November 16, 2019: The Democratic Dilemma, Part 2

The four leading Democratic candidates:

~~~ The Issues ~~~

II) Gun Control:
The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution reads:
"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
Ratified, December 1791

A segment of gun owners believe the government, or some political component therof, want to repeal the second amendment. This belief has resulted in a reactionary expression that often borders on paranoia. Social media is awash with numerous accounts created by gun rights activists. These are the source for posts, some showing photos of famous people with the added caption, "You can have my gun when you pry it from my cold dead hands." The motive in some cases is to make viewers believe this an accurate statement made by the person in the meme.

So what is the dilemma for Democrats on the subject of gun control? Well, let's take a look at each candidates proposals.

Bernie Sanders:

• Expand background checks.
• End the gun show loophole.
• Ban the sale and distribution of assault weapons.
• Prohibit high-capacity ammunition magazines.
• Crack down on "straw purchases" where people buy guns for criminals.
  ~~~ Administrative Action ~~~
• Take on the NRA and its corrupting effect on Washington.

Elizabeth Warren:

• Proposed goal: Reduce Gun Deaths By 80%.
• Stricter background checks.
• A ban on assault weapons.
• Limiting the number of firearms someone could buy.
  ~~~ Administrative Actions ~~~
• Investigate the NRA.
• Revoke licenses for gun dealers who break the law.
• Eliminate the filibuster to pass gun legislation.
  ~~~ Civic Action ~~~
• $100 million annual investment into gun violence research.

Joe Biden:

• Impose strict regulations on owners of assault-style rifles.
     Voluntary buyback program or register them with the federal government.
• Close loopholes in background checks before gun purchases.
• Ban the sale of assault-style rifles and high-capacity magazines.
• Allow states to implement "red flag" laws.
  ~~~ Administrative Action ~~~
• Eliminate legal protections that prevent gun manufacturers from being held liable.
  ~~~ Civic Action ~~~
• Eight-year, $900 million program to tackle urban gun violence.

Pete Buttigieg:

• Make background checks universal.
• Close loopholes that allow dangerous individuals to acquire and keep guns.
• Ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.
• Support red flag laws that disarm domestic abusers.
• Establish a nationwide gun licensing system.
  ~~~ Administrative Actions ~~~
• End the filibuster as we know it.
• Increase federal funding to combat hate and violent extremism.
  ~~~ Civic Action ~~~
• Work with social media companies to stem incendiary rhetoric spread online.

It is easy enough to see that all four candidates mostly hold to similar proposals on gun control toward the end of reducing gun violence in America. The effectiveness of such proposals is beyond the scope of this discussion. Below is the 2019 House passed resolution that has been pigeonholed in the Senate:

H.R.8: Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019. This resolution passed largely along party lines 240 to 190 with Democrats who control the House cheering as they carried the legislation across the finish line. A second bill, expected to be taken up Thursday, would extend the period federal authorities have to complete a background check before a gun sale can go through. Under current law, if a check isn't finalized in three business days, the transaction can automatically proceed.
27 February, 2019
Congress.Gov

Dilemma #1: Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell has blocked gun control legislation in the Senate that had reviously passed the House by wide margins. He had the bills placed on the Senate calendar, rather than having them referred to a committee to potentially be passed by the full Senate.
4 August, 2019
USA Today

Dilemma #2: The National Rifle Association opposes the legislation. In the unlikely event the Senate approves the measure, the White House has already signaled the President would veto the bill, should it reach his desk.
27 February, 2019
NPR