Top Story: An assault weapons ban and a “big” package on gun control is looking less and less likely, just one month after the mass shooting in Newtown, CT, made people think that “this time is different.”
- “You .. get the sense that the air is leaking ever-so-slightly out of this balloon that is called gun control — as those advocating new government regulations start accepting the political realities on Capitol Hill.” (First Read)
- NRA President: Assault Weapons Ban unlikely to pass. (Slate)
- Sen. Joe Manchin, D-West Virginia: Assault Weapons Ban unlikely to pass. (The Fix)
- Which is all good news for the gun industry, whose sales are climbing. (The New York Times)
- It’s also kind of amazing, as the NRA may not represent as many millions as it claims. (Mother Jones)
- Polls: Voters believe gun laws are too lax but that that stricter laws won’t significantly reduce deaths from gun violence. (The Hill)
- Of course, the public would know more if the gun lobby hadn’t successfully blocked research into gun violence. A new report from Mayors Against Illegal Guns: (Mayors Against Illegal Guns)
And in other news …
- “GOP officials said more than half of their members are prepared to allow default unless Obama agrees to dramatic cuts he has repeatedly said he opposes. Many more members, including some party leaders, are prepared to shut down the government to make their point.” (Politico)
- However, bandages and rift-healing may be the order of business at the House GOP’s annual retreat. (National Journal)
- Rick Santorum is against Chuck Hagel’s nomination for Defense Secretary. (WND)
- The Seahawks’ loss this weekend did have one major implication: “Nate Silver predicted the Seahawks in the Super Bowl. THE EMPEROR HAS NO CLOTHES.” (Andrew Kaczynski)
- The White House has rejected a petition to build a Death Star: “The administration does not support blowing up planets.” (White House)
- And last – Satanists for Florida Gov. Rick Scott. (Politicker)
John Flowers