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VIDEO

Pro-Gun Senator: Let's Talk About Gun Control

Fellow-NRA members will want to see change, says Sen. Joe Manchin

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by Mary Noble

Senior Editor t

Image: screenshot

Joe Manchin (D-WV) is a pro-gun Senator with an A-rating from the NRA, so his words in favor of gun control carry unusual weight.

On MSNBC's Morning Joe Manchin spoke powerfully about his response to the Newtown massacre and his own feelings as a gun-owner and hunter.

"Never before have we seen our babies slaughtered," Manchin said. "It's never happened in America that I can recall, ever seeing this type of carnage. Anybody, anybody that lives in America, anybody that's a proud gun owner, anyone that's a proud member of the NRA, they're also proud parents, they're proud grandparents. They understand this has changed where we go from here."

Manchin implied that high-capacity magazines would be a good place to start. "I just came with my family from deer hunting," he said. "I've never had more than three shells in a clip...I don't know anyone in the hunting or sporting arena that goes out with an assault rifle. I don't know anybody that needs 30 rounds in the clip to go hunting." He also mentioned mental health care as an area that needs lawmakers' attention.

Via Politico and Youtube.
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Will the Newtown tragedy change the minds of many NRA members?

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Comments (view in Forum)

  • Locutus
    !
    What a messed up country we live in. Just like grand theft auto.. why do we need games like that? Just watch the news to see the idiots in action. I guess it just HuMon nuture to detroy rather than build...... there are exceptions but they seem to be out procreated by the simple minded sub-simians. Man is the only animal that will kill his own brother for self gain.
  • martydotcom
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    @John_Matrix If you that GTA is appropriate for your kids, that's your choice. Not a great parental decision in my opinion due to the fact kid (and some adults) confuse fantasy and reality all too easy. Don't you suspect that there is a reason this geeky shooter completely destroyed his computer ?
  • John_Matrix
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    @martydotcom

    First off who said anything about kids playing the game? Its very clearly rated M for mature and isn't really any worse than a movie about crime. If kids are playing it when they shouldn't be then perhaps parents should get off their ass and do some parenting. As far as some geeky kid shooting up his computer, what are you even referencing? Also if you're trying to make some link between violent videogames and youth violence, there is none, especially when you consider youth perpetrated violence has been on a steady decrease since the 70's.
  • View all 27 replies >
  • o
    talkenhed
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    @martydotcom irony?? Read their blog and " bullet points". No wonder they're declining comment to the press "Buy a gun for Xmas "
  • u
    mtkopf
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    You seem to be one of the more intelligent level headed individuals here so let me run an idea by you:
    Communities (cities towns and precincts)by referendum can be voted dry(no alcohol) even though the 21st amendment makes alcohol legal. Why couldn't s referendum be placed on a ballot in say Gary Indiana that prohibits any assault weapons within city limits. Is that something that is plausible, could it withstand review from the courts ? Would like to hear your ideas
  • DARSB
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    @mtkopf That's intriguing. To further your example, just because a right exists does not mean anyone is required to exercise it, does that sound right? I think I would have to agree - we already have restrictions by statute for facilities like airports (that came to mind since I'm currently at 30,000 feet), it seems reasonable to think that could be applied to communities as well.

    But, as any of my ex-wives would tell you, I am frequently wrong, and the fly in the ointment here may be that firearms possession is a positive right granted by the Constitution. I don't suppose any attorneys visit here and could offer an opinion?
  • u
    mtkopf
    !
    @DARSB yes it does sound correct. I have the right to vote it doesnt mean the govt can force me to vote. Have a safe flight. If youre posring here i just hope you're not the one flying the plane. Thanks for input.
  • o
    Sonny
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    Its not likely to change the minds of most NRA members...But I think it will push our national leaders to "do something" this time around...And not just regarding guns either...I think they will have to look at our mental health and treatment issues in this country as well...
  • Art
    !
    I hope this evil deed will prompt the people to demand that congress take stiff action to put God and the bible back in our schools. We didn't have this problem until the godless liberals kicked God out of our schools.
    Case in point. We had bible reading and gospel songs and prayer in the elementary school I attended and I messed with guns and hunted from the time I was ten or twelve years old and NEVER considered killing anybody and have NEVER harmed anyone with any violent act.
    On the other hand, I was not fed a study diet of killings on t.v. or read Harry Potter's witchcraft books, either.
    When I was a child, parents and teachers discipled kids. Now they cannot without the threat of jail or social services and when kids become uncontrollable they are put on psychoactive drugs. Nothing more needs to be say. History speaks for itself. The loss of the children's lives are not the guns fault any more than the fault of the car that hauled the nut to the school. It is judges and politicans fault for allowing the godless religion to get such a foothold on our country.
  • u
    melevy
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    @Art Who's "god" and who's "buybull?" Just in case you haven't noticed, there are a lot of faiths represented in this country, and that includes people who reject religious faith. I demand that the separation between church & state be maintained.

