Hey, who’s up for renewing the assault weapons ban? Update: Not Pelosi
posted at 2:00 pm on February 26, 2009 by Allahpundit
Share on Facebook | printer-friendly
Gotta give Eric Holder credit: His use of “just a few” here is simply a masterpiece of ominous rhetorical efficiency.
You can’t say you weren’t warned.
The Obama administration will seek to reinstate the assault weapons ban that expired in 2004 during the Bush administration, Attorney General Eric Holder said today.
“As President Obama indicated during the campaign, there are just a few gun-related changes that we would like to make, and among them would be to reinstitute the ban on the sale of assault weapons,” Holder told reporters…
Holder declined to offer any time frame for the reimplementation of the assault weapons ban, however.
“It’s something, as I said, that the president talked about during the campaign,” he said. “There are obviously a number of things that are — that have been taking up a substantial amount of his time, and so, I’m not sure exactly what the sequencing will be.”
Combine this with the fact that demand for guns has been booming for months and we should see the price of semi-automatics blow sky high. Any ban will have to survive two challenges: One, obviously, will be a goal-line stand by the Supreme Court’s conservative majority in applying the Heller decision, but count on smilin’ Anthony Kennedy to “find his conscience” and switch sides if it gets that far. The more serious obstacle is convincing a majority in the House to vote for it. An NRA spokesman tells the Standard he expects 60+ Blue Dogs — roughly the number endorsed by the group two years ago — to oppose a ban, but I think he’s kidding himself. It’s one thing to be pro-gun when there’s a Republican majority and no chance of the ban coming back; it’s another thing to do it when there’s a serious chance of passage and the prestige of a new president from your own party is riding on it. I’ll bet it passes — narrowly. Exit question: Will the Centrist Three in the Senate join with the GOP to filibuster? Specter’s pretty good on guns.
Update: Looks like I spoke way, way too soon. Clearly, Madam Speaker doesn’t think she has the votes.
Attorney General Eric Holder raised the prospect Wednesday that the administration would push to bring back the ban. But Pelosi (D-Calif.) indicated on Thursday that he never talked to her. The Speaker gave a flat “no” when asked if she had talked to administration officials about the ban.
“On that score, I think we need to enforce the laws we have right now,” Pelosi said at her weekly news conference. “I think it’s clear the Bush administration didn’t do that.”
Presumably they’ll revisit the issue after the midterms if they pick up a few more liberal seats in the House.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: 1 2 3 ... 7 Next »
Not if, when.
lorien1973 on February 26, 2009 at 2:01 PM
For the first time, I like what I am hearing from Pelosi.
Folks, either way: buy high-capacity magazines.
MadisonConservative on February 26, 2009 at 2:01 PM
More than ever we need to protect the 2nd amendment.
Wade on February 26, 2009 at 2:02 PM
And I can believe PIGlosi why again?
EagleClaw on February 26, 2009 at 2:03 PM
Obama has been saying forever that he wants to ban assault weapons. Why are people suprised by this? have they been living under a rock?
nice343 on February 26, 2009 at 2:03 PM
I think it’s clear the Bush administration didn’t do that.”
…….
Never ending.
artist on February 26, 2009 at 2:04 PM
Which liberal seats will they pick up? There are none left. The seats left for them to win are in more conservative districts. The low hanging fruit has already been picked.
Mark1971 on February 26, 2009 at 2:06 PM
Exactly as Obama campaigned:
Only because I don’t have the votes.
CDeb on February 26, 2009 at 2:06 PM
Heh, typical lib… can’t say you don’t have the votes.. have to spin it positive…
Ms. Pelosi, do you support the assault weapons ban that Obama wants?
Pelosi: “NO, Bush SUX!”
Skywise on February 26, 2009 at 2:06 PM
Haha – you’re pretty funny. You should be on Johnny Carson or something.
Vashta.Nerada on February 26, 2009 at 2:06 PM
I still don’t trust them on this issue.
BadgerHawk on February 26, 2009 at 2:06 PM
They’ll bury it somewhere in some 1,000 page, 2 trillion dollar spending bill.
