Politics

Ten Reasons Stricter Gun Regulation Will Be Difficult to Achieve in America

Jan. 7, 2013 7:42am

Steven Strauss was founding Managing Director of the Center for Economic Transformation at the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC). He is a 2012 Advanced Leadership Fellow at Harvard University. He has a Ph.D. in Management from Yale University and over 20 years' private sector work experience.

I have strongly criticized ludicrous gun enforcement that criminalizes ordinary citizens, but I also support Mayor Bloomberg’s and Mayors Against Illegal Guns’ (a coalition of over 700 Mayors of American cities and towns) efforts to Demand a Plan to reduce gun violence.

However, whatever our individual views, broad agreement on the proper level of gun regulation will be difficult because:

1. Americans Are Divided On the Issue of Guns – According to a Pew Research poll conducted after Newtown, 42% of Americans strongly believe gun control is more important than gun rights. However, about 37% believe gun rights are more important than gun control. A significant number of American citizens reject even the most basic limitations on gun rights. And such citizens vote for candidates based on this strongly-held issue. Citizens supporting gun control, however, don’t let that issue determine how they choose their representatives.

2. Gun Advocacy Groups are Well-Funded - Because many Americans are passionate about gun rights, groups such as the National Rifle Association (NRA) have the resources for a prolonged fight. The NRA’s annual budget is ~$300 million and it has 4 million members. It’s one of the largest, and most powerful, advocacy groups in America. For example, the NRA outspends gun control advocacy groups, in lobbying expenses, by 10 to 1. Many NRA members disagree with the NRA’s position on gun control, but they all receive its mailings – giving the NRA a massive platform to highlight (positively or negatively) any politician (or issue) it targets. As a consequence, few politicians are willing to risk the NRA’s ire by supporting gun control legislation.

3. Americans Increasingly Live in Belief Communities – As the Pew Research data illustrates, Americans are deeply divided on gun issues. But these two groups of Americans don’t talk with each other. They often live in very different regions, and (in many cases) exist in sub-cultures where they only talk with, and get news from, people who share their beliefs. This separation of our society into different Belief Communities, on issues such as gun rights, makes it difficult for our political leaders to find effective compromises.

4. Even Assuming a Clear Majority Favors Gun Control, the American Political System Protects the Rights of Political Minorities – Gun rights groups will have many opportunities to oppose gun control legislation, whether through: filibustering in the Senate; preventing legislation from ever coming to a vote in the House (where a gun rights-sympathetic GOP has a majority of votes); adding amendments that reduce the effectiveness of any gun control legislation enacted; preventing funding for enforcement of such new legislation; or 2nd Amendment challenges to any legislation in the courts.

5. The NRA is Deeply Embedded in the Republican Party – It’s not clear whether the NRA controls the GOP, or the GOP controls the NRA. What’s very clear is that the two organizations are tightly intertwined. According to OpenSecrets.org, about 90% of the NRA’s political contributions go to the GOP. The NRA board is dominated by conservatives/GOP operatives such as: Grover Norquist, Larry “wide stance” Craig, Bob Barr and other Washington insiders/lobbyists.

For example, the only gun legislation President Obama signed during his first term – actually changed existing law to permit concealed weapons in America’s parks. President Obama was given a grade of F, by gun control groups, for his failure to support gun control legislation. Despite this, instead of remaining neutral in the 2012 elections, the NRA endorsed Romney-Ryan (in very apocalyptic terms, see below) and spent almost $20 million attempting to defeat Democrats/President Obama. These deep Republican connections give the NRA immense leverage in any Congressional negotiations about gun control.

6. Most GOP Congressional Representatives are from Conservative Safe Districts, Where Gun Rights Supporters are Concentrated – Congressional Republicans received only 48% of the votes cast – but acquired 53% of the seats – due to gerrymandering and safe seats. Whether these Republican representatives are true believers, or moderates who fear a primary challenge – they will oppose gun control as commanded by the NRA.

