Assault weapons legal after 10-year ban

Democratic Sen. Diane Feinstein sponsored the assault-weapons ban 10 years ago. The ban was a success, but prompted anger from gun owners and buyers. Tonight, at 9:01 p.m. the legislation will mean nothing, and gun buyers can purchase all the Uzis and AK-47s they want.

The weapons ban was introduced after three shootings in California. One at a McDonald's in San Diego where 21 were killed, one at a Stockton elementary school with five casualties, and the third at a San Francisco law firm.

19 semiautomatic weapons and ammunition clips with 10 or more rounds were specifically banned.

Despite the law, those who really want the weapons will find a way to get them. Allowing the assault-weapons ban to expire only makes it easier for gun collectors and criminals to purchase and use these potential killing machines.

Specific parts of the weapons were outlawed, including threaded barrels for attaching silencers and flashes. Simply taking off certain parts of the gun does not make it safe, and those who plan to use it to harm others will not care whether the silencer is legal or not.

In lieu of its ending, the ban itself has become a weapon, being used by John Kerry to assault President George W. Bush for allowing the ban to expire. BBC news reported that the National Rifle Association (NRA) called Kerry "the most anti-gun presidential nominee in U.S. history." For those who take their right to bear arms very seriously, the renewed legality of the weapons is a victory for the Second Amendment.

Kerry claims that by not renewing this ban, Bush is pandering to special interest groups, namely gun manufacturers. However, during the time the ban was effective, guns still made it onto the street illegally by changing the names or features so that gun sales slipped legally through the legislation.

There is no reason for dangerous assault weapons to be out on the street. The potential for gangs, drive-by shootings and even snipers is shocking with the number of rounds these guns hold. Citizens will be allowed to keep these assault weapons in their homes. For gun collectors, this is a victory.

The ban did not stop violence or shootings in America, but it did keep many of these powerful weapons off the streets. Shootings can still be lethal even without the specific types of weapons banned. Images of gun-related violence are still found on television and movies, and young boys play Rambo with their plastic imitations despite Feinstein's effort.

According to the Washington Times, six or more bills are pending to reinstate the assault weapons ban.

Senator Feinstein may feel that the ban was a success during its active life, but banning something dangerous will not stop its users, they will simply find a way around the law using loopholes, or buy the weapon illegally.

Tonight it will not matter if the legislation accomplished nothing other than angering the NRA, because these dangerous assault rifles with their 10-round ammunition clips will be available once more.