    If you want your kids to have a religiously based education, send them to religious school. There are plenty. The taxpayers who pay for public schools are Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, etc. and atheist. I do not want YOUR "god" or evil book in the schools my kids attend. and I will vote, and more, to keep them out.
  • MarkJM
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    In fairness, the Senate will try. But let's be real here. 60 Senate votes needed to pass gun control legislation (There will be 43 seats held by the GOP, who will all most likely filibuster). The House is controlled by the GOP as well as some Blue Dog Dems who are pro-2nd Amendment. Both Houses would need to pass gun control legislation, then negotiate differences, then pass a final bill before it were to get to Obama's desk for signature. Not trying to make it look like a GOP vs. Dem thing here (There are some GOP who are pro gun control while there are some Dems who are pro 2nd Amendment), but I really think the votes won't be there, regardless of the tragedy that has taken place.
  • o
    Sonny
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    @Art Well none of that religious nonsense is going to happen...But you certainly are free to worship any faith you like...Sure wish you would allow us to do the same.
  • View all 6 replies >
  • u
    powerplay60
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    There's only one problem, anywhere, it's called inability to deal with uncertainty. Uncertainty is natural but it's the cause of people's attempt to establish a means of ensuring certainty ( an unnatural premise ). Having an asinine objective requires guns. America is just as third world as anywhere else.
  • PoliticalSpice
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    Let me see if I understand this. Reporting actual news that a senator with an A rating from the NRA says that deplores the death of children, voices an opinion that this has changed things and implies a preference for something you disagree with is "pushing to get gun control passed." I respect your right to have an opinion on gun control, as well as your right to criticize politix, but can you consider limiting your opposition to things they actually say and do? And seriously, do you think this site which it seems get about 300 to 400 votes on issues really has the clout to move congressional relations or public opinion. I mean seriously, this site, at present at least, speaks to a rather small community.
  • Concerned_Cit
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    Isn't politix part of Huffington and AOL/Warner cable? No surprise there if their journalists are paid shills for party propaganda.
  • MarkJM
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    I too have noticed this, and it's not just Politix doing it. The "mainstream" media has been all over gun control since this (and every other tragedy) has taken place. Now you have Senators Warner and Manchin leaning that way. Thank God I'm a realist here. There will be more than 40 Senators for the GOP, meaning a filibuster (60 Senators needed to pass gun control legislation). The GOP controls the House (Both Houses would need to pass gun control legislation). Basically, this cry for gun control is a moot point. I don't see any legislation passing regarding the ban of firearms of any kind. Now, if they really want to address the issue, pass more funding and legislation to address mental health concerns, that way we can catch these nuts before they snap.
  • View all 7 replies >
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    Sharpshooter
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    NOPE..... they're likely asking the same question I have been all day....

    WHY would additional Gun Control Laws be any more effective than those existing.

    HI CAP magazines are the problem..... IDIOTIC.... 26 people killed... 2.6 ten shot magazines necessary.

    How long before someone was there to stop this CRIMINAL ACT? Compare that to how long it takes to make three or even four or five magazine changes?

    STUPIDITY...... Let's not talk about solving the problem, just use the deaths of CHILDREN to further out political aspirations.

    Disgusting.
  • o
    AlexWeinstein
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    @DARSB Hey Man,

    I don't know which Congressional District you live in, in what state, but I hereby offer you the opportunity to run for Congress in 2014 (assuming you don't have any felonies), as an INDEPENDENT. If you're interested, seriously, contact me. If it seems a little crazy, just keep an eye on me and join up when you feel comfortable.