7. The NRA Feeds, and Is Fed by, GOP Paranoia – I believe many Americans who voted for Romney were nonetheless appalled by the tone of the NRA statement endorsing Romney-Ryan:

“Today, we live in an America that is getting harder to recognize every day led by a President who mocks our values, belittles our faith, and is threatened by our freedom.”

Further, the NRA claims President Obama is part of a conspiracy (involving the United Nations) to confiscate all of America’s guns. The NRA’s policy has been to align itself with the worst elements of the American right and to feed their dangerous paranoia. I’m referring to the: approximately 25% of Republicans who believe Obama was not born in the US; and the staggering 50% of Republicans who believe the 2012 election was stolen by President Obama using voter fraud, even though Romney lost by a significant margin. This fact-resistant base can be manipulated to do the NRA’s bidding.

8. A Fight Over Gun Control Is Exactly What the NRA Wants – The NRA is a gun rights advocacy group. Its major basis for fund-raising is its claim that gun rights are threatened. It thrives on conflict, not on compromise. The NRA will, no doubt, feature its opposition to any proposed gun control legislation in fund-raising appeals to its base.

9. The NRA is Highly Lucrative for Its Leaders – Consequently, the NRA’s leadership will likely resist solutions which permanently resolve gun control issues. Wayne LaPierre is paid ~$1 million/year, and has been the CEO for about 20 years. The NRA’s chief political strategist and lobbyist is paid about $600,000/year; its other officers also receive lucrative compensation packages. Compromise, and a permanent solution to America’s gun discussion, wouldn’t be good for their compensation. If a broad compromise were reached, removing gun control from the political agenda for the next 20 years – why would the NRA need LaPierre and a highly-paid lobbying staff?

10. President Obama Faces Multiple Challenges and Must Prioritize – The president needs GOP cooperation to: resolve the fiscal cliff; obtain confirmation of new cabinet officers; handle potential conflicts in the Middle East; undertake long-term entitlement reform; achieve immigration reform and much else. Gun control legislation could be lost in the shuffle or, as part of some grand bargain, sacrificed entirely.

Real and effective solutions are possible, but achieving them will be a tough battle.

Comments (52)

1 2
  • dallenh
    Jan. 8, 2013 at 7:20am

    Send an online communication to your Representative as I have done. I was clear that my vote will go the opposite way of his vote on any gun control legislation. So if he votes “NO”, I will vote “YES” for him the next election cycle. I highlighted that if he fails on this basic test of upholding the Constitution, he is no longer qualified to represent my family of voters.

    Report this comment

    dallenh  
  • fr0thing
    Jan. 8, 2013 at 4:15am

    Yeah it’s getting more and more disturbing everyday as the language of this article indicates. He’s dropping adjectives that people normally associate with mental illness – “paranoia”, “extreme”, etc. These guys are deliberately trying to incite violence from the right so they can carry out their “final solution”. Stay steady folks.

    Report this comment

    fr0thing  
  • Dougral Supports Israel
    Jan. 8, 2013 at 12:12am

    It;s easy to see that Mr Strauss is quite the liberal. Somehow he believes this is an extreme:

    Today, we live in an America that is getting harder to recognize every day led by a President who mocks our values, belittles our faith, and is threatened by our freedom.”

    I see it as a very accurate description of the current denizen of the White House. Obama supports our enemies while trying to limit the freedoms of Americans. The examples are legion. He refuses to act against Iran which is building atomic weapons. He supported Islamist revolutions in the Middle East. He supported a leftist thug who tried to violate the Honduran constitution. Obama believes our First Amendment rights should be subordinated to UN standards and that our Second Amendment rights be neutered under a world gun treaty. He belittles people of faith who also want to keep guns for their own protection.

    I could go on and on but it’s clear that Obama’s world view is not American and that he intends to transform us all to his beliefs. well, I say to h*ll with him and I will stick with our own Constitution, to the death if necessary.

    Report this comment

    Dougral Supports Israel  
  • hi-polymer
    Jan. 8, 2013 at 12:03am

    Mr. Strauss seems to be making the assumption that the NRA and gun owners are somehow intertwined. That is not the case. Most gun owners aren’t members or supporters of the NRA. In fact, most gun owners consider the NRA to be sell-outs.