Skandia Recluse on February 26, 2009 at 2:06 PM
I am so trying not to curse in this response but good grief we all knew this was gonna happen even some gun loving Dems I know KNEW this was gonna happen and THEY STILL VOTED FOR HIM Cripes-a-mighty this is gonna get UGLY!
..PREPARE..
-Wasteland Man.
WastelandMan on February 26, 2009 at 2:07 PM
“I would never invade America. There would be a gun behind every blade of grass” — Isoroku Yamamato
The disarming of the proletariat is the next logical step to the power grab that now even Senator Byrd is bothered by.
lm10001 on February 26, 2009 at 2:07 PM
They are playing with fire here. Gun sales have been booming, and screwing with the second ammendment may cause those new guns to start booming.
saiga on February 26, 2009 at 2:07 PM
Thank you ALLAH for posting this!
I am ordering two lowers today…. if anyone knows what I am talking about ;).
upinak on February 26, 2009 at 2:08 PM
Not to mention the 1st Amendment.
No gun ban, no “Fairness” Doctrine.
rbj on February 26, 2009 at 2:08 PM
CMT? LMT?
darclon on February 26, 2009 at 2:08 PM
OT, but Allah, how on earth did you print an update to your article where you chastize yourself for jumping the gun only a moment after you posted the original article?
Admit it, you were planning the update all along and just wanted some traffic.
BadgerHawk on February 26, 2009 at 2:08 PM
Let those who seek the confiscation of guns, recognize themselves:
Germans who wish to use firearms should join the SS or the SA – ordinary citizens don’t need guns, as their having guns doesn’t serve the State. – Heinrich Himmler
Only an armed society can be the real bulwark of popular liberty. – Vladimir Ilyich Lenin
A system of licensing and registration is the perfect device to deny gun ownership to the bourgeoisie. – Vladimir Ilyich Lenin
Every good Communist should know that political power grows out of the barrel of a gun. The Communist party must control the guns. – Mao Tse-Tung
On the morrow of each conflict, I gave the … order to confiscate the largest possible number of weapons of every sort and kind. This confiscation, which continues with the utmost energy, has given satisfactory results. – Benito Mussolini
Ideas are more powerful than guns. We would not let our enemies have guns, why should we let them have ideas? – Joseph Stalin
If the opposition disarms, well and good. If it refuses to disarm, we shall disarm it ourselves. – Joseph Stalin
OhEssYouCowboys on February 26, 2009 at 2:09 PM
dar waiting on the BF to get into town and going to the FFL guy we know. So haven’t totally decided.
upinak on February 26, 2009 at 2:09 PM
Examples please, Madam Undead.
MDWNJ on February 26, 2009 at 2:09 PM
Yea. This is the first time in many years the citizens of America may need to exercize it’s intention.
saiga on February 26, 2009 at 2:10 PM
Why does everybody need to have a gun, what kind of rediculousness is this, just because some guys 200 years ago thought it was a good idea doesnt mean it’s still a good idea today. A 12 YEAR OLD SHOT HIS FATHERS PREGNANT FIANCE WITH HIS OWN 12 GUAGE….. just what in the hell is going on.
Equanim1ty found on February 26, 2009 at 2:10 PM
March…
March…
March…
The comming assult on ANOTHER of our freedoms under The Constitution… And I’m a radical fear mongering nut???
Guess not…
March…
March…
The far left radicals are comming for our guns…
Mark Garnett on February 26, 2009 at 2:10 PM
Don’t own a firearm. Don’t plan on getting a firearm.
robblefarian on February 26, 2009 at 2:11 PM
“Obama has been saying forever that he wants to ban assault weapons. Why are people suprised by this? have they been living under a rock?”
nice343 on February 26, 2009 at 2:03 PM
Its not so much of a surprise, more like a liberal blitzkreig the last few weeks. My God, whats next – the Obama administration announces a new tax for breathing air?
EagleClaw on February 26, 2009 at 2:11 PM
Butterfly Kisses is blowing smoke up our collective cracks; she would readily try to pass a ban just to test the waters and see how the Three Morons would vote.
