Blue Dogs, Birthers and Bullet Fetishes

So last week the Thune Amendment was thankfully defeated. A group I work with, Mayors Against Illegal Guns, took on the task of defeating this inane legislation, which only had a chance of passing due to the extremism of the NRA/Birther crowd and the ever-present cowardice of the usual Blue Dog Democrats.

I guess they weren't busy enough trying to destroy health care reform or climate-change legislation, so overriding state laws trying to prevent criminals from enjoying the right to concealed carry seemed like a good idea.

Thankfully, the NRA lost a gun battle for the first time in five years, but no thanks to squeamish Blue-Dog Democrats. Take Colorado Democratic Senators Udall and Bennet, for example. They waited to the end to vote, as if calculating which way to go right up until the vote, and then voted with the gun nuts. Interestingly, two Republicans from generally pro-gun states, Senators George Voinovich of Ohio and Dick Lugar of Indiana, didn't feel a need to cave to the Bonkers Wing of the GOP. Nor did Democrats from pro-gun states, like Senators Claire McCaskill of Missouri, Bill Nelson of Florida and Sherrod Brown of Ohio.

In any case, a Columbine dad, a man who suffered what is a nightmare for all of us with children in school, decided to remind these two men about what is and is not leadership in today's Denver Post. It says everything that needs to be said on this issue, as well as a host of others.

Sadly, the biggest threat to rational legislating right now is not from Republicans, who are and should be irrelevant, but from Blue Dogs. These people need to be taught not to fear their big contributors, but We The People.

**As I stated in the piece, I am working with Mayors Against Illegal Guns

Follow Cliff Schecter on Twitter: www.twitter.com/http://twitter.

Comments

[Nick Carraway]

I think it's more complicated than you say, but you're right, the Blue Dogs have a lot of power and it's getting under a lot of people's skin. Either way, they're accountable to their constituencies, which could be one explanation...http://lifeinsidethebeltway.com/2009/07/how-to-keep-government-accountable-with-rousseau-its-all-about-term-limits/

[ByMySword]

You do realize that criminals are not allowed guns under this so-called "Amendment". The way it is now, you already have to have an FBI background check. No one ever spoke about changing it. I understand the whole issue for state's rights, but I find it funny that only when it comes to firearms do the Blue Dog Democrats even care about state's rights. As a CHL holder and avid shooter, I won't lie when I say that I would have appreciated this going through. With the current result, I think that what should be looked at is a way for states to get on the same page when it comes to the requirements for CHLs.

[BobLablah]

So you're saying that the Democratic party is responsible for what happens while they control the house, the senate and the white house? What a crazy concept here at the HuffPo.

[UtahPatriot]

Great response..­....Thanks made me laugh!

[OdinsEye]

Mauser is far less influential than portrayed. Add in the deliberately misleading stats and anecdotes from the VPC regarding concealed carry.

National reciprocity is not going away. It has been brought up many times in the past and will likely continue to be brought up - especially in light of getting 58 yay votes the other day.

[UtahPatriot]

The Thume Bill had nothing to do with illegal firearms. You and Bloomberg have no idea what you are talking about. The defeat of Thume Bill only denied the recognition of Concealed Weapons Permits across state lines.
It is interesting that the anti-2nd amendment crowd have no problem denying the right of self defense to law abiding citizens, mean while ensuring the thugs and bandits pay no attention to gun laws.
Once again you have proved that you support the criminals, while doing your best to guaranteeing the criminals don’t have to be concerned with armed citizens.
For your information, I went through a 12 week FBI background check before I was issued a CCW. By the same token, many criminals go through the same check…..as they are sent to prison.
When will you liberals wake up and realize that criminals do not care or concern themselves with laws. This would be a safer country if the criminals were really worried about being shot down in the street while preying upon honest people.
It might reduce the amount of prison spaces need also.

[StopCensoringMe]

Hey Utahan...

Try to read the attached editorial from Denver. Then you will understand EXACTLY why this was a terrible piece of legislation. And Schecter's points are dead on...don't our electeds have a few other pieces of much more pressing legislation to focus on that panhandling to you gun freaks of the NRA? There is no hue and cry from the masses for this ridiculous piece of legislation. Should have never been brought forward much less seen the floor of Congress.

[OdinsEye]

"There is no hue and cry from the masses for this ridiculous piece of legislation. "

National reciprocity has been an issue for several years now.