    Report this comment

    hi-polymer  
  • remington1911
    Jan. 7, 2013 at 11:44pm

    Senators to soldiers all take an oath to uphold the Constitution, Obama and his cronies just talk their way around it using massacres, poverty, need based distribution economics etc.. Imagine this though…

    Pelosi and whoever pass a bill that effectively ceases production of the AR-15 because it looks scary and has the shoulder thing (that thing that goes up!), some other things, and an adjustable stock or whatever reason. Now imagine the firearms plant does not stop operations on the grounds that the law passed is not constitutional…. the comrades become furious at this and so who do they send, that’s right, the military, as the police force is unwilling to forcibly shut down this factory and its dedicated employees armed with their freedom and ideals (and an arsenal of “assault rifle” 15′s!!!!1!1!!) this nation and our military promised them.

    The question to be asked is; Will the military have the stones to turn its back on their leaders in the interest of freedom?

    Besides Nazi Germany (not communists), the military usually pushes back on communists/takeovers, That’s good for freedom!

    but…

    I really believe in the near future we will not see the military the way we have in the past. I’m talking about major cuts to our military. Officers and commanders will get smeared/arrested. The ability for our, now much smaller, military to exist will wholly be based on its ability to follow orders, regardless of domestic interests or more importantly, oath’s.

    Report this comment

    remington1911  
  • apollo18
    Jan. 7, 2013 at 11:07pm

    WAY BACK in ’78, a city councilman murdered a mayor & another councilman because the mayor wouldn’t ignore a resignation. The shooter did this in city hall. Still another councilman hid in their office and wasn’t injured, despite the shooter’s attempt to kill them. When this went to trial, the defense put before the jury that “Twinkies” somehow made him do it. The jury bought it and came back with a sentence of apx 10 years. Sentence was served and the offender was released and within a few months committed suicide.

    Care to guess who the councilman was that hid in their office?

    Diane Feinstein.

    “2012, we get the Twinkies! Next, we go for the guns!”

    BTW, the shooter, Dan White DID NOT use an assault weapon on Mayor George Moscone or Harvey Milk.

    Report this comment

    apollo18  
  • ltb
    Jan. 7, 2013 at 9:28pm

    Forget that list, the main reason is there are over 270 million guns in America that are owned by citizens who wouldn’t just roll over like the Germans did when the “1938 German Weapons Act” was passed. Also, enough of those Americans weren’t indoctrinated in State run schools during the past 20 years, so they understand that Nazis look like Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama.

    —–

    “I’ll give you my gun when you pry it from my cold, dead hands” — NRA bumper sticker

    Report this comment

    ltb  
    • dmerwin
      Jan. 7, 2013 at 10:04pm

      Molan Labe, brother!

      Report this comment

      dmerwin  
    • sillyfreshness
      Jan. 7, 2013 at 10:08pm

      Be careful. The “chosen people” controlled Marxist Media is running a blitzkrieg of anti-gun, anti-Constitution, and Obama for life campaigns on TV right now. We have a generation of idiotic kids that only care about Juden created (Zuckerberg) Facebook. A very one dimensional, brainwashed younger generation that will accept a communistic dictatorship……as long as Facebook (Jewbook) says it’s okay. The communists (Democrats) see the conservative movement is in shambles right now and the commies smell blood. They are making their coup move to takeover once and for all. Commies wearing suits in the Democratic Party are throwing around the idea of Obama for life and other anti-Democratic, anti-Constitutional ideas. It’s just in its infancy. They have planted the seed. They won’t do a violent coup if they don’t need to. They will use the Marxist Media to brainwash everyone to go along with their communistic goals. Anyone who doesn’t go along will be either a “racist” or “mentally ill.”

      Watch for “if you don’t want to turn in your guns, you’re mentally ill” as the new propaganda to come. It will be a catch 22. Mentally ill shouldn’t have guns, but if you want to keep yours, you’re mentally ill, therefore you will have to turn them in. Communists will do whatever it takes to win.

      http://rense.com/general44/sevenjewishamericans.htm

      Report this comment

      sillyfreshness  
    • Marine 1
      Jan. 7, 2013 at 10:25pm

      Ten reasons!?

