"Coalition to Stop Gun Violence" not happy with Bernie

[wyldwolf]

The Coalition to Stop Gun Violence (CSGV), a Washington DC based non-profit organization whose mission is to "seek to secure freedom from gun violence through research, strategic engagement and effective policy advocacy," is not happy with Bernie Sanders. As everyone probably knows by now Bernie, a staunch liberal on most issues, has a less than stellar (IMO) record on gun control. He has voted against gun control measures on a number of occasions, including against the Brady Bill that imposed a five day waiting period before a handgun could be purchased.

In this case the CSGV is calling Bernie out on his support of the "Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act" which they characterize as an N.R.A. drafted bill that would shield firearms manufacturers from liability for damages resulting from criminal acts in which their product played a role. It passed easily through both houses of Congress and was signed by President George W. Bush who characterized it as "...the most significant piece of pro-gun legislation in twenty years."

Critics such as CSGV have been trying for years, particulary since the shootings at Aurora and Sandy Hook, to induce Congress to make changes to this legislation in order to make it possible for victims of gun violence to sue on a broader set of grounds. These have met with no success.

The Coalition to Stop Gun Violence is calling Bernie out for an interview he gave with Jake Tapper, in which he referred to the legislation as a bill to simply protect law abiding, upstanding manufacturers and dealers (I am paraphrasing), rather than what they believe it is, nearly unfettered protection for the gun manufacturing industry against harm directly attributable to their products. This legislation closes off any redress victims may have gotten through the courts. It also eliminates any transparency into the way manufacturers market and sell their products.

Their statement which can be found on their Facebook page in reaction to Bernie's comments on gun control:

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders' characterization here of the National Rifle Association-drafted "Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act" that he voted for in 2005 is an utter fabrication. The bill has nothing to do with protecting upstanding gun manufacturers and dealers. Instead, it gives NEGLIGENT manufacturers and dealers blanket immunity from civil lawsuits. This law is THE REASON why two parents who lost their daughter in the Aurora shooting had their suit thrown out and are now being ordered to pay more than $200,000 in legal fees to gun companies that armed James Holmes. It is an immoral law that denies victims and survivors their day in court--a fundamental democratic right--and Sanders' position is totally unacceptable. A big thanks to Jake Tapper for holding him accountable.

I have to say Bernie was not at his best in this interview in my opinion. Prevaricating, trying to satisfy what I would bet is the majority of Progressives who are for strong gun control, while defending his voting record. His defense of this particular vote was simplistic and did not explain why the gun industry should be given special treatment with this kind of liability shield.

For a more detailed explanation of the case against the "Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act," I have provided a link below:

http://www.efsgv.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Justice-Denied-Report-PDF.pdf

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/07/06/1399611/--Coalition-to-Stop-Gun-Violence-not-happy-with-Bernie

[pipoman]

1. He is a liberal, gun control isn't liberal no matter who says it is...

Gun control is urban v. rural, not right and left...

[TheCowsCameHome]

2. You rock, Bernie.

n/t

[99th_Monkey]

3. Bernie Sanders on gun control

"Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) defended himself against an attack ad from allies of former Maryland governor Martin O'Malley (D) in an interview broadcast Sunday, saying he has a "strong record" on gun control.

"I cast what I think was a pretty brave vote banning assault weapons, doing away with the gun show loophole and fighting for instant background checks so that we make sure that guns do not fall in the hands of those people who should not have it," the presidential hopeful said on ABC's "This Week With George Stephanopoulos."

O'Malley and Sanders are vying to be seen as the chief alternative to Hillary Rodham Clinton in the Democratic presidential primary. A pro-O'Malley super PAC has sought to draw attention to Sanders's record on guns in an attack ad, saying the Vermont senator is "no progressive when it comes to guns."

Sanders said he comes from a state where gun rights are important to people, and he underscored the importance of a "national dialogue" to bridge the gap between those who disagree sharply in the debate over gun laws."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2015/06/28/bernie-sanders-responds-to-gun-ad-from-omalley-allies/