# Obama is planning to use Executive Orders for gun control. **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 9, 2013, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-is-planning-to-use-executive-orders-for-gun-control/646673 "2013-01-09T21:29:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Kevbo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e47774/32.png) [@Kevbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kevbo)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2013, 6:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-is-planning-to-use-executive-orders-for-gun-control/646673/41 "2013-01-10T06:05:02Z")
> [@usedtobe](#): > > When people stop selling kits to change AR-15’s (we need .223 ammo WHY?) into full auto… Nobody is selling such. There ARE ads in “shotgun news” placed by BATF to catch anyone stupid enough to try it. Kind of like "hornygirl15 " posting in a chat room. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2013, 6:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-is-planning-to-use-executive-orders-for-gun-control/646673/42 "2013-01-10T06:07:25Z")
I hope your right. Biden seems pretty confidant in his statement. He specifically said certain actions can be taken and that the attorney general is involved to give legal advice. Remember there won’t be any discussion or debate on Executive Orders. We’ll get a Presidential address (probably in prime time) where Obama announces what he’s ordering. There’s nothing anyone can do except go to the courts for an injunction or stay. The legal battle will be on. Meanwhile whatever Obama ordered will proceed unless a judge stops it. Even then the gov can appeal. It bothers me that one guy can do something like this. The President isn’t a king for gosh sakes. > [@Marley23](#): > > The actual statements come nowhere close to the thread title, of course. There’s not much Obama can do by executive order, and a statement by Biden that they are thinking about stuff but haven’t decided on anything doesn’t add up to very much. > [@](#): > > “The president is going to act,” said Biden, giving some comments to the press before a meeting with victims of gun violence. “There are executive orders, there’s executive action that can be taken. We haven’t decided what that is yet. But we’re compiling it all with the help of the attorney general and the rest of the cabinet members as well as legislative action that we believe is required.” ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2013, 6:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-is-planning-to-use-executive-orders-for-gun-control/646673/43 "2013-01-10T06:13:58Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > I hope your right. Biden seems pretty confidant in his statement. Biden confident, you say? > [@](#): > > He specifically said certain actions can be taken and that the attorney general is involved to give legal advice. “Certain actions can be taken” is the opposite of specific. And of course the attorney general is giving legal advice. That’s part of his job. > [@](#): > > Remember there won’t be any discussion or debate on Executive Orders. We’ll get a Presidential address (probably in prime time) where Obama announces what he’s ordering. There’s nothing anyone can do except go to the courts for an injunction or stay. That last sentence means the rest of what you say here is not true. And yes, there would be debate over any executive order. There are some things Obama can do with executive orders, but he can’t make new laws, can’t “crush” gun owners, and can’t resolve this on his own. ---
**Author:** ![Grumman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/43a26b/32.png) [@Grumman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grumman)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2013, 7:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-is-planning-to-use-executive-orders-for-gun-control/646673/44 "2013-01-10T07:06:25Z")
> [@Inigo\_Montoya](#): > > But I think making a politically huge, unilateral, constitutionally questionable move would be extraordinarily out of character. This is the guy who was told he isn’t allowed to lock people up for the rest of their lives without trial and _immediately_ challenged the ruling. How do you imagine an unconstitutional power grab is out of character? ---
**Author:** ![Lightnin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lightnin/32/180_2.png) [@Lightnin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lightnin)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2013, 11:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-is-planning-to-use-executive-orders-for-gun-control/646673/45 "2013-01-10T11:03:06Z")
> [@Grumman](#): > > This is the guy who was told he isn’t allowed to lock people up for the rest of their lives without trial and _immediately_ challenged the ruling. _Ahem_. Cite? ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2013, 11:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-is-planning-to-use-executive-orders-for-gun-control/646673/46 "2013-01-10T11:10:17Z")