      Screw that! We only need O-N-E.

      Because WE, the PEOPLE, say NO!

      Now, it cannot get any clearer for you anticonstitutional thugs in the District of Corruption.

      No freaking debate. No nothing. We say NO to your stupidity.

      Leave the gun issue (2nd Amendment alone) and get to work saving this nation is a constitutional manner. We did NOT send you goofballs back to D.C. to take our rights away. Must we come to D.C. and put you idiots on a “time out.” Holy smokes!

      Report this comment

      Marine 1  
    • WarMunger_Al
      Jan. 7, 2013 at 11:18pm

      Nice of the blaze to reprint an antigun rights story. The country will never be United and it would be prudent to split up before the bloodshed, they want gun control,let them do what they want in their own little country. They can bask in their communistic slavery and let the rest of us live free.

      Report this comment

      WarMunger_Al  
    • steelpanther
      Jan. 7, 2013 at 11:34pm

      Their are several in the media that are already declaring gun owners as mentally ill.

      Report this comment

      steelpanther  
    • theaton
      Jan. 8, 2013 at 2:50pm

      LTB, you will be surprised at how many gun owners will roll over if it comes to that.

      Report this comment

      theaton  
  • whatdhesay
    Jan. 7, 2013 at 9:03pm

    The right of the people to keep and bear arms, SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED!!

    Report this comment

    whatdhesay  
  • markeng
    Jan. 7, 2013 at 8:56pm

    Obama’s most ardent supporters have proposes gun registration, gun confiscation, and marching the millions who cannot be converted to their way of thought into the Arizona desert for execution. Sounds just like those who supported the tyrants in Russia, Germany and Cambodia. The second amendment and our guns are all that stand between us and the tyrants in the United States.

    Report this comment

    markeng  
  • RemoteCoderz
    Jan. 7, 2013 at 8:48pm

    Apparently believing in the Constitution puts me into a sub-culture. LMAO

    So while the marxists, socialists, and communists all live in the popular eutopian dreamville, us non-pot-smoking conservatives dwell in our caves, and read way too much Dilbert

    Report this comment

    RemoteCoderz  
  • Mossy_pump
    Jan. 7, 2013 at 7:28pm

    I don’t think the NRA is all bad but I have to say the Gun Owners of America organization doesn’t “back down” like the NRA does during legislation against guns and their owners. They stand strong with a “no compromise” stance on gun control. They are a much smaller organization but I think they’re visions and goals are more suited to gun owners rights.

    Report this comment

    Mossy_pump  
  • Marsh626
    Jan. 7, 2013 at 6:46pm

    Thanks Blaze for hosting another degenerate D ******…

    Report this comment

    Marsh626  
    • mlgunner
      Jan. 7, 2013 at 8:01pm

      Its NEWS you weenie. What do you want, just to hear only the things that you agree with, or do you want to hear what ever is actually going on? The fact is the mere existence of armed people who disagree with him, and are willing to fight, and that any sort of “Gun Control” legislation just is not possible because of that is what that little bit is all about. As far as his opinion as to whether that is good or not, well, who cares?

      Report this comment

      mlgunner  
  • SIXFRIGATES
    Jan. 7, 2013 at 6:06pm

    Hey Mr. Commentary,

    Here is the one and ONLY reason gun regulation won’t happen. THE 2nd AMENDMENT!

    Report this comment

    SIXFRIGATES  
    • MidnightMadness4x4
      Jan. 7, 2013 at 6:19pm

      that’s what they thought before the 1994 ban and it happened. do what you can. donate, write, whatever. that’s what i’m doing.

