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HAB911

(9,349 posts)
Thu Jan 19, 2017, 03:48 PM Jan 2017

Gun-control advocates push for tougher laws

TALLAHASSEE — Since the summer shooting that devastated Latin night at Pulse, an Orlando gay nightclub, state Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith has worn a rainbow-patterned ribbon on his lapel.

It's a physical reminder of 49 lives lost seven months ago in the worst mass shooting this country has seen, an event that led Smith, who is gay and Latino, to focus on gun control in his first campaign for the Florida House of Representatives.

"I see a Florida, a safer Florida, where there are fewer guns because only the more responsible, law-abiding gun owners are allowed to possess those weapons and they can only possess certain kinds of weapons to protect themselves," said Smith, a Democrat whose district is just five miles from Pulse.

Gun-control supporters — mostly Democrats — don't have much clout in the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature. Still, they're pushing new restrictions they say will make it harder for potentially dangerous people to obtain firearms.

They are quick to say they don't want to take away people's guns. But they do want an end to what Dania Beach Democratic Rep. Evan Jenne calls a "swiss cheese" approach to gun regulations.

Legislation they are proposing this year would:

• Ban assault rifles like the Sig Sauer MCX, which was used to kill 49 people at Pulse, and high-capacity magazines that carry more than seven rounds of ammunition. Assault weapons are "only there to kill others," said Jenne.

• Require background checks for all gun purchases, closing loopholes that allow people to buy firearms at gun shows and from another individual without having their personal history reviewed. Researchers believe as many as 22 percent of gun owners obtain their weapons without a background check.

• Tighten a law mandating that loaded guns be kept in locked storage when they are near children 16 and younger.

• Block people on terrorist watch lists from buying guns, which Democrats tried and failed to do after the Pulse shooting last summer and which leaders say is likely to come back in some form during the legislative session that begins March 7.

Lawmakers also say they want stricter requirements to obtain a concealed carry permit, as well, though they have not proposed legislation to do so. Right now, permit holders have to be 21 years old, pass a gun safety course and pay a $102 fee.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/stateroundup/how-to-end-gun-violence-florida-gun-control-advocates-push-for-tougher-laws/2309467

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Berlin Vet

(95 posts)
3. Mauser 98
Thu Jan 19, 2017, 05:54 PM
Jan 2017

What about a Mauser 98 with a 20 round trench magazine? Other than being a sniper, have there been any mass shootings with a bolt action rifle that are normally four feet or longer?

oneshooter

(8,614 posts)
4. " They are quick to say they don't want to take away people's guns"
Thu Jan 19, 2017, 06:34 PM
Jan 2017

"Ban assault rifles"

Seems to me that they can't keep their story straight.

benEzra

(12,148 posts)
5. If they want to ban modern-looking rifles and any gun holding over 7 rounds...
Thu Jan 19, 2017, 06:36 PM
Jan 2017

then they most certainly *are* after people's guns.

Even the very first Winchesters ever made back in the 1860's had 15-round magazines. A seven-round limit isn't just impractical, it is downright comical.

Clowns like this are directly responsible for the "Dems'll take your guns" meme. Exactly what kinds of guns do they think Floridians own?

Berlin Vet

(95 posts)
6. Would This Proposed Legislation Reduce Shootings?
Thu Jan 19, 2017, 06:41 PM
Jan 2017

1. If you ban assault rifles does that mean people will have to surrender theirs to the state? If you limit magazine capacity to seven rounds will that make anything above that illegal?

2. Of the 22 per cent that purchase firearms without a background check, how many go on to commit crimes?

3. How do you enforce this? No notice home inspection?

4. This sounds reasonable.

 

needledriver

(836 posts)
7. Those are not rhetorical questions
Thu Jan 19, 2017, 07:13 PM
Jan 2017

Here in the great and enlightened state of California it is already law.

HAB911

(9,349 posts)
11. You just cant imagine how this could ever happen in a state like ours.
Fri Jan 20, 2017, 08:24 AM
Jan 2017

That’s what Governor Rick Scott said in reaction to the horrific shooting at the Fort Lauderdale airport less than two weeks ago, James.
Gov. Scott may not know how, but we do. For years the NRA has been doing everything they can to chip away at our public safety laws, to make it easier for dangerous people to get their hands on guns, and to allow guns in more places, particularly here in Florida.

And now, the gun lobby's extremist allies in the legislature want to make Florida even more dangerous -- including forcing our airports to let people carry guns, even in the wake of the Fort Lauderdale shooting. We can’t let that happen.


The survivors and families of victims of the Fort Lauderdale mass shooting lived through their worst nightmare. Five people were killed, and six others shot and injured by a man who never should’ve had a gun.

But still, Governor Scott "can't imagine how this could ever happen in a state like ours." And still, our lawmakers are pushing a bill that would allow guns in our airports, our schools, on our college campuses. It's unacceptable.
Our law enforcement officers say that more guns in places like airports and elementary schools make it harder and more dangerous for them to do their jobs. But apparently Florida lawmakers are more concerned about doing the gun lobby’s bidding than protecting our first responders and families from gun violence.

That's why it's more important than ever for us to stand up and speak out against their dangerous agenda -- and fight against laws that will make our state less safe.

IMHO of course.

gejohnston

(17,502 posts)
12. Would not allowing firearms in baggage areas in Florida
Fri Jan 20, 2017, 05:32 PM
Jan 2017

prevent a terrorist attack at the airport? Wait, that is already illegal in Florida. You can not stop dangerous people from getting guns anymore you can stop junkies from getting heroin, which kills more people than guns.

Interpol and the Czech Republic disagrees with you.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2016/05/17/good-guys-with-guns-former-interpol-chief-ron-noble-on-the-westgate-mall-mass-shooting/?utm_term=.53ca1c979df6

Personal autonomy is a fundamental natural right, which is why I am opposed to abortion bans. Self-defense is also a fundamental natural and human right.

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