Obama: I have executive powers over guns

[green73]

"My understanding is the vice president's going to provide a range of steps that we can take to reduce gun violence," said Obama. "Some of them will require legislation, some of them I can accomplish through executive action. And so I will be reviewing those today, and as I said, I will speak in more detail to what we're going to go ahead and propose later in the week. But I'm confident that there are some steps that we can take that don't require legislation and that are within my authority as president, and where you get a step that, has the opportunity to reduce the possibility of gun violence, then i want to go ahead and take it."

 

[kathy88]

Translation: FUCK CONGRESS I'm the President and I'll do what I want.

 

[CaptUSA]

To be fair, there are actions he could take, legally.

He could instruct the BATF to conduct gun safety seminars and begin education campaigns for the safe storage and care of lethal weapons.

Of course, we all know that's not what he's talking about, but I wouldn't mind seeing some of their funding to be redirected towards things like this.

 

[TywinLannister]

I almost hope he tries, given the backlash that will ensue.

 

[tod evans]

Any "action" taken by Washington always cost the tax payer money and freedom.

It's time to build a wall then flood the enclosure.

 

[specsaregood]

To be fair, there are actions he could take, legally.

You are right; he could disarm all those federal agents.

 

[shane77m]

Any "action" taken by Washington always cost the tax payer money and freedom.

It's time to build a wall then flood the enclosure.

Like a million man march?

 

[Acala]

It will be one of two things:

1. an obviously illegal over-reach that he expects will be overturned by the SCOTUS; or
2. some kind of administrative record shuffle made to look like something but really nothing.

I predict number two because number one is too dangerous.

Obama doesn't want to deal with this. Congress doesn't want to deal with this. That is why they are kicking it back and forth and down the road. Obama is going to do something that sort of looks like something but really isn't and Congress isn't going to do anything at all.

 

[Romulus]

I wish I was optimistic... there are people who want to disarm Americans... and many who will compromise on that as well. Obama will support those endeavors any way he can. He's on his last term.. what does he care?

 

[MoneyWhereMyMouthIs2]

Obama doesn't want to deal with this. Congress doesn't want to deal with this. That is why they are kicking it back and forth and down the road. Obama is going to do something that sort of looks like something but really isn't and Congress isn't going to do anything at all.

I don't think they've had time yet. If they didn't have a plan in mind, they would have shut up by now.

 

[Philhelm]

The bottom line is that I'm never optimistic when government has a chance to further infringe upon individual liberty.

 

[Acala]

I wish I was optimistic... there are people who want to disarm Americans... and many who will compromise on that as well. Obama will support those endeavors any way he can. He's on his last term.. what does he care?

Not that he, and many others, would not love to disarm us. But Obama doesn't want to be a lame duck the last two years because angry gun owners turned half the Congress out into the street like they did LAST time a gun ban was enacted.

 

[Acala]

I don't think they've had time yet. If they didn't have a plan in mind, they would have shut up by now.

They might have a plan, but I think it is a plan to make the issue go away because they don't have the votes to do anything about it.

 

[Tpoints]

is there a whitehouse petition to give everybody a free gun instead of food stamps or cell phones?

 

[Acala]

They have another problem as well. They must be very careful about doing anything with the mental health issue that might inhibit people with problems from seeking help. There is a BIG mental health industry that will come riding in on a very high horse if it looks like seeking their services will be punished with a denial of civil rights. I already know some health care professionals who are writing letters to representatives.

 

[Acala]

is there a whitehouse petition to give everybody a free gun instead of food stamps or cell phones?

I want my Obamagun!!!!

 

[acptulsa]

Not that he, and many others, would not love to disarm us. But Obama doesn't want to be a lame duck the last two years because angry gun owners turned half the Congress out into the street like they did LAST time a gun ban was enacted.

Congress? Do they still have any power? Or has it merely become a scapegoat?

 

[otherone]

Translation: FUCK CONGRESS I'm the President and I'll do what I want. you are all my bitches!

FIFY

 

[Acala]

Congress? Do they still have any power? Or has it merely become a scapegoat?

Certainly much LESS power than they used to have. But, yes, they have some.

 

[Matt Collins]

Cato disagrees: