Tag Archives: gun control

Oh yeah, guns…..

The sniper murders in Dallas provide another chance to think about what legal access to firearms in the United States should look like. The demonstrators included individuals legally and openly carrying weapons. Apparently, even with good intent, this was of … Continue reading

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Evaluating the sit-in

The Democrats’ sit-in on the floor of the House of Representatives is over–for now, and the House is out of session until after the July 4 holiday. There was, unsurprisingly,  no vote on any gun control measure. And no one … Continue reading

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Prospecting political tactics for gun control

Democratic members of the US House of Representatives sat in on the floor of the House, demanding recorded votes on gun control measures. Rep. John Lewis (Georgia) made the speech that launched the effort, and was framed at the center of … Continue reading

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You miss all the shots you don’t take

Effective advocates are entrepreneurial, constantly trying to tie their preferred remedies to any potential problem that comes up in the news.  This is the only way we can make sense of Students for Concealed Carry‘s effort to present their prime … Continue reading

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Zimmerman, Martin, and the Courts

Don’t count on the courts to produce justice, but sometimes it’s disappointment with the legal system that does make change. We expect too much from the courts and we’re constantly disappointed.  The trial in Florida could have ended with George … Continue reading

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Guns across America

Opponents of any new restrictions on guns turned up at every state capital on Saturday, some carrying weapons where they were allowed to do so.  The demonstrators were peaceful and law-abiding, by all accounts, but some suggested they might not … Continue reading

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Gun Appreciation Day and Martin Luther King’s birthday

When an interviewer asked Larry Ward, a conservative media strategist, about the appropriateness of scheduling “Gun Appreciation Day” on January 19th, the holiday commemorating Martin Luther King, Ward was quick on his feet, if not particularly sure-footed.  Martin Luther King … Continue reading

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Threat, polarization, and mobilization in the gun debate

Until just a few weeks ago, the notion of a policy-relevant debate about access to guns seemed fanciful.  Supporters of relatively easy access to firearms of all sorts were resolute, and advocates of limits of any kind were either silent … Continue reading

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NRA digs the bunker deeper

In a surprise holiday gift to advocates of gun control, National Rifle Association Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre called for armed guards in the nation’s schools.  It was a bizarre speech (read it here) and an odd departure from the … Continue reading

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Creating a debate on gun laws

Gun control advocates are trying to invigorate the long-ossified debate on national gun laws in the United States.  This means filling the moment of public attention caused by the mass shooting at an elementary school in Connecticut. Public demonstrations are … Continue reading

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