The Wall Street Journal: on Gun Control


Hillary Clinton: Rein in idea that anybody can have a gun anywhere, anytime

As Hillary Clinton mulls running for president in 2016, she has been careful to shy away from broad, sweeping policy declarations. But not when she delivered harsh criticism of gun culture in America and denounced the idea that "anybody can have a gun, anywhere, at any time." Clinton didn't dispute Americans' right to own guns. But she said access to guns in the U.S. had grown "way out of balance."

"We've got to rein in what has become an almost article of faith that anybody can have a gun anywhere, anytime," she said. "And I don't believe that is in the best interest of the vast majority of people."

Citing a number of shootings that arose from minor arguments over loud music or texting, she drew a comparison: "That's what happens in the countries I've visited where there is no rule of law and no self-control." She added: "That is something that we cannot just let go without paying attention."

Source: Wall Street Journal, "Anywhere, Anytime Gun Culture" May 6, 2014

Hillary Clinton: 2000: advocate for national gun registry; 2008: backed off

Gun rights groups have long considered Mrs. Clinton their foe. Her 2000 Senate campaign centered on a push to keep guns off the streets, and she was a forceful advocate of creating a national gun registry. But eight years later, as she faced off against then-Sen. Barack Obama in the Democratic primary, she positioned herself as more conservative than him on gun control. She backed off the proposal for a national registry and publicly recounted how her father had taught her how to shoot as a little girl--a story that prompted Obama to ask if she was seeking Annie Oakley comparisons. Gun control groups criticized her change in tune [back to strongly supporting gun control] as hypocritical and politically motivated.

Her position on gun control puts her at odds with the staunchly pro-gun GOP, and the push for gun control laws at the federal level has been historically unsuccessful. As president, Bill Clinton sought to tighten gun laws but was unable to achieve lasting effects.

Source: Wall Street Journal, "Anywhere, Anytime Gun Culture" May 6, 2014

Kate Brown: Require more background checks on gun sales

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown signed a bill Monday requiring background checks on firearm transfers between private parties, making Oregon the eighth state to require screening on nearly all gun sales.

Legislative Summary: Requires private person to complete transfer of firearm by appearing with transferee before gun dealer to request criminal background check. Specifies exceptions for family members, law enforcement, inherited firearms and certain temporary transfers. Punishes violation by maximum of one year's imprisonment, $6,250 fine, or both; for second and subsequent offense, a maximum of 10 years' imprisonment, $250,000 fine, or both. Notifies appropriate law enforcement agency when, during criminal background check, department determines that recipient is prohibited from possessing firearm. Authorizes court to prohibit person ordered to participate in assisted outpatient treatment from purchasing or possessing firearm during period of treatment.

Source: Wall Street Journal on SB-941 Oregon voting record May 11, 2015

  • The above quotations are from Columns and news articles on NY politics in The Wall Street Journal.
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2016 Presidential contenders on Gun Control:
  Republicans:
Gov.Jeb Bush(FL)
Dr.Ben Carson(MD)
Gov.Chris Christie(NJ)
Sen.Ted Cruz(TX)
Carly Fiorina(CA)
Gov.Jim Gilmore(VA)
Sen.Lindsey Graham(SC)
Gov.Mike Huckabee(AR)
Gov.Bobby Jindal(LA)
Gov.John Kasich(OH)
Gov.Sarah Palin(AK)
Gov.George Pataki(NY)
Sen.Rand Paul(KY)
Gov.Rick Perry(TX)
Sen.Rob Portman(OH)
Sen.Marco Rubio(FL)
Sen.Rick Santorum(PA)
Donald Trump(NY)
Gov.Scott Walker(WI)
Democrats:
Gov.Lincoln Chafee(RI)
Secy.Hillary Clinton(NY)
V.P.Joe Biden(DE)
Gov.Martin O`Malley(MD)
Sen.Bernie Sanders(VT)
Sen.Elizabeth Warren(MA)
Sen.Jim Webb(VA)

2016 Third Party Candidates:
Gov.Gary Johnson(L-NM)
Roseanne Barr(PF-HI)
Robert Steele(L-NY)
Dr.Jill Stein(G,MA)
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Page last updated: Aug 06, 2024