The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Politicians Feel Out How Much Gun Control They Can Pass

Bartholomew Roberts · January 24, 2013, 08:31 AM

The New York Times has an interesting piece on the with us today/against us tomorrow Joe Manchin of WV.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/24/us...er=rss&emc=rss

This line in particular caught my attention:
"As Congress considers what, if any, laws to change, Mr. Manchin has become a barometer among his colleagues, testing just how far they might be able to go without angering voters."

I think it describes the phenomenon we are facing quite well. You are going to get exactly as much gun control as they think they can force on you without repercussions at the ballot box. If they think it will cost them at the ballot box, they won't do anything. Our job is to make sure they understand that there is no acceptable amount of gun control.

If you tell them anything is OK or "tolerable" they are going to make sure they pass that. They are counting on you lying down and compromising more of your rights away out of fear. We have the votes and the money. We do not need to be afraid or to compromise.

January 24, 2013, 08:31 AM	#1
Bartholomew Roberts member Join Date: June 12, 2000 Location: Texas and Oklahoma area Posts: 8,462	Politicians Feel Out How Much Gun Control They Can Pass The New York Times has an interesting piece on the with us today/against us tomorrow Joe Manchin of WV. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/24/us...er=rss&emc=rss This line in particular caught my attention: "As Congress considers what, if any, laws to change, Mr. Manchin has become a barometer among his colleagues, testing just how far they might be able to go without angering voters." I think it describes the phenomenon we are facing quite well. You are going to get exactly as much gun control as they think they can force on you without repercussions at the ballot box. If they think it will cost them at the ballot box, they won't do anything. Our job is to make sure they understand that there is no acceptable amount of gun control. If you tell them anything is OK or "tolerable" they are going to make sure they pass that. They are counting on you lying down and compromising more of your rights away out of fear. We have the votes and the money. We do not need to be afraid or to compromise.