‘National database’ on gun sales part of Obama anti-gun game plan

The Washington Post is reporting that President Barack Obama is preparing to pull out all the stops in pushing his anti-gun agenda in what the newspaper calls “a far broader and more comprehensive approach” than the Clinton-era ban on semi-autos.

That ban expired in 2004 after a ten-year lifespan. Passage of the measure cost Democrats control of Congress in November 1994.

The moves will be sold as an effort to curb “gun violence,” but it appears there is much more in the president’s plan, including what the Post calls “measures backed by key law enforcement leaders that would require universal background checks for firearm buyers (and) track the movement and sale of weapons through a national database…”

“National database” just might sound like “national gun registration” to some firearms activists. The concept is almost certain to be toxic to the firearms community. Fear of impending gun restrictions has fueled a buying rush across the nation, and is reportedly swelling the ranks of gun rights organizations with thousands of new memberships.

There is other disturbing language in the Post story, which was picked up by the Minneapolis Star Tribune Saturday.

“To sell such changes,” the Post reported, “the White House is developing strategies to work around the National Rifle Association that one source said could include rallying support from Wal-Mart and other gun retailers for measures that would benefit their businesses.”

“In addition to potential legislative proposals,” the newspaper also said, “(Vice President Joe) Biden’s group has expanded its focus to include measures that would not need congressional approval and could be quickly implemented by executive action…”

In addition to igniting a battle royal with the gun rights community, there are indications that the Obama administration is also going after the video game and entertainment industries, groups that supported his re-election.

It appears he also wants to drive a wedge between firearms retailers and gun shows.

“For instance,” one source reportedly told the Post, “Wal-Mart and other major gun retailers may have an incentive to support closing a loophole that allows people to bypass background checks if they purchase firearms at gun shows or through other types of private sales. That could result in more people buying guns in retail stores.”

With the annual Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show beginning in Las Vegas ten days from now, these revelations could have the firearms industry bristling. In addition to industry leaders, the SHOT Show also brings together national gun rights leaders.

The Post also reported that the Obama administration is talking with various interest groups, including hunters, but the newspaper did not identify any organizations.

Meanwhile, anti-gunners in Illinois are holding a special Sunday vote on their proposal to institute a sweeping gun “control” measure that bans a wide array of firearms. National Gun Rights Examiner David Codrea discusses that vote in his column.

Suggested reading:

Assault on Weapons: The Campaign to Eliminate Your Guns

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