Views from Ireland- right on target

Views from Ireland- right on target

...Continental divide still stands between Americans and us
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/opinion/2012/1222/1224328119700.html

Colorado Republican congressman Doug Lamborn expressed this view eloquently last week. “With the investigation into the murders ongoing, it is too soon to be talking about new federal laws,” he said. “In fact, it disrespects those who are still mourning.”

Does it? How? If a bridge collapses does it disrespect those killed to begin immediate discussions on bridge safety? More bizarre still are the claims that, in such circumstances, liberals are guilty of “exploiting a tragedy for political gain” when they try to stop further disturbed teenagers from gaining access to assault rifles.

Second amendment 

Polls still show that a majority of Americans are wary of any significant changes to gun laws (the banning of handguns, for instance). The National Rifle Association will set its killer flying monkeys on any politician who dares to press for such assaults on the second amendment. In short, there is no “political gain” to be had from taking on the gun lobby. If there were then Barack Obama would have mentioned the issue during the presidential campaign. This is one rare instance where we can reasonably assume that any politician taking up the cause is doing so at the urging of his or her conscience.

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