad to say I think you've missed the side of the barn. Gun control laws are/will be designed to keep guns out of the hands of undesirables. And just who gets to set the standard for undesirables? Not you or me I'll wager.
FGS
I guess I'm just afraid that if Bush said, in a real folksy, down home manner, "Hey Ya'll, let's just suspend that old Constitution and get rid of this pesky idea of sovereignty", the amen chorus would be just as upset with me for voicing a protest, as they are now for voicing the fact I don't like open borders, unbridled immigration, or the Patriot Act and that I'm sure Bush, rather than putting on an act like some maintain, really does like all of the above.
That is something that needs to be considered, and really should be discussed in a sane and civil manner before we sell the farm. What happens if the worse happens, and what do we do then?
I think you might be able to develop an answer to your question by addressing the points I tried to make. It ain't about keeping guns out of the hands of crooks.
...but you cannot get one legally!
Crooks are crooks. That's what they are; that's what they do. You don't really think crooks will make nice and obey gun laws do you?
No wonder the people that want to take guns away get an upperhand with some of the things I read on here!
You'll not be laying this problem at the feet of conservatives I daresay, even though, for whatever reasons, you seem to be trying. If you'll just try running this phrase through your mind over and over "It's not about crooks", you might arrive at a different understanding of gun control.
FGS
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