AR-15 semi-automatic assault rifles have become the favorite gun of American mass shooters. These weapons were made to do one thing: kill as many people as quickly as possible. In the 14 years since the federal assault weapons ban expired, we have seen mass shootings become more frequent and far more lethal.
It is time for Congress to revisit a federal ban on semi-automatic assault rifles like the AR-15. They should also take action to regulate these weapons the same way we regulate fully automatic weapons and other class 3 weapons. Congress should also take action to regulate high capacity magazines and accessories that are designed to increase lethality. By regulating assault weapons, high capacity magazines and accessories like bump stocks, Congress can take significant action that will save American lives.
Josh Horwitz
December 13, 2018
Five gun violence prevention priorities for the incoming Congress
[I find it very telling that the link to this article (thehill.com/opinion/civil-rights/421292-five-gun-violence-prevention-priorities-for-the-incoming-congress) puts it in the civil rights category. Is this a subtle acknowledgement that they know the proposals are a violation of civil rights?
One should note that, “gun violence” decreased since the “assault weapon ban” expired in 2004. And rifles of any type, AR-15s being a subset, are only rarely used in crime. But liars lie. You can’t expect them to tell the truth.
Since AR-15 type rifles are the most popular gun in the U.S. and the Heller decision makes it clear that firearms “in common use” it means such a ban would be unconstitutional. But people like Horwitz do not care about specific enumerated rights.—Joe]