"Trump's ardent pro-gun stance is new, but will Las Vegas force him to give ground?" Noah Bierman, Los Angeles Times, Oct 7, 2017
What is now the worst mass shooting U.S. history, the Las Vegas massacre, killed 58 and injured hundreds last week, has caused a rise in controversy with gun control. President Trump now faces a large conflict, with many citizens angry, wanting more gun control, but also many fighting for the right of the second amendment. With Trump being close with the NRA, them spending more than $30 million, endorsing him during the campaign, and them being a key factor in helping him win the election, he is now faced with a larger issue. Trump being a supporter of gun rights has stated “Law-abiding people should be allowed to own the firearm of their choice. The government has no business dictating what types of firearms good, honest people are allowed to own.” Trump has addressed the shooting sending thoughts and prayers out to the victims and their families, but has ignored the gun control topic stating “We’ll talk about gun laws as time goes by". Many argue more regulations need to be emplaced to ensure events such as the Las Vegas shooting do not occur. The NRA usually tends to stay quiet after events such as Las Vegas, although they have stated their should be restrictions on bump stocks, a device that can be attached to a rifle to make it fire as fast as an automatic weapon. Even though it is a rare statement from the NRA, many argue they avoiding the bigger issue and changing the focus onto bump stocks.
Questions:
- Do you think the President's response to topic of gun control was appropriate? If not, how should have Trump responded?
- How do you think Trump’s relationship with the NRA will affect any suggested gun control regulations?
The President’s response to gun control was unsuitable because of his ambivalence of the issue. Even though he claims of favoring the right to own guns, he is pressured with supporting the legislation restricting this right. It is a difficult issue to abide, however, allowing many people acquiring firearms is not a guarantee for many will abuse the power to bear arms. It is impossible to apply banning/confiscating all guns in various perspectives. I believe he should have responded imposing a study of gun violence to decrease the fatality caused by guns or by suggesting background checks in order for citizens to purchase.
ReplyDeleteTrump's relationship to both the NRA and Republican party will affect his stance on gun control regulation. As one of the most controversial and partisan issues currently, even Trump's past condemnation of the gun industry will not impact his commitment to denouncing any possible gun control. He is the first president since Ronald Reagan to speak to the NRA at their annual convention and has campaigned on fully protecting the second amendment. Trump has clearly spent time cultivating a strong relationship with the NRA and already missed the prime opportunity following the Las Vegas Massacre to make a statement about tightening regulations. Although Trump is known to be unpredictable at times, I do not believe he will waver in his criticism for more gun regulations.
ReplyDeleteTrump's response to the Las Vegas shooting was very inappropriate. By saying that he'll "talk about gun laws as time goes by," he heavily displays his inability to lead the country. If now (after the Las Vegas massacre) is not a good time to discuss gun laws, when will there ever be a good time? He seems to be favoring his own interests, rather than those of the people. With the NRA being a large endorser of Trump, any suggestions on gun regulation will most definitely be influenced to lean towards the opinions of the NRA.
ReplyDeleteEven though Trump's decision to not impose stronger gun control policies may look bad following the massacre, we have to remember that people voted him to protect the second amendment. Moreover, the NRA is probably putting lots of pressure on the administration to prevent any further gun control. To me, it seems that Trump does not have a lot of power when it comes to imposing more gun control policies, thus highlighting the cons of the interest group lobbying power.
ReplyDeleteThe relationship between the NRA and the new president is bound to effect gun policy and the reform movement in the years to come. The NRA has a great deal of influence due to the major corporations involved in the group's activities. The individual/private citizens involved with the NRA often find their opinions drowned out, especially regarding universal background checks. Seeing that Trump is a businessman whose sympathies will always lie with corporations, the NRA will easily influence his already tempting decisions to roll back gun control
ReplyDeleteI do not think Trumps comments in regards to the Las Vegas shooting were appropriate. He is the President of the United States of America, arguably the most powerful position in the world, and can't even say something of substance. I do agree with his point about "law abiding citizens should be able to own guns;" however, that provides very little insight to the people of his opinions on specific gun regulations and what he intends to do in order to resolve this pressing issue.
ReplyDeletePresident Trumps comments about gun control in reaction to the Las Vegas shooting were completely unacceptable. As our president he is responsible for keeping our country safe. As citizens we shouldn't be afraid to walking down the street because we are afraid we might be killed by some crazy guy with a gun. Trumps connections to the NRA are completely inappropriate and the fact that it is influencing legislation is completely ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Trump's relationship with the NRA will dictate his stance on gun control. This means that he won't really push for much legislation or regulations because he wants to make sure that his valuable campaign finance dollars are there when he runs for reelection. In addition, Trump would have had a much harder time winning the 2016 election without the help of the NRA so he definitely owes them a couple favors.
ReplyDeleteAlthough his comment about the Las Vegas shooting was very inappropriate and completely disregarded the massive controversy over guns, I do understand that owning a gun is part of our Constitution and should be protected just as other amendments should. But being the President of the U.S. requires that he should at least address the issue as being a serious one that needs thorough consideration into how to deal with it.
ReplyDeleteIt is crazy that even though the vast majority of the nation supports more gun regulations and background checks, the president sides with the NRA and follows them.
ReplyDeleteTrumps comment was inappropriate on several levels. While owning a gun is permitted in our constitution, there is no reason anyone, unless they are in combat, should own a semi automatic rifle. There needs to be boundaries on this issue.
ReplyDeleteTrump's reaction to gun control following such a tragic event was uncalled for. He should have expressed sympathy to the victims by saying something much more respectful.
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