Morguefile.com
There is one issue that leaves Democrats in Congress shaking in their boots: gun rights. The only issue that equates with ability to split the Democrats is abortion rights. And the Republicans know how to use it to tie them in knots.
Democrats are aware about the reluctance of suburban of suburban and rural lawmakers to cast any vote that could be perceived as anti-gun. The Republicans use it like a poison pill when it wants to sabotage legislation.
For example, Republicans were able to add an expansion of gun ownership in the District of Columbia to a long-sought measure giving the district a full-voting seat in the House of Representatives.
Democrats were able to win approval of a public lands bill because three Democrats were holdouts, influenced by concerns that the bill would upset gun owners even though the National Rifle Association (NRA) has agreed not to make an issue about it after it was promised that the bill would not curtail hunting on federal land.
As the Democrats have expanded their base, and with it a House represent districts majority of constituents are gun owners. The voters in those states are hunters and sportsmen and strongly believe in the right to own and bear arms. Republicans see the issue as one of their most effective tools.
The 2010 election may see some former anti-gun legislators looking for a way to find a middle ground.
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Rightly they all should be concerned that Americans are fed up with congressmen who give away our rights because of the emotions of a few who ignore the atrocities of many.
Americans are buying up guns and ammo and letting our voices be heard all over the country. I say it's about time! I think SOME of these politicians are hearing us loud and clear. Lets keep up the intensity on these people and never let our guard down concerning our firearms.
Many elected officials in this country are in for a rude awakening come election time. Democrats just don't learn it seams.
They forgot the uproar over the illegal firearm confiscations after hurricane Katrina.
The hypocrisy is that the Demo administrations refuse to enforce the gun laws that already exist against street criminals, while trying to make life more difficult for normal, law-abiding citizens.
leVieux, Chocolate City, LA
Everyone concerned should join the NRA. It's a shame so many are relying on those of us who send hard earned dollars to protect their rights as well as ours. If not join the at least make contributions on a regular basis.
Hunting has NOTHING to do with our 2nd amendment rights to keep and bear arms. Please stop using it as filler in an article or media news clip trying to justify one with the other. They are mutually exclusive issues.
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