      Report this comment

      MidnightMadness4x4  
    • Oath-keeper
      Jan. 7, 2013 at 7:44pm

      @midnite. ayou are 100% correct, I send out so many e-mails to anyone I can with real ways to get involved, most sheep talk shiat on these sights like I own this and I own that or pry from my dead cold hands, I think most are lazy poo c ees who will sit back and whine. Then blame everyone else.
      Join oathkeepers.org NRA, write emails to all representatives, share videos like ” the history of gun control” people will need to get involved. If 10% of gun owners did this we would shut those communist oath breakers down. People talk smack from behind their usernames, I think 3% actually took up arms in the American revolution, we missed out being West Britain by a thin margin.

      Report this comment

      Oath-keeper  
  • THX-1138
    Jan. 7, 2013 at 5:25pm

    Another mental midget with a keyboard.

    There’s only one reason why Gun Control will never happen; We already have them and anyone who tries to take them will die.

    Suck on that one, Steve…

    Report this comment

    THX-1138  
  • shakedowncrews
    Jan. 7, 2013 at 4:57pm

    Stupid article. The constitution provides protections no matter what the majority think, unless they think they can ammend it. But they won’t. I think those stats he provided were not accurate, I doubt very much the number of folks supporting the 2nd amendment is that low or that gun control advocates are that numerous.
    But no matter what, we won’t hand over our guns, and we won’t register them either. You want ‘em? Try taking them. How many thousands of brownshirted jack booted thugs have to get shot before the public says “WHOA NELLIE” and decides it wasn’t worth a civil war?

    Report this comment

    shakedowncrews  
  • ThePirateRagnar
    Jan. 7, 2013 at 4:37pm

    I am sick and tired of those idiot SHEEP who live on the East Coast like this fool or on the West Coast in Hollywood trying to set policy for the rest of us. They have no idea that a gun is a simple tool to those of us in the midwest and southern states. It is harmless in the hands of a law abiding citizen. You want them so bad you communist fool, come get them. In the mean time, I hope a few NYC gang bangers don’t bend you over and take your wallet, as well as your anal virginity. You, Mr. Strauss, and others like you will undoubtedly end up victims of you own stupid ideals.

    Why don’t you do something useful like visit a town or city that doesn’t have restrictive guns laws? Why not review their crime rate? How about doing a story on how many armed criminals had their sentences plea bargined down only to go out and kill someone or commit a violent act? How about a story on how many NRA members have committed crimes with firearms over the last 50 years? Can someone please tell me how we get through to these mindless FOOLS!!!!!!

    Report this comment

    ThePirateRagnar  
    • whatdhesay
      Jan. 7, 2013 at 8:58pm

      I live in Ga., unfortunately on the south side of Atlanta, if I had the money and the sense I would be in Kennesaw where every homeowner is required to have a gun. Of course you won’t be seeing these crime rate’s making any headline’s.

      25 years murder-free in ‘Gun Town USA’
      http://www.wnd.com/2007/04/41196/

      (Well at least not on the msm!)

      Report this comment

      whatdhesay  
  • florida123
    Jan. 7, 2013 at 4:34pm

    What a leftist article, but hey if its true about the NRA i could careless, as long as they are at the helm 2nd amendment will stand!! I think ill send them a little mula…….

    Report this comment

    florida123  
    • WarMunger_Al
      Jan. 7, 2013 at 11:25pm

      As long as Americans will actually fire on tyrants who try an take their rights, the 2nd will stand. If it passes and people are all talk when the time comes for action, then it will fall with the rest of the constitution.

      Report this comment

      WarMunger_Al  
  • OniKaze
    Jan. 7, 2013 at 4:25pm

    How about another reason that no-one in the posts has mentioned yet….

    (with #11 being the 2nd Amendment) I would say #12: Criminals DON’T follow the laws (thus WHY they are criminals), and even if YOU do, THEY will not… So now the criminals have all the guns, and the “law-abiding” citizens are left defenseless.

    GREAT IDEA!

    Report this comment

    OniKaze  
  • Uechi
    Jan. 7, 2013 at 4:06pm

    Hey Steve stick it where the sun doesn’t shine you lefty piece of garbage. The 2nd Amendment is not negotiable plain and simple. The fact that lots of people support gun control isn’t a surprise when half the population voted for four more years for the Black Marxist Messiah.Lots and lots of stupid people in America most of them concentrated on the East and West Coast and of course the haven for gangs Chicago.

