Saturday, February 27, 2010
One year into the Obama administration and gun rights advocates have had little to fear. In fact, movements are underway across the country to adopt legislation aiding those who own firearms, contrary to fearful predictions early last year that the new presidency would spell bad news. In addition to President Barack Obama approving a federal plan to allow guns in national parks, the White House has done little to bring back the federal ban on assault rifles or close the loophole that allows unlicensed dealers at gun shows to sell firearms without background checks.
Meanwhile, Second Amendment proponents have been busy at the state level convincing legislatures to approve or take up new measures that make it easier to carry firearms. Virginia recently passed a new law that permits people to carry concealed weapons in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol, and another bill is being considered to repeal a nearly two-decade old ban on buying more than one handgun a month.
Out West, some legislative bodies are deciding whether to allow the carrying of concealed weapons without a permit, while Montana and Tennessee have passed the first-ever measures that exempt their states from federal regulation of firearms and ammunition that are manufactured, sold and used in state. Three other states are considering similar proposals.
-Noel Brinkerhoff
Fearing Obama Agenda, States Push to Loosen Gun Laws (by Ian Urbina, New York Times)
Anti-Gun Violence Group Gives Obama an “F” (by Noel Brinkerhoff, AllGov)
450 Mayors of Both Parties Propose Gun Control Reforms (by Noel Brinkerhoff, AllGov)
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