After a massacre in Newtown, Connecticut took the lives of 20 children and six educators and shook the nation, Americans are asking whether this will finally be tipping point in a debate over gun control that’s been deadlocked for decades. President Obama called for change before a packed high school auditorium in Newtown days after the shooting, and days later, promised that “this time, words lead to action.” He even appointed Vice President Biden to lead a multi-agency task force to revamp gun control and set January as the deadline for proposals. But can President Obama, along with a deeply divided Congress, find enough common ground to change the way Americans exercise their ‘right to bear arms?’
All signs point to a legislative battle that starts on day one: Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), a co-author of the Federal Assault Weapons ban that lapsed in 2004, has pledged to introduce similar legislation on the first day the Senate is back in session this January–and Obama vowed to back it. Even Sen. Joe Manchin (R-W.Va.) , who has an A-rating from the NRA, said he’s on board. But few Republicans have joined the movement. And you cab expect fierce opposition from the NRA, whose leader Wayne LaPierre last week outlined his own solution: more guns..
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MS NOW staff