> [@Jophiel](#): > > My worst fears all involve chupacabra. > [@Inigo\_Montoya](#): > > Brrr…! Reason enough to be armed! Bad advice. Bullets _never_ work on the monster. You need something like a vat of acid, lots of explosives or a car crusher. Don’t worry, when the cops ask you why you have a huge vat of acid under a trapdoor, just say “chupacabra” and they’ll nod and understand. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2013, 11:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-is-planning-to-use-executive-orders-for-gun-control/646673/47 "2013-01-10T11:35:18Z")
I think we should definitely buy more guns now on the basis that Obama is considering possibly doing some action of some sort at some point in time. Because _Hitler!_ ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2013, 11:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-is-planning-to-use-executive-orders-for-gun-control/646673/48 "2013-01-10T11:41:20Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > From my point of view it’s strengthening the position against any gun control. This is everybody’s worst fears. A President abusing his powers and trying to impose his single will on the entire nation. Executive orders are pretty rare. No, actually they’re pretty common. > [@](#): > > I’ve said before, that I support _reasonable_ changes. Close the loophole at Gun Shows. If that’s the executive order - the PotUS says enough of Congress stalling, I’m closing the gun show loophole via executive order - would you still object so strenuously? ---
**Author:** ![Terraplane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/74df32/32.png) [@Terraplane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terraplane)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2013, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-is-planning-to-use-executive-orders-for-gun-control/646673/49 "2013-01-10T14:22:27Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > Remember there won’t be any discussion or debate on Executive Orders. We’ll get a Presidential address (probably in prime time) where Obama announces what he’s ordering. There’s nothing anyone can do except go to the courts for an injunction or stay. The legal battle will be on. Meanwhile whatever Obama ordered will proceed unless a judge stops it. Even then the gov can appeal. > > It bothers me that one guy can do something like this. The President isn’t a king for gosh sakes. Remember that you have no idea what those orders, if they actually happen, will be. For all you know it might be something totally reasonable that’s well within the President’s purview. You should put your Chicken Little impression on hold for a bit until you actually have a fact or two to work with. ---
**Author:** ![muldoonthief](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muldoonthief/32/3188_2.png) [@muldoonthief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/muldoonthief)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2013, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-is-planning-to-use-executive-orders-for-gun-control/646673/50 "2013-01-10T14:31:57Z")
> [@Der\_Trihs](#): > > Bad advice. Bullets _never_ work on the monster. You need something like a vat of acid, lots of explosives or a car crusher. Don’t worry, when the cops ask you why you have a huge vat of acid under a trapdoor, just say “chupacabra” and they’ll nod and understand. [hijack]Have you read the Monster Hunter International books by Larry Correia? They posit that bullets do work on the monster (even chupacabras!) - you just need to use a _lot_ of them.[/hijack] ---
**Author:** ![Grumman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/43a26b/32.png) [@Grumman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grumman)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2013, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-is-planning-to-use-executive-orders-for-gun-control/646673/51 "2013-01-10T15:03:04Z")
> [@Lightnin](#): > > _Ahem_. Cite? [Here](http://www.documentcloud.org/documents/433357-hedges-motion-to-stay-2nd-circuit.html)’s the Obama administration’s motion to have the injunction lifted until their appeal was heard. That good enough for you? ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2013, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-is-planning-to-use-executive-orders-for-gun-control/646673/52 "2013-01-10T15:22:48Z")
Handguns are used in _far_ more crimes than assault rifles. Why is the focus on banning the latter and not the former? ---
**Author:** ![Inigo\_Montoya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inigo_montoya/32/124_2.png) [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2013, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-is-planning-to-use-executive-orders-for-gun-control/646673/53 "2013-01-10T15:23:11Z")
Maybe my read on that one is way off base, but “_immediately_” is the appropriate timeframe in which to address a legal matter that has been imposed on you, especially if you disagree with it. Also, the pleadings seem to indicate the court acted improperly in imposing the injunction in the first place. If that’s true, then the injunction itself was improper and the activities it sought to affect were legal and should continue. Also, G W BUSH! Point is, the initiation of a legal action does not mean it is not frivilous. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2013, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-is-planning-to-use-executive-orders-for-gun-control/646673/54 "2013-01-10T16:19:52Z")