    -Alex
  • harold_lloyd
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    One problem with the NRA is not about guns. The NRA heirarchy has discovered the profitability in continuing crisis. So don't expect much from the current management.
    I could see putting semi-automatic weapons that are based on weapons actually issued to military forces under the 1934 act. The 1934 Firearms Act doesn't prohibit ownership, but strictly regulates it.
  • u
    KyleMFb
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    @Concerned_Cit yea ok believe that if you wanna bc they make Huge profits from their "non-profit organization" if they didnt make money they would exist and they for damn sure wouldn't be lobbying millions of dollars to Washington if the have zero profit as you say how do they give millions to politicians??? Does that money come out of the thin air??? Is it giving to them by charity??? I wonder bc they make a lot of profit for a non profit by selling t-shirts and stickers oh wait their selling t-shirts and stickers so that would make them a for profit organization wouldn't it???
  • Concerned_Cit
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    @KyleMFb - They get most all of their money from donations from over 80,000,000 gun owners and 5,000,000 members. I have given over $20,000 in the last decade. You're in over your head.
  • u
    KyleMFb
    !
    @Concerned_Cit oh yea I'm sure they get lots of donations from lots of people on the mailing list but I'm 100% sure you and your measly 20gs don't matter to the NRA their only care is for the big bucks millions and billions the simple fact is the NRA is a for profit organization that's a fact the NRA makes money by selling products there for makes it a for profit also the only reason the NRA exists is to promote and sell guns for various gun company's the NRA is just a tool for gun company's to lobby Washington got get what they want

    And I'm just wondering what has giving 20 thousand to the NRA done for you did David buy you dinner before he took your took your money
  • PNWest
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    The bottom line is that the United States is not ready for real gun control yet. If the democrats are smart they will use this issue as another wedge issue to show the middle of the road voters how out of touch the GOP is. It's no surprise that the senator making these reasonable suggestions is a democrat. It's all just talk. Unfortunately it is going to take several more election cycles and who knows how many more gun tragedies before we get real gun control. I wish I could be be more optimistic but the NRA is too strong right now.
  • u
    Momx4
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    2 words! GUN CONTROL! GUN CONTROL! GUN CONTROL! United States needs to learn from Australias gun control! Our country is so concerned about terrorist when we have our own here killing innocent children! Come on Obama! This is your chance as "OUR LEADER" to step up to plate and make historical changes to OUR country to save innocent people! Mall shootings, theaters and now this? GUN CONTROL!!!
  • DARSB
    !
    There are fairly liberal exemptions to the requirements, "b)Exempt from the effect of this section are those heads of households who suffer a physical or mental disability which would prohibit them from using such a firearm. Further exempt from the effect of this section are those heads of households who are paupers or who conscientiously oppose maintaining firearms as a result of beliefs or religious doctrine, or persons convicted of a felony."

    Of the 29,000 or so residents, how many are actually required to own a gun?
  • u
    Oneness3am_i
    !
    I am sure that all reasonable adults, especially those of us who are willing to due whatever it takes to preserve and protect their families. As an American I also belief if I can afford it and I am responsible, and its for sale-Legally-then I should be able to own it!!
    IT'S My Right ( that's a part of being American). So I ask myself control or not--easy answer Y E S.
  • Concerned_Cit
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    @Oneness3am_i - Exactly! We protect our money (banks, depositories,etc) with guns, yet the anti-gunners say that we shouldn't protect our children with them! Hypocrisy of the elitists! Armed teachers/faculty could protect the students better than anything else, but of course that makes too much sense for politicians to understand.
  • jessejaymes
    !
    I disagree with most the commenters who say the NRA will not take this massacre to heart. I'm not sure if they will soften their rhetoric out of emotion or self preservation but I think they will. This sort of thing has touched this nation and as PN said they can (or should be able to) see the handwriting on the wall. I agree with the righties on this that no control law would have stopped this particular shooter. But it would have stopped the Colorado shooter to some degree if he hadn't gone a gun buying spree out of nowhere. Cartels are getting guns from those who go in and buy a dozen at a time. That has to stop. The right to own guns is not a right to abuse them, supply drug cartels or to mount a .50 caliber machine gun in the bed of a pickup. To interpret the constitution literally means you have the right to a single shot squirrel gun, a musket and a single shot flintlock pistol.