Buy ‘em while you can; I’d share my online vendors with everyone but at this point I need to be selfish. ;)
Bishop on February 26, 2009 at 2:11 PM
How long until we stop hearing Bush used as an excuse for all bad government results? I believe the Democrats had a 2/3 majority of the branches of this government for the last 2 years. They’ve done a heck of a job so far. The future looks bright!!
Rogue Traveler on February 26, 2009 at 2:11 PM
I bought five twenty-round magazines before the election and I’m happy I did.
Venusian Visitor on February 26, 2009 at 2:11 PM
Umm, Why didn’t his Dad keep an eye on his son?
Being responsible is one thing 95% of gun owners all agree on.
upinak on February 26, 2009 at 2:11 PM
Stag/CMT is probably the best bang for your buck and mil-spec.
darclon on February 26, 2009 at 2:11 PM
Sad, but it still has nothing to do with my rights to safely and responsibly own a firearm.
BadgerHawk on February 26, 2009 at 2:12 PM
Tell me something, pal. Without the second amendment, what stops the government from revoking all your other rights?
MadisonConservative on February 26, 2009 at 2:12 PM
So as to cast off the tyranny that will necessarily follow, when people like you, get the unarmed society that you seek. Please see my previous post, about people like you.
Thanking you in advance.
OhEssYouCowboys on February 26, 2009 at 2:12 PM
They don’t need to have one – but they have the right to do so.
Vashta.Nerada on February 26, 2009 at 2:12 PM
I wanna see one other before I choose. But I have never heard of it.
upinak on February 26, 2009 at 2:13 PM
If those are for a rifle, you should be ashamed you didn’t buy thirty-round mags(unless they don’t make them for your weapon).
MadisonConservative on February 26, 2009 at 2:13 PM
You are an idiot.
darclon on February 26, 2009 at 2:13 PM
Equanim1ty found is just scared of guns. It probably has never held or shot one. It isn’t worth my time to talk to it.
upinak on February 26, 2009 at 2:14 PM
That’s what it’s really all about, and why those guys who wrote our Constitution were so brilliant.
BadgerHawk on February 26, 2009 at 2:14 PM
Coming right after the SC ruling that militias and militia arms were protected by the Second Amendment …
Do you notice that liberals are the most cruel people you will ever meet?
tarpon on February 26, 2009 at 2:15 PM
I must be missing something here. I don’t see where Piglosi isn’t going to support the ban. I just see where she found, yet another, opportunity to criticize W!
fumpbump on February 26, 2009 at 2:15 PM
So much for the “new era of bipartisanship”. Every time I hear a Dem open up their gas bags, it is to denigrate the last “8 years”, the “previous admin” or Dr. Evil, GW Bush. I’m so sick of it.
mdenis39 on February 26, 2009 at 2:15 PM
Why isn’t this a hugely bipartisan issue? Where are all the lefties who for the last 8 years distrusted their government, called for revolution, and so on? Shouldn’t they all be rallying right alongside us to maintain the ability to overthrow the government whom they feel no longer represents them?
F***ing cowards, all of them who support the AWB.
MadisonConservative on February 26, 2009 at 2:15 PM
Hope you won’t need one. I guess that is the Hope Obama talked about. For me, the thought of being helpless and smashed like a baby seal by a mindless thug is not axcceptable. Good luck. Hope you won’t need it.
saiga on February 26, 2009 at 2:15 PM
Mark Garnett on February 26, 2009 at 2:15 PM
Why does everybody need to have a gun, what kind of rediculousness is this, just because some guys 200 years ago thought it was a good idea doesnt mean it’s still a good idea today.
You might want to study-up on WHY our forefathers considered gun ownership such a necessity.
Hint: it has something to do with your attitude.
Bishop on February 26, 2009 at 2:15 PM
What gun rights advocates fail to realise is that a sizeable portion of the populatio nof any countyr are complete morans who shouldnt be allowed to vote let alone possess guns and until
Equanim1ty found on February 26, 2009 at 2:15 PM
My wife is like that. She grew up in the Chicago burbs and had never even seen a firearm until I took her out to my parents farm to shoot. She only thought they were scary and dangerous because she didn’t know anything about them.
