Real News: What Could Be the Consequences of Reactionary Gun Control Policy?

Republican Senator Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania and Democrat Joe Manchin of West Virginia are reportedly on the brink of a deal on gun control that could lead to the biggest change in U.S. gun laws in 20 years. The compromise proposal, from both Senators who have an A rating with the National Rifle Association, will expand background checks for gun buyers at gun shows and on the internet but have exceptions, and not go as far as the universal background checks called for by President Barack Obama. The Senate will hold its first key procedural vote on a package of bills to curb gun violence tomorrow, with more than a half-dozen Republicans crossing the aisle to support letting these bills come to a cloture vote.

Several Senators who have voted against gun control in the past, but are bending on this vote, have cited the need to “do something” in the wake of the horrific elementary school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut at the end of last year.

On 'Real News' Wednesday the panel discussed this 'need to do something' sentiment, and the potential consequences of rushing federal legislation on the issue.  State laws passed in haste over the last few months have included provisions that seek to confiscate weapons from people who are a danger to themselves or others, and collect information on gun owners which critics say violate privacy rights and could lead to a national gun registry. Watch a clip below from 'Real News' Wednesday recapping the current stage of the national gun control debate, and how bad policy can be not only be ineffective at accomplishing its goals, but open the door for more serious trends that trample our individual rights: