Obama smells blood in gun push
Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2013 3:48 pmhttp://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/smel ... DluHiCHM/1
Messina will lead the group, which is changing its name from Obama for America to Organizing for Action. The new name carries the suggestion that it’s a throwback to Obama’s community-organizing days — except this one will be exempt from federal taxes and accept contributions from corporations, making it an excellent vehicle for quid pro quos.
The National Rifle Association is a ripe first enemy, but it won’t be the last. With more than 40 percent of households reporting gun ownership, Democrats in the Senate, starting with Majority Leader Harry Reid, are in no hurry to approve anti-gun legislation. It will be interesting to see which balky Dems defy the Obama machine.
The pity of the president’s hostile approach is that there is a budding consensus to take the “mass” out of mass murder. The Journal poll found 56 percent support for stricter laws on gun sales.
But by treating the subject as a campaign wedge issue, Obama risks alienating Republicans and conservatives who recognize that the Second Amendment, like all rights, is not absolute. Yet he refuses to do the hard work of forging a deal.
That’s because gun control isn’t really his aim. It’s just an excuse to get back into campaign mode and get out of Washington. After all, transforming the country is much more exciting than governing it.
Messina will lead the group, which is changing its name from Obama for America to Organizing for Action. The new name carries the suggestion that it’s a throwback to Obama’s community-organizing days — except this one will be exempt from federal taxes and accept contributions from corporations, making it an excellent vehicle for quid pro quos.
The National Rifle Association is a ripe first enemy, but it won’t be the last. With more than 40 percent of households reporting gun ownership, Democrats in the Senate, starting with Majority Leader Harry Reid, are in no hurry to approve anti-gun legislation. It will be interesting to see which balky Dems defy the Obama machine.
The pity of the president’s hostile approach is that there is a budding consensus to take the “mass” out of mass murder. The Journal poll found 56 percent support for stricter laws on gun sales.
But by treating the subject as a campaign wedge issue, Obama risks alienating Republicans and conservatives who recognize that the Second Amendment, like all rights, is not absolute. Yet he refuses to do the hard work of forging a deal.
That’s because gun control isn’t really his aim. It’s just an excuse to get back into campaign mode and get out of Washington. After all, transforming the country is much more exciting than governing it.