BadgerHawk on February 26, 2009 at 2:15 PM
AWESOME!
Yes. Oh how right you are. After all-people doing bad stuff like robbing, killing, etc while using guns is sooooooooo 18th century!
We are too modern & enlightened for guns to ever be of use again to the peasant populace.
That 12 year old-why he is just a victim of having a gun in the house.
It was speaking to him through telepathy to pick it up & use it.
I’m sure this has nothing to do with society & how kids are brought up in general, does it?
Badger40 on February 26, 2009 at 2:16 PM
Thank God, I thought they might be morons. WHEW.
darclon on February 26, 2009 at 2:17 PM
Obama is such an ANGEL!! :)
Conservative_SAHM on February 26, 2009 at 2:17 PM
Spelling issues aside, it’s true that large chunks of our population are morons. Which means they’re oblivious to the creeping government control over their lives. Which is even more of a reason for the rest of us to want to own a firearm.
BadgerHawk on February 26, 2009 at 2:17 PM
Own 20+ firearms. Plan on getting many more.
Norwegian on February 26, 2009 at 2:17 PM
you are a freaking idiot. ALL Gun Owners who buy from dealers pay MASS taxes for EVERYTHING. From Wildlife COnservation (which most do agree is important) to funding with those taxes other organizations to PROTECT your Dumb @ss and to have classes which people like you NEVER come to.
STFU and go sit in a corner you blathering widget!
upinak on February 26, 2009 at 2:17 PM
And to the Republic for which it stands….
Kevin in Washington State on February 26, 2009 at 2:17 PM
Actually, it’s a small portion of the country. And you’re part of that portion. So f*** off, you cowardly excuse for a human being. If you’re an American citizen, you should be ashamed of yourself.
MadisonConservative on February 26, 2009 at 2:18 PM
What gun rights advocates fail to realise is that a sizeable portion of the populatio nof any countyr are complete morans who shouldnt be allowed to vote let alone possess guns and until
Equanim1ty found on February 26, 2009 at 2:15 PM
I nominate you to lead this group of people.
Seriously, wtf.
Bishop on February 26, 2009 at 2:18 PM
Someone plese explain why in this day and age it’s a good thing that any fool can own a gun. One stat for you, people who keep guns in there houses a more likely to accidentally shoot a family member than an intruder. I say again this is insanity!!!!!!!!!
Equanim1ty found on February 26, 2009 at 2:18 PM
I think I missed the reporter asking Holder about his engineering pardons of FLAN bombers and Ogabe’s friendship with bombers.
The other reporter asked him about an increase in gun crime since the expiration 4+ years ago and whether there had been a decrease after the original ban. I missed that answer as well.
arnold ziffel on February 26, 2009 at 2:18 PM
When will the Dems stop bashing Bush? When will Obama stop saying he inherited this from Bush? Isnt there a statute of limitations on this?
becki51758 on February 26, 2009 at 2:19 PM
I used to wonder that too. The easiest explination is that they’re not too concerned with massive government power, they just want to be the ones in control of it.
BadgerHawk on February 26, 2009 at 2:19 PM
That’s your choice. I’ll only say that it is an unwise choice, and that there are plenty of people all over who would be happy to guide you if you change your mind.
MadisonConservative on February 26, 2009 at 2:19 PM
I want you to prove that. Find a statisitic! You will get shot via a drive by more often then someone accidentally shotting someone in a house.
God you are dumb.
upinak on February 26, 2009 at 2:20 PM
No way you could 60 votes in the Senate. Even if you lost Specter, Collins and Snowe and a couple other Repubs, there are Dem senators from Arkansas (2), Michigan (2), Colorado (2), Missouri, Louisiana, NC, NM, ND (2), SD, Nebraska, Florida, Montana, etc. that aren’t willing to stick their necks out that far. Especially the first termers.
BuzzCrutcher on February 26, 2009 at 2:20 PM
Thank God, I thought they might be morons. WHEW.
darclon on February 26, 2009 at 2:17 PM
It’s a family. Kinda like the Hatfields and McCoys.
The thing is that kid could have hit with a shovel, run her over in the driveway, or even stabbed her. Sick people find ways to kill people.
kingsjester on February 26, 2009 at 2:20 PM
You can never have enough!
