Minnesota gun owners are facing an onslaught of advertising bankrolled by anti-gun billionaire Michael Bloomberg’s Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund as the legislative session draws to a close in a couple of weeks, according to WCCO, the local CBS affiliate.
Three television ads are being run, all pushing for so-called “common sense gun laws” that are not defined in the messages. According to the story, the advertisements call for “gun violence prevention legislation.”
But what is that, exactly? In one ad, a trio of high school students threatens to vote against lawmakers who don’t support gun control measures. Do they even know what a “common sense gun law” is?
Another advertisement features Inver Grover Heights Police Chief Paul Schnell, Ramsey County Sheriff Jack Serier and Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman. They want background checks on all firearms transactions.
The third message features Stacy Ellens, described as a “mom and gun owner” from Isanti.
But according to WCCO, bills introduced this session that promote expanded background checks “have gone nowhere.”
“With just 12 days left in the legislative session, there is still time to get something done, although it’s not likely.”—WCCO
Minnesotans might look to Illinois, which has some of the toughest gun laws in the nation, all adopted over the years as “common sense” measures under the auspices of preventing “gun violence.” The body count in Chicago repeatedly destroys that myth. Last week, for example, according to the Chicago Tribune, “At least 85 people were shot between Monday, April 30, and this past Sunday…The city had been averaging about 42 shootings each week this year, according to Tribune data. With last week’s shootings, the average rises to almost 45 people a week.”
Background checks? Isla Vista spree killer Elliot Rodger passed California background checks to purchase three different handguns before he fatally stabbed three people and fatally shot three more four years ago. He also used California-compliant magazines.
Likewise, Florida high school shooting suspect Nicholas Cruz passed a background check and also used 10-round magazines.
Gun control proponents are fond of arguing that, “if it saves one life” a new law will be worthwhile. But what about gun laws that cost lives? Carol Bowne of Berlin Township, N.J. was murdered in 2015 by her ex-boyfriend while waiting for approval of a permit to buy a handgun, which is required in the Garden State, and routinely takes many weeks for approval. The ex, Michael Eitel, stabbed Bowne in her driveway, and then hanged himself.
The gun prohibition lobby has gotten into the habit of tossing a caveat into the discussion, about how whatever new restriction they are proposing will not prevent every crime.
In Minnesota, and elsewhere, the onus should be on gun control proponents to demonstrate whether their laws have prevented any crimes.
