Actually, I've argued just the opposite: as long as Republicans control the government, we tend to see a net reduction in gun control.
Well, you're wrong because that's blatantly false. There has been a net
increase in gun control legislation under Republicans. To wit:
Consider the following legislation, all of which occurred within the last six years:
? GET THE U.S. OUT OF THE U.N. ( June 4, 1997 )
The House defeated a pro-gun amendment, by a vote of 369-54, to pull the United States out of the anti-gun United Nations. In recent years, the U.N. has been working to establish gun control laws worldwide and is seeking ways to lead member states like the U.S. toward stricter gun control laws.
169 House Republicans voted against the amendment.
? HATCH-CRAIG GUN CONTROL AMENDMENT (May 14, 1999) -
In response to the Lautenberg amendment and its harsh gun control provisions, Senate Republicans presented a less stringent version. The amendment offered by Orrin Hatch (RUT) and Larry Craig (R-ID) passed by a 48-47 vote.
The Republican bill provided several restrictions on gun ownership. It would require background checks for any private sale at a gun show. Additionally, it would assign a U.S. attorney to every district for the purpose of harassing gun owners.
47 of 55 Republican Senators voted FOR this legislation.
? BANNING PRIVATE SALES OF FIREARMS AT GUN SHOWS
This amendment would ban private sales at gun shows unless the buyer first submits to a background registration check. The amendment would also impose numerous restrictions on gun show promoters.
On May 20, 1999 , this amendment passed. Six Republicans sided with the Democrats in favoring this anti-gun legislation, resulting in a 50-50 tie vote and allowing Vice President Al Gore to cast the tie breaking vote.
? BACKGROUND REGISTRATION CHECKS (May 20, 1999)-
Senators Gordon Smith (R-OR) and James Jeffords (R-VT) introduced more restrictions on gun sales with this amendment. It subjects pawnshop and repair shop transactions to the same registration and background check requirements as purchases from dealers.
The amendment passed 79-21, with 34 of 55 Senate Republicans voting FOR the gun control legislation.
? JUVENILE CRIME BILL (May 20, 1999)
The Senate passed the anti-gun juvenile crime bill by a 73-25 vote. Senate Bill 254 contained several gun control amendments in addition to the various provisions related to punishing juveniles who commit crimes.
31 of 55 Senate Republicans voted FOR the anti-gun bill.
? OMNIBUS REPUBLICAN GUN CONTROL PACKAGE
On June 18, 1999 , the House defeated the Hyde-McCollum Mandatory Gun Show Background Check Act by a 280-147 vote. This bill contained many anti-gun provisions, including trigger locks, a young adult gun ban, and lifetime gun ban for certain juveniles.
137 House Republicans voted for the gun control package.
? ENFORCEMENT OF EXISTING GUN LAWS AND PROTECTION OF GUN OWNERS
Senator Trent Lott (R-MS) offered a resolution that called for more aggressive enforcement of existing gun laws, tougher penalties for gun-related crimes and protection for the rights of law-abiding gun owners. On May 17, 2000 , the non-binding vote passed 69-30.
52 of 55 Senate Republicans voted FOR more stringent enforcement of existing gun laws.
? NO U.N. GUN CONTROL ( July 18, 2001 )
Representative Ron Paul (R-TX) offered another amendment to withdraw the United States from the United Nations. Paul argued that the country should boycott the international gun control organization, which is actively taking guns away from civilians.
164 House Republicans voted against the amendment.
President Bushs promise to extend the assault weapon ban is hardly the first time that alleged pro-gun Republicans have chosen to infringe upon 2nd Amendment freedoms. At least Democrats are honest in their pledge to disarm the populace. The GOP, on the other hand, uses treachery and deception to mislead the citizenry into thinking that they will protect the right to keep and bear arms. Yet, it is clearly evident that they are enemies of liberty as well.
http://www.strike-the-root.com/3/powers/powers2.htmlBush fully supported extending AWB, until it became clear he wouldn't be re-elected if he did.
When you're wrong, you're wrong, HTG.