I always tell my husband that & then he goes out & buys another gun.
I need to buy another gun cabinet to display our beautiful Winchesters & pistols.
I think I should have been born a man-my idea of household decoration is gun cabinets & mounted heads.
Badger40 on February 26, 2009 at 2:20 PM
Help – my irony meter pegged into the red, and is now stuck…
Vashta.Nerada on February 26, 2009 at 2:20 PM
Hasnt happened in my town in the 50 yrs Ive lived here…and everyone has a gun to hunt with.
becki51758 on February 26, 2009 at 2:20 PM
More people who own pools, will have a family member drown.
Outlaw pools stat!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MDWNJ on February 26, 2009 at 2:20 PM
I’ve made it 37 years without getting my ass kicked. I’ll pass on the gun and stick with my dogs and nunchucks. I live in the Great State of Tennessee where most everyone I know owns a firearm.
I’m not saying no one should own guns. They just aren’t for me.
robblefarian on February 26, 2009 at 2:20 PM
Maybe its getting to “use it or lose it”. They already have the MSM and those who think that government will take care of them (cradle to grave). This will be the last take-over of this once great country. Going to DC en-mass is the only answer.
hillbilly on February 26, 2009 at 2:20 PM
Just called my local shop. They have 5 AR’s in stock and plenty of .223. $845-1200. Seems about what they have been going for the last few months. Fella said these 5 will go within a week. He said the AR-types, .223, .380, and .45ACP has been difficult to keep in stock but they continue to get shipments and are not out yet. Lots of crappy Wolf ammo available.
Should I build my own too? Inquiring minds want to know.
riverrat10k on February 26, 2009 at 2:21 PM
Can I take issue with 1 single word in your otherwise perfect post?
The word is “creeping”…
This group of radicals in power are lurching and surging into total Socialism. They are running head long into the arms of terrorists.
Mark Garnett on February 26, 2009 at 2:21 PM
Let them try it. Revolution is around the corner. My guns are mine. No one is going to leave me defenseless. It isn’t the guns that kill. It is the person that kills. Of course the Liberal’s blame it on the guns. Screw them. There are a lot of mad people and we are not going to take much of this anymore. Keep pushing our Buttons! Thanks Allah for posting this.
sheebe on February 26, 2009 at 2:21 PM
Equanim1ty found on February 26, 2009 at 2:15 PM
You mean morons, right? Just so we clear that up. I completely agree that a lot of people are morons and too stupid to vote. Do you support a test of some kind on who is smart enough to vote? Would you support one of your “betters” deciding you are too stupid to vote? Why or why not?
theotherKate on February 26, 2009 at 2:21 PM
Why is this a bad choice please someone explain the rational behind thinking everyone should havre guns
Equanim1ty found on February 26, 2009 at 2:21 PM
Of course that’s why. People who understand nature & responsibility are smart cookies.
Citified ignoramuses, not so much.
Badger40 on February 26, 2009 at 2:21 PM
Your stat is bulls***. Prove it or shut up.
If you don’t feel skilled enough to own a firearm, go right ahead. Plenty of us are trained and practiced in the handling of use of these machines. You have the choice to be ignorant, and you seem to be making good use of that choice.
MadisonConservative on February 26, 2009 at 2:21 PM
True. Of course it can also be said that people who drive cars are more likely to get in car accidents. People who skydive are more likely to have a parachuting accident. People who ride horses are more likely to get kicked by one than those who don’t!
Pull your head out of your @ss and don’t try to DICTATE to me whether I should have guns in my house!
fumpbump on February 26, 2009 at 2:22 PM
Gun nut thread? I am gonna need more popcorn!
benny shakar on February 26, 2009 at 2:22 PM
Any fool can’t own a gun. There are background checks. There are also limits to what you can buy. A felon can’t go to Gander Mountain and pick up M249 or an M2 and mount it to the back of their truck.
BadgerHawk on February 26, 2009 at 2:22 PM
Rights not exercised or defended are surrendered.
Equanim1ty, it is a Freedom and your choice.
However, when Freedoms go away, they never come back.
