After reading the Democratic Debate Transcript, and several days of contemplating what a good majority of the candidtes responses actually ment, I have come to the conclusion most of it doesn't make sense. They do not answer the question directly, 90% of their responses entail either discussing a completely different topic or repeating the question with slightly different wording. With that being said I wanted to focus on the issue of gun control. When discussing gun control and shooting in Colorado, Bernie Sanders responded saying:
SANDERS: I think the governor gave a very good example about the weaknesses in that law and I think we have to take another look at it. But here is the point, Governor. We can raise our voices, but I come from a rural state, and the views on gun control in rural states are different than in urban states, whether we like it or not.
Our job is to bring people together around strong, commonsense gun legislation. I think there is a vast majority in this country who want to do the right thing, and I intend to lead the country in bringing our people together."
Alittle earlier in the conversation he also says: SANDERS:" As a senator from a rural state, what I can tell Secretary Clinton, that all the shouting in the world is not going to do what I would hope all of us want, and that is keep guns out of the hands of people who should not have those guns and end this horrible violence that we are seeing.
I believe that there is a consensus in this country. A consensus has said we need to strengthen and expand instant background checks, do away with this gun show loophole, that we have to address the issue of mental health, that we have to deal with the strawman purchasing issue, and that when we develop that consensus, we can finally, finally do something to address this issue."
After reading this and still not fully understanding his stance on gun control I read another article about Bernie Sanders addressing gun control. in this article the writer says "As his rivals in both parties have pointed out, his voting record on gun control legislation is varied."
To me his stance on gun control is not clear. He continues to push the idea of mental health being a major concern and the driving force of crime with guns. However, his voting pattern does not support his argument. He speaks of "going after" manufacturing companies, but not small gun shops.
I am unable to agree or disagree with his overall view, but I do disagree with his idea of just going after manufacturing companies. Allowing someone to purchase a gun, who then ends up killing someone with that gun, is the manufacturers fault just as much as it is the gun shop, the person using the gun, and the individuals doctor/ family's. We have to handle all aspects of the gun purchase, not just the company who made it..
What is your opinion on Bernie Sanders take on Gun Control?