September 14
Much discussion today about the lapse of the assault weapons ban, in spite of almost every poll showing overwhelming public support for its extension.
Bill Frist told Paul Zahn on CNN last night that the opinion that matters in this case is that of Congress, not of the people; but it seems that, as EJ Dionne points out in the Post;
"..supporters of gun control will have to demonstrate some political muscle in making the issue count in places where it matters. Whining about the NRA is useless. Organizing is not. If those who care about gun control do not use this election to make their voices heard, what else can they expect but a timid Congress and a president who says one thing but does another?
"In the meantime, supporters of the weapons ban have to fight the ultimate sleight of hand from the other side: that the law is not broad enough to make a real difference. If the ban didn't matter, why would so many police chiefs and police officers support it? And this argument is the definition of gall: The very people who fight to weaken gun regulations are the ones who then complain that the resulting regulations are too narrow to have an impact."
Both President Bush and John Kerry will be addressing national guard members and their families this week, while all four national ticket candidates will be campaigning in Nevada this week.
Finally, watch out for an excellent documentary currently running on the Discovery Channel: "Making The Message" looks at the parties management of conventions and their press coverage.
Much discussion today about the lapse of the assault weapons ban, in spite of almost every poll showing overwhelming public support for its extension.
Bill Frist told Paul Zahn on CNN last night that the opinion that matters in this case is that of Congress, not of the people; but it seems that, as EJ Dionne points out in the Post;
"..supporters of gun control will have to demonstrate some political muscle in making the issue count in places where it matters. Whining about the NRA is useless. Organizing is not. If those who care about gun control do not use this election to make their voices heard, what else can they expect but a timid Congress and a president who says one thing but does another?
"In the meantime, supporters of the weapons ban have to fight the ultimate sleight of hand from the other side: that the law is not broad enough to make a real difference. If the ban didn't matter, why would so many police chiefs and police officers support it? And this argument is the definition of gall: The very people who fight to weaken gun regulations are the ones who then complain that the resulting regulations are too narrow to have an impact."
Both President Bush and John Kerry will be addressing national guard members and their families this week, while all four national ticket candidates will be campaigning in Nevada this week.
Finally, watch out for an excellent documentary currently running on the Discovery Channel: "Making The Message" looks at the parties management of conventions and their press coverage.
posted by Steve at 7:25 PM
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