Joe Biden has a plan to “end our gun violence epidemic.” It’s an 11-page treaty on how to control, restrict, register, and ban firearms. And it aggressively goes after your Second Amendment rights. Calling his proposal “constitutional and common-sense gun safety,” the former vice president doesn’t go as far as those on the extreme left but still manages to take a wrecking ball to Americans’ right to bear arms.
Before we dig into the dirty little details of his plan, it seems like an opportune time to recall a few of Mr. Biden’s previous public statements regarding guns. He has said:
“I guarantee you, Barack Obama ain’t takin’ my shotguns. I got two. If he tries to fool with my Beretta, he’s got a problem.”
“If you want to protect yourself get a double-barrel shotgun.”
[Downplaying fears about gun control measures circa 2013] “No central registry for anything. No way that Uncle Sam can go find out whether you own a gun because we’re about to take away all your rights and you’re not going to be able to defend yourself.”
Confused? So, apparently, is Joe. “All over the place” seems to be the best summation of the former vice president’s position on guns. But with people like former Congressman Beto O’Rourke providing cover, Biden can now step into the firing line with a plethora of draconian gun proposals, including, but not limited to:
- An ultimatum to those who own “assault” weapons – either sell them to the government or register them.
- Require background checks for all future gun sales.
- Ban “assault” weapons.
- Ban “high-capacity” magazines.
- Regulate existing “assault” weapons.
- Those who own “machine-guns, silencers and short-barreled rifles” must undergo a special background check and registration.
- Close the “Charleston, fugitive from justice and hate crime” loopholes.
- Incentivize “red flag” laws, gun licensing programs, and background checks.
- Reform, fund, and empower the US Justice Department to enforce gun laws.
Biden’s 11-page dictum includes sections dealing with domestic and urban violence. As well, a plan to “prohibit the use of federal funds to arm or train educators to discharge firearms” made the cut. And what a waste of money that would be when teachers and students already have buckets of rocks with which to protect themselves.
Then there’s the section where Biden promotes his dream. The former senator from Delaware continues to perseverate on smart guns which – at this point – aren’t very smart, nor are they practical. Nevertheless, Biden’s proposal makes claims about this not-yet-available technology as if you could buy one at your local Walmart. It states:
“Today, we have the technology to allow only authorized users to fire a gun. For example, existing smart gun technology requires a fingerprint match before use. Biden believes we should work to eventually require that 100% of firearms sold in the U.S. are smart guns. But, right now the NRA and gun manufacturers are bullying firearms dealers who try to sell these guns. Biden will stand up against these bullying tactics and issue a call to action for gun manufacturers, dealers, and other public and private entities to take steps to accelerate our transition to smart guns.”
One can almost visualize it. There he is – Double-barrel Joe, standing on his porch. Confronting the NRA. Probably with his 12-gauge shotgun in hand. He fires two shots into the air. What an excellent idea for use in the streets of Chicago or when Daddy gets drunk and starts to smack around Mommy. Yes, indeed, Mr. Biden is savvy when it comes to all things firearm-related.
Thankfully, much of the former VP’s plan would need to pass Congress before it could become law. But there are certainly policy areas where the presidential pen comes in handy. President Trump has crossed out about two dozen of President Obama’s executive actions regarding gun control. And that latitude, dear readers, is something worth remembering should Joe Biden ever have the chance to occupy the Oval Office.
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