I refuse to allow the current crop of folks that hate
America to steal me Rights or Freedoms.
Holder was an architect of the Murders at Ruby Ridge and Waco.
He is not to be trusted. He has American Blood on his hands!
old trooper2 on February 26, 2009 at 2:22 PM
It is a little chaeper (depending) but you GET what you want!
upinak on February 26, 2009 at 2:22 PM
I am willing to die to protect my 2nd amendment rights…..are the libtards willing to die trying to take them from me?
(another of my famous bumper stickers) heh
Ris4victory on February 26, 2009 at 2:22 PM
I love you….
:)
Mark Garnett on February 26, 2009 at 2:22 PM
Benny but you don’t own one. So why stay?
upinak on February 26, 2009 at 2:23 PM
Everyone who wants a gun & has no criminal record should have their 2nd Am. right to own a gun if they wish.
If you would rather count on the govt & state & local agencies to protect you, go for it.
I personally need a gun bcs I kill coyotes & stuff, plus suffering, dying animals on my ranch (thankfully not that many).
I can also use my gun against people who want to come & steal my gas.
Or break into my home.
Or govt who try & confiscate my guns.
Just sayin’
Badger40 on February 26, 2009 at 2:23 PM
That link I posted is a long 10 minute video, but the message is clear at the end. A “tyranny of the elite” is using a majority in the democracy they created, are moving us away from a Republic towards an Oligarchy.
Kevin in Washington State on February 26, 2009 at 2:23 PM
I never said everyone should have guns. Everyone does have the choice to have guns, and that is a good thing, because otherwise the government would have unchallenged, unchecked power and could oppress us in any way they wanted to.
If someone has a gun and doesn’t know how to use it, I’d suggest they get training, as I suggest for all gun owners. Even if they don’t, nobody has the right to refuse them the ability to defend themselves against criminals or their government.
MadisonConservative on February 26, 2009 at 2:23 PM
You get in on this one, you’re coming out on crutches.
MadisonConservative on February 26, 2009 at 2:24 PM
God, we not only agree, but I think I love you too…
:)
Mark Garnett on February 26, 2009 at 2:24 PM
What gun rights advocates fail to realise is that a sizeable portion of the populatio nof any countyr are complete morans who shouldnt be allowed to vote let alone possess guns and until
Equanim1ty found on February 26, 2009 at 2:15 PM
Now all we need to do is define what constitutes a “moron.”
First on the list is the ability to spell that which presumably would deny someone the right to vote.
Bishop on February 26, 2009 at 2:25 PM
Hahahah! So does my hubby!
He is one lucky SOB I tell you. I hate jewelry & have never asked for any in my life.
I just wants like guns, knives, & saddles & spurs & stuff (which ends up being more expensive than jewelry, but that means by husband can borrow it!).
Badger40 on February 26, 2009 at 2:25 PM
In the other thread a non-gun owner asked what he should get to defend his home.
There is only one correct answer: AR-15
That is your one “must-have” if you are serious about defending yourself in the times ahead.
A pistol for immediate self-defense is the next must-have.
The third would be a rifle chambered for .308 or .30-06, for barrier penetration (cars). Your best bet here is an M1-A1, or a Garand, but these are weapons for specialized tasks.
A shotgun, yes, if you are a very bad shot. Your best bet however remains the AR-15 for general-purpose social encounters.
pseudonominus on February 26, 2009 at 2:25 PM
I don’t want those cream puffs to have guns. They are tlikely the ones the rest of us will have to confront, and i want to be the one locked and loaded. That should represent quite the wakeup call the the cream puffs.
saiga on February 26, 2009 at 2:26 PM
Does nobody care that guncrime is out of control and relative to other civillised nations the chances of being killed with a gun in america is astronomical, does none of this matter….. that a depressed high school kid whos been bullied and beaten down for 2-3 years can one day snap grab his fathers rifles and go nuts….. WHY isnt this a consideration.
Equanim1ty found on February 26, 2009 at 2:26 PM
Gun Orgy?
upinak on February 26, 2009 at 2:26 PM
Comment pages: 1 2 3 ... 7 Next »