Foie Gras,I understand what you are saying about “assault weapons” being an inappropriate term. You and others on the SD have helped me to see the error of my claims.
If some of us had our druthers, all guns would be banned. That’s not going to happen and maybe that’s why Obama’s executive orders don’t address banning ordinary hand guns, shotguns or ordinary rifles. He is making a compromise. (I don’t claim to have special knowledge of his preferences.)
The 2nd Amendment doesn’t mention what arms Americans are entitled to. At the time of its conception, muskets were the “arm” of the day. I acknowledge that we are not going to return to that measure either. We need to be able to compromise to satisfy the Amendment and those who prefer no guns at all.
What specifically from BrainGlutton’s list of Obama’s executive orders do you think violates the 2nd Amendment? You say that this is a “knee jerk” reaction. I think it hasn’t come quickly enough and certainly isn’t based on one mass murder. However, the term “knee jerk” implies a quick reaction and that is exactly what is needed – even if it is late in coming!
Since the Brady Bill (5 day waiting period on handguns) didn’t seem to have much of an effect, why not have stronger measures?