Let’s get something straight: No one is going to take anyone’s guns away. There is no gun ban coming from the Obama administration.
The rhetoric about gun bans is ridiculous. Most of us know the NRA leadership and others use the specter of gun bans to raise money. But, it’s divisive, and damaging for all law-abiding gun owners. In too many new reports of late, we’ve seen the prospect of gun ban included as a rational for deranged people who have wreaked havoc.
I don’t want all gun owners tarred by the craziness of a few.
When the so-called mainstream gun groups stir up the gun ban frenzy, they give it added credibility. But, it’s a political game, and a fundraising sham. The most disturbing fact about the hysteria, is that the NRA leaders know there will be no ban, but they can’t stop saying it. The groups website and mailers are filled with ominous warnings about the "Obama gun ban agenda."
Think about this: For eight years, George Bush was on record stating he supported reinstating the 94 Assault Weapons Ban. He didn’t do it. But, throughout that period, the NRA was curiously silent. Now, true to form, the NRA has been demonizing Obama as the great gun-grabber.
Obama isn’t going to ban assault weapons. Watch his actions. He signed the bill allowing guns in national parks. Gun owners have already gotten more from Congress and the Obama administration than some of the liberal groups, which supported him.
Obama had the opportunity to echo Attorney General Eric Holder’smisplaced suggestion about reinstating the ban – and didn’t. Instead, Holder was told to "drop the issue." And, Majority Leader Harry Reid and Speaker Nancy Pelosi both said the ban simply isn’t on the agenda.
I campaigned as a surrogate for Obama last fall in key battleground states, including three trips to Ohio. I staked my reputation on the belief that there will be no gun bans from Obama. And, I know I’m right. I’m sure Obama heard the same thing on the campaign trail that I did: Gun owners will support his effort to fix the economy, save our environment and fix healthcare, but only if our gun rights are protected. And, Obama has repeatedly made a commitment to protect those rights.
The NRA leaders need to stop fostering the false claim that Obama is going to take away our guns. They’ve got no proof. In fact, recent events show anything but that. For once, they need to put the interests of their members and all gun owners ahead of their own political fundraising. Sure, crazy talk and hysteria pays them well. But, for lawful gun owners, and citizens – the cost is too high. Instead of focusing on how we can be part of strengthening our economy, protecting our environment, and supporting a way to finally make healthcare affordable, we’re bogged down waging a war against an enemy that doesn’t exist.