The people’s voice vs. the gun lobby

by David Safier

We're about to learn something about which voice speaks loudest in this country either way. According to a new Gallup poll, Americans overwhelmingly agree with the Obama-Biden gun control proposals. And yet some of the proposals are considered DOA regardless, shot down in the prime of life by the NRA.

Here are the numbers:

  • Criminal background checks for gun sales: 91% Yes, 8% No
  • Reinstate assault weapons ban: 60% Yes, 35% No
  • Limit sales of high capacity magazines: 54% Yes, 43% No
  • Increase mental health programs: 82% Yes, 15% No

The people have spoken loudly in this and other recent polls. Wayne LaPierre has grumbled and nagged on every point — except on the mental health issue, which he sees as a convenient distraction from the issue of gun control. Will LaPierre, et al, win all or most of the battle using gun money to play on legislators' fears of being primaried in the next election?

We're going to learn something about which voice speaks loudest in this country either way.