Gun Control: The Real Republican Platform Issues

I am a pro-life democrat. I'm not unilaterally democrat. But I dislike subterfuge. Republicans talk pro-life. They don't walk it so well. Republican agendas are war hawking, anti gun control and big business. On the campaign trail the Republican's talk pro-life, anti-abortion, creation of jobs, tax relief, foreign policy and education. After the election, here's how the real agenda plays out.

First, the pro-life issue. That issue, my friends is a calling card of the Republican party. They use it to get in the door. Then when they have your attention, the pro-life issue is forgotten. The only way to solve the pro-life dilemma is with grass roots efforts on the part of committed people. When I was president of our local Right to Life chapter, we fought to end Medicaid funded abortions. We did it on a local level by educating people. We won. The other solution is a referendum vote. Ask the people what they want.

Next, when the election is over, or anytime a republican feels backed in a corner, out come the big guns. Literally. Lobbyists like the NRA are one of the biggest driving forces behind the Republican party. Try suggesting to a 'pro-life' Republican that he should not have complete access to a full arsenal of weapons,and watch all his 'kinder, gentler' words dissolve in a angry barrage of vitreous name-calling. You'll be lucky to escape unharmed. Because you see, my friends, the crux for so many republicans is fear. Fear of losing the right to own and operate just about any kind of gun imaginable, including semi--automatic pistols and God knows what other instruments of mass destruction.

If you are a Republican who just wants your right to go deer-hunting with your little ole rifle, go ahead. But please, be very careful and very responsible. Suicide rates are higher in homes with access to guns. Many accidents occur with guns and children. Children want to imitate dad, but they aren't always mature enough to understand responsible gun use. Teach them all you will, put your locks and catches on. Accidents still happen, especially in those teens years when for a time, anger and depression are a big part of life.

Yes, there are many ways to hurt oneself. But guns are the only weapons designed for the whole purpose of killing. Never mix alcohol and guns. And if hunting is your purpose, you do not need semi-automatic weapons. C'mon folks, anyone who thinks that semi-automatic weapons should be available without a 24-hour waiting period for a permit, without a background check, is using hunting as an excuse to amass a dangerous arsenal.

I've heard the expression, 'guns don't kill, people kill'. All the more reason for the control of dangerous weapons. I've also heard the expression, if guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns. Obviously this is why we need safety valves like waiting periods and background checks. We illegalized marijuana because it's dangerous, right? Even thought marijuana has some excellent medical uses. Why do we not outlaw guns whose only purpose is to harm or kill?