Politico - Would-be appointees quizzed on guns
President-elect Barack Obama’s transition team is asking potential appointees detailed questions about gun ownership, and firearms advocates aren’t happy about it. Tucked in at the end of the questionnaire and listed under "Miscellaneous," it reads: "Do you or any members of your immediate family own a gun? If so, provide complete ownership and registration information. Has the registration ever lapsed? Please also describe how and by whom it is used and whether it has been the cause of any personal injuries or property damage."
We have never done this before, not to any other President-elect or actual President. In a wave, we elected Barack Obama to lead this country. For many personal reasons we wanted change, judgement, solutions, and a new direction. Here we are many days before he is sworn in, and already we are jumping on him about the silliest of things. Many bloggers are crying about his transition team, his cabinet picks, and even about the supposed leaks coming from the Obama folks. We are supposing failure before we have even given him a chance to fullfill his promises. Now the second amendment nutbags are jumping on board about gun ownership.
It’s just one question on a lengthy personnel form — No. 59 on a 63-question list — but the furor over the query is a vivid reminder of the intensity of support for Second Amendment rights and signals the scrutiny Obama is likely to receive from the ever-vigilant gun lobby. One Obama transition aide has said "The intent of the gun question is to determine legal permitting". That sounds like a perfectly reasonable explaination of the question to me. Just because potential appointees in 2000 when President George W. Bush took office were not asked such questions, does not mean it is NOT a valid question. Maybe they should have asked Dick Cheney these questions. My take is that Obama and team do not like suprises, and are therefore going the extra mile to cover as many bases as possible.
Of course, the Republicans such as Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.)said things like "It’s very odd and very concerning to put out a question like that," adding that it may also be "unprecedented." I say GET A LIFE!!! The NRA, the gun-rights group that spent millions to defeat Obama, only to see him easily carry sportsmen-heavy states such as Michigan and Pennsylvania, is signaling that it intends to keep up the fight.
"Barack Obama and his administration are showing their true colors and true philosophy with regard to the Second Amendment," said Chris Cox, the NRA’s top political official. "It shows what we’ve been saying all along — this guy doesn’t view the Second Amendment as a fundamental constitutional right." Do these folks ever quit???? Obama had it right, and these folks ARE bitter. The Republicans cling to two things: 1. Guns 2. Religion, and thats all they ever have to run on. Make that four things, I forgot about abortion and homosexuality (both subsets of religion)
We should get off of this kick, and stop listening to every rumor the media puts out there. Has anyone ever thought that some of these rumors are trial balloons sent up to test the waters? Whether it is gun control, foreign policy, appointments, or just talking to someone, we should stop assuming that any of these actions mean/equate to a certain policy position. The news is also reporting that with these leaks, Obama has already made some major mistakes. HUH?? At this rate, with all these pin pricks, Obama will suffer from blood loss before he is even sworn in. Much of this is the fault of the talking heads, but many of us bloggers are guilty as well. Comon folks, the election was two weeks ago! Sometimes we can be sooo fickle. Obama said we were part of the campaign, but I dont remember that change was letting the talking heads run the show.