> [@Crafter\_Man](#): > > Handguns are used in _far_ more crimes than assault rifles. Why is the focus on banning the latter and not the former? The recent high profile use, and assault rifles look “scary” to many people. ---
**Author:** ![Ellen\_Cherry](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellen_cherry/32/3600_2.png) [@Ellen\_Cherry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellen_Cherry)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2013, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-is-planning-to-use-executive-orders-for-gun-control/646673/55 "2013-01-10T16:24:51Z")
> [@VinylTurnip](#): > > Shouldn’t you be off somewhere stuffing your face with bamboo and making failed attempt to mate? No insults in this forum, **Vinyl Turnip**. Stop it. ---
**Author:** ![DMark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@DMark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMark)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2013, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-is-planning-to-use-executive-orders-for-gun-control/646673/56 "2013-01-10T16:39:11Z")
> [@Crafter\_Man](#): > > Handguns are used in _far_ more crimes than assault rifles. Why is the focus on banning the latter and not the former? Baby steps - get one piece of crap off the streets and maybe we can get the other shit off the streets after that. Personally, I would like to give Obama a huge erasure and have him simply totally delete that vague, misinterpreted, over-reaching 2nd Amendment. Yes - get rid of it completely and then create a new Amendment that expressly denies the rights to own an arsenal of weapons. Period. Maybe allow licensed individuals to own a single one-shot musket to go out and shoot rats in the dump. Allow only 5 lead ball bullet per year. There - you have your weapon to hunt critters and protect your home. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2013, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-is-planning-to-use-executive-orders-for-gun-control/646673/57 "2013-01-10T17:02:59Z")
Federal-level restrictions of that sort would make just as little sense as a federal-level prohibition on restrictions. There are some places in this country where it makes sense to own firearms and use them on a regular basis. Maybe you get a significant portion of your household’s meat from hunting. Maybe you need to keep the foxes under control around your henhouse. Maybe you sometimes need to be able to put down an injured horse or cow. And if places where that makes sense want to allow more than five bullets per year, they should be able to. By the same token, though, none of that is going to apply in the middle of Chicago or DC. ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Il\_Palazzo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Lord\_Il\_Palazzo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Il_Palazzo)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2013, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-is-planning-to-use-executive-orders-for-gun-control/646673/58 "2013-01-10T17:13:27Z")
> [@Bob Ducca](#): > > This is just a warning shot to Congress to get something done on this. > [@carnivorousplant](#): > > That is my guess, too. And mine. The current congress is doing so poorly lately at getting things done without weeks of kicking and screaming and theatrics that I can definitely see the president wanting to take a “Do something or I’ll do it myself” stand to try to shake them into action. Will it work? I have no clue, which is about how much faith I have in congress. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2013, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-is-planning-to-use-executive-orders-for-gun-control/646673/59 "2013-01-10T17:25:01Z")
I think this instance is much ado about nothing, but I’ll point out that a Congress that almost literally refuses to do anything at all is a long-term recipe for workarounds that centralize more power in the executive branch and diminish the legislature. That’s not an endorsement of anything in particular, it’s a statement that seems totally obvious to me. I’ve seen no evidence Republicans are going to figure it out. ---
**Author:** ![Diceman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/22d042/32.png) [@Diceman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diceman)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2013, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-is-planning-to-use-executive-orders-for-gun-control/646673/60 "2013-01-10T17:29:03Z")
> [@Crafter\_Man](#): > > Handguns are used in _far_ more crimes than assault rifles. Why is the focus on banning the latter and not the former? Because assault rifles are scary!!! :eek::eek::eek::eek::eek: This is the same stupid knee-jerk bullshit from the last time we had an assault weapon ban. Assault weapons (or any long gun, really) are ridiculously impractical for 99+% of any crimes. An assault weapons ban is pure “feel good” legislation. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-is-planning-to-use-executive-orders-for-gun-control/646673.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-is-planning-to-use-executive-orders-for-gun-control/646673.md?page=4)