    I don't want to lose my guns. I won't give up my guns. But yesterday I went out and bought a gun case that has no glass in it. Solid wood and metal and it doesn't even look like a gun case. I don't need to show off my guns to visitors who may decide to kill their mother and neighborhood kids by breaking in and taking them because they know where they're at. It's time that we gun owners step and play ball with some things. If I want to shoot 100 rounds in my AR-15 then I'll do it with standard clips. If I want to shoot a home invader I'll do it with the shotgun or the .357 mag anyhow. I don't need 30 shots. I'm better than that. We won't stop killers like this one or Colorado but we can minimize the damage. And if you want drums and large capacity clips then maybe we should register them and only sell them to those who have passed an extensive background check and only if they can substantiate a need for them. The constitution guarantees the right to own guns. Doesn't say which guns.
  • Your_Name_Here
    !
    It shouldn't but it does because people cannot comprehend that gun control will not stop this from happening. We have "drug control" but billions of dollars in illegal drugs are sold in this country year and thousands of people die from them. It does not work that way.
  • artjeb
    !
    assault weapons lol Anything can be assault weapon. Our ar 15 16 is a coppy of the bullpup gun. A lot of military guns are coppied from public use guns. REM 870 winchester mod 12 mossberg 500. sniper rifle win 70 in 30 06 rem 700 in 30 06 but like i say anything can be assault weapon. a fist your keys a pencil or pen your foot take your pick. NOW the whole thing is caused by a demented mind person
  • u
    idiot
    !
    as a hunter i feel the same way. i dont use high capacity assault weapons for hunting.
    airport type security would of stopped this mental case and it will stop others.
  • bsking
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    no and using a two faced snake like the sen from West Virginia is a joke. remember he's a pro gun guy who shot the rifle bullet through Obama's healthcare bill.... and then voted for it
  • mudpike
    !
    You got it right. At that level they are all 'hogs feeding from the same trough'. No more than political 'hoes' waiting to see which way the wind blows , which directly influences their beliefs & words. Problem is , we are paying for 'sloppin all those hogs'.
  • martydotcom
    !
    Why Has NRA gone into total shutdown mode. They shut down their site, Facebook, not even a Tweet of hypocritical condolences to the victims. For an organization with the stated goal of defeating Obama who won in spite of their efforts, a little reflection???
  • bsking
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    @martydotcom unlike the idiot libs and the state run media, maybe they are giving the families time to bury their children before wading, hip deep into the political slime....you guys should take a lesson
  • Scottar
    !
    Yep, most Dems ran on something, but then when they get up on the hill they forget what they ran on. Some Republicans too that become RINOS.

    Frankly it's the shadow elites that want all firepower diminished so they can establish their NWO without fear of reprisal. And the American public is falling for it on kneejerk emotional issues.

    The problem isn't guns, it's adequate health care and keeping the loony, psychosuicidal dysfunctionals from malevolence. They don't need a gun, they could take a SUV or truck and run into a kindergarden playground or toy store and create kill just as many if not more.
  • View all 13 replies >
  • Biter
    !
    The senators comments about villianisings weapons was an interesting one, because doing nothing is hurting the 2nd amendment more than tighter gun controls will.

    One thing the tragic events like these are starting to do is make guns a dirty word, making gun ownership questionable to your peers. What right minded parent as NRA members want any association to these types of mass killings? Wants to be associated to an to an organisation that allows child slaughter to be easily carried out and sits by doing nothing? What NRA member wants owning a gun to be something you whisper about, because people will assume your crazy if they find out. What type of parent wants to be associated to idiotic people that say 'I need my AR or AK incase government troops come for me?'

    Doing nothing will drive gun ownership more and more to the fringes of culture, and when the top brass at NRA start to feel embarrassed to tell there friends they went hunting because guns are no longer considered cultured, maybe they will feel they have to do something!
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