In the vacuum of congressional action, many states decided to act on their own. While there were some bright spots like the election of a pro-gun control governor in the National Rifle Association's home state of Virginia, the results favor less gun control. A mere 39 measures restricting gun control were passed in states mostly controlled by Democrats. But in states mostly controlled by Republicans, 70 measures liberalizing gun ownership became law.
Perhaps most ominously, in the swing state of Colorado where a shooting in a cinema left a dozen people dead, the fear that Giffords ascribed to Congress also extends to the state legislature. Last year, Colorado was one of the states to enact tougher gun control measures such as requiring background checks on any prospective gun buyer. Enraged, the gun lobby mounted recall campaigns that resulted in the ousting of two pro-gun control lawmakers and the resignation of a third.
As the spokesperson for the Gun Owners of America said, "What happened in Colorado should send shock waves through every legislator's heart that's been supportive of gun control." And he is right on target. This is an election year in which one-third of the US Senate, all of the House of Representatives, and many state legislative and gubernatorial races will be fought. Few of the incumbents want to touch this potentially lethal political issue now, if ever. In this epic gun battle, the gun lobby is the clear winner.
【Guns in America more deadly than smog】相关文章:
★ Smoke still clouding up movies and TV
★ Obama seeks to calm Iran fears
★ First Lady first up as Democrats try to break deadlock
★ Spring Festival gets deadly with holiday excess
★ Korean-American Kim to lead World Bank
★ Vogue row more hype than health?
★ Student left in cell for 4 days sues for $20m
★ Yes, China, there really is a Santa Claus
最新
2020-08-21
2020-08-20
2020-08-19
2020-08-06
2020-08-05
2020-08-05