    Report this comment

    Uechi  
    • BODYBAG
      Jan. 7, 2013 at 4:28pm

      @UECHI
      Posted on January 7, 2013 at 4:06pm
      Hey Steve stick it where the sun doesn’t shine you lefty piece of garbage. The 2nd Amendment is not negotiable plain and simple.
      ——————————————
      Ditto.
      The Second Amendment itself is also plain and simple. One sentence. No mention of Hunting or sporting. The last 4 words are unequivocal. Words are extremely important. It doesnt say “may not” or “must not” or “can not”. It very purposely states SHALL NOT.

      US Bill Of Rights – Amendment II
      A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep
      and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

      Report this comment

      BODYBAG  
  • NM Leon
    Jan. 7, 2013 at 2:21pm

    #1 The Second Amendment

    Report this comment

    NM Leon  
  • jrcess
    Jan. 7, 2013 at 12:21pm

    Obama has lied about raising taxes, lied about not going after guns. He is a black from Chicago, you cannot trust this guy. He would lie to his mother to get what he wants.

    Report this comment

    jrcess  
    • BlasberryStrat
      Jan. 7, 2013 at 4:05pm

      Agreed! There won’t be any discussion on any form of gun control. I will either be steep control or a full out ban. Either way it goes, we are only going to learn about it after the fact, when it’s been buried VERY deep within some sort of “popular” bill and Congress signs it in to Law without even knowing it.

      Chicago Politics.

      Report this comment

       
    • jcldwl
      Jan. 7, 2013 at 5:08pm

      Yes Blas it will be in one of those bills that has to be passed before we can know what’s in it. Their problem will be taking them. Because they will have to take them.

      Report this comment

      jcldwl  
  • CDD
    Jan. 7, 2013 at 12:18pm

    That’s absolutely right!
    Keep making it difficult-
    1) If legally eligible, buy a gun.
    2) Join the NRA NOW!!! The numbers don’t lie, can’t be marginalized or spun and ARE NOT BEING IGNORED!! Washington IS paying attention!!
    3) Keep spreading the word about the Liberals HYPOCRACY!!!!! For example, it might interest you all to know that the two biggest and loudest gun control advocates in the U.S. Senate, (Chuck Schumer and Dianne Feinstein) HAVE CONCEALED CARRY PERMITS THEMSELVES…. Have a look at this! http://www.federalobserver.com/archive.php?aid=10104 Also, keep in mind that the Obama administration HATES the notion of “we the people” owning firearms, but they have no problem WHATSOEVER sending “assault weapons” to MEXICAN DRUG GANGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    4) Your freedom is not free!! Now is the time to stand up and fight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Report this comment

    CDD  
  • 1000-yd-stare
    Jan. 7, 2013 at 11:21am

    #11, They’re out gunned. I just hope America has the nads to defy them.

    Report this comment

    1000-yd-stare  
    • mrunner
      Jan. 7, 2013 at 4:49pm

      Good Comment. Beat me to it!

      Report this comment

      mrunner  
    • whatdhesay
      Jan. 7, 2013 at 9:08pm

      Dam, where’s a “like” button when you need one!

      Report this comment

      whatdhesay  
    • SwampFoxHiggy
      Jan. 8, 2013 at 4:01am

      I’ve got the nuts. and the ammunition. i don’t care if I have to load one round at a time in my crack-half 12 gauge, the tree of liberty will be refreshed by the blood of patriots and TYRANTS.

      Report this comment

      SwampFoxHiggy  
  • JB7659
    Jan. 7, 2013 at 10:48am

    Actually there are 11 reasons why stricter gun regulation will will be difficult to achieve. Reason #1 is that pesky little thing called the 2nd Amendment. A major inconvenience for the Libs

    Report this comment

    JB7659  
  • Fat Hubie
    Jan. 7, 2013 at 8:50am

    You could save a lot of effort if you would stop basing your narrative on the notion that the Bill of Rights is somehow negotiable. NECESSARY to the security of the FREE state.

    Report this comment

    Fat Hubie  
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