John Lott - "Assault Weapons and the Truth"

Published on December 4, 2010
Duration: 12:01

This video features John Lott discussing the nomination of Andrew Traver to the ATF directorship, criticizing Traver's past statements and actions regarding firearms regulation. Lott argues that Traver, described as an 'anti-gun zealot,' has made extreme misstatements about the assault weapons ban and firearm calibers, conflating semi-automatic weapons with machine guns and misrepresenting the power of common rifle calibers. The discussion extends to President Obama's broader stance on gun control, citing his past statements and judicial appointments as indicators of a desire to restrict gun ownership.

Quick Summary

John Lott criticizes ATF nominee Andrew Traver for making factual misstatements about assault weapons and firearm calibers, arguing Traver conflates semi-automatic weapons with machine guns. Lott also asserts President Obama 'viscerally hates gun owners,' citing Obama's past statements and judicial appointments as evidence of a strong anti-gun agenda.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Andrew Traver Nomination
  2. 00:15Media Ignoring Traver Nomination
  3. 00:22Article: Assault Weapons and the Truth
  4. 00:25Andrew Traver: Anti-Gun Zealot?
  5. 00:35Misinformation on Assault Weapons Ban
  6. 00:50Traver's Role at ATF Chicago
  7. 01:06Extreme Misstatements by Traver
  8. 01:30Assault Weapons Ban Sunset (2004)
  9. 01:33Heavy Caliber Military Style Weapons
  10. 01:54AK-47s and M16s Discussed
  11. 02:02Semi-automatics vs. Machine Guns
  12. 02:13Caliber Misrepresentations (.223)
  13. 02:26AK-47 Rounds vs. Deer Hunting Rifles
  14. 02:46Damage and Rate of Fire Claims
  15. 02:57Irresponsible Statements
  16. 03:00Traver's Support for Chicago Handgun Ban
  17. 03:05Ban on 50 Caliber Rifles
  18. 03:09Shutting Down Gun Shows
  19. 03:21Administrative Power and Rule Making
  20. 03:32Obama's Judicial Appointments
  21. 03:43Obama's 'Blue Dog Democrat' Claim
  22. 03:56Blue Dog Democrats and Second Amendment
  23. 04:04Obama's Anti-Gun Stance
  24. 04:18John Lott's Past with Obama
  25. 04:22University of Chicago Law School
  26. 04:34Obama: 'You're the Gun Guy'
  27. 04:40Obama: 'Don't Believe People Should Own Guns'
  28. 04:49Chicago Lawsuit Against Gun Makers
  29. 05:05End of Conversation with Obama
  30. 05:12Obama's Dislike of Lott's Views
  31. 05:28Obama's Record on Gun Control
  32. 05:31Ban on Handguns
  33. 05:33Ban on Semi-Automatic Guns
  34. 05:36Ban on Gun Sales Near Schools/Parks
  35. 06:08Obama's