Trump tweeted this morning that the House and Senate are having serious discussions on what he calls “meaningful background checks”:
Serious discussions are taking place between House and Senate leadership on meaningful Background Checks. I have also been speaking to the NRA, and others, so that their very strong views can be fully represented and respected. Guns should not be placed in the hands of…..
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 9, 2019
….mentally ill or deranged people. I am the biggest Second Amendment person there is, but we all must work together for the good and safety of our Country. Common sense things can be done that are good for everyone!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 9, 2019
Trump say he’s been speaking to the NRA. According to CBS News, this is very true. They say as soon as Trump made the announcement about tougher background checks, Wayne LaPierre picked up the phone to warn Trump against supporting ‘enhanced background checks’:
The NRA also tweeted the following yesterday:
(15/18) It is not enough anymore to simply say that “we need more background checks.” Considering both suspects in El Paso and Dayton passed them, that is rhetoric for billionaire activists and campaign rallies – not a call for constructive progress.
— NRA (@NRA) August 8, 2019
(16/18) The vast majority of gun sales, including internet and gun show sales, are already subject to background checks. In fact, none of the current background-check proposals would have prevented these tragedies.
— NRA (@NRA) August 8, 2019
And this statement from LaPierre himself:
Read this important statement from @NRA CEO & Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre: pic.twitter.com/EVtyMp1iYZ
— NRA (@NRA) August 8, 2019
In my opinion, here’s the rub. Even if some legitimate changes can be made to the background check process, don’t expect it from any bipartisan legislation. We all know that any solution Nancy Pelosi approves of won’t be good for gun owners.
In fact, it’s the gridlock I’m counting on to protect us on this issue. I know McConnell is in favor of these discussions, but I’m hoping that what Democrats demand will be too much for Republicans to swallow and there won’t be any bipartisan compromise on the issue.
finger crossed