Last updated on August 10th, 2014 at 05:08 pm
Today as President Obama and his family toured Yellowstone National Park, gun control advocates criticized the president for signing a bill that will allow guns to be carried into the national parks. As some on the left fume, it is becoming clear that this president has no interest in taking away anyone’s guns.
Paul Helmke, President of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, said, “Unfortunately, because Congress passed and President Obama signed legislation allowing weapons in national parks beginning in February, other families will be unable to enjoy the same level of security next year when loaded firearms, including semi-automatics, will be permitted in most national parks across the country.”
He urged Obama and Congress to reverse their decision, “There is still time for Congress and the President to take steps to keep loaded firearms away from the valleys of Yellowstone, the cliffs of Yosemite, and the Statue of Liberty, but they need to act quickly.” This is an interesting turn of events, since Republicans have long contended that Obama is out to destroy the Second Amendment.
To get more stories like this, subscribe to our newsletter The Daily.
In April, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs signaled that President Obama has no interest in reviving the assault weapons ban. At the times Gibbs said, “I was asked specifically about assault weapons. I think the president would — the president believes there are other strategies we can take to enforce the laws that are already on our books.”
Republicans interested in keeping what remaining support they have will continue to suggest that Obama is out to take people’s guns away, but his actions suggest a president that has very little interest in the Second Amendment issue, which is something that is driving gun control advocates up the wall. I don’t think Obama will ever be the gun control president that they were hoping for.
I am a liberal Democrat, but I have no problem with guns. I am not in favor of weapons bans. I think the issue should be about how we can keep guns out of the hands of the mentally ill and criminals. Responsible law abiding citizens should have the freedom to own what they want. The Obama administration has also chosen a middle course on the issue which means that both the far right and left will be dissatisfied.
Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.
Awards and Professional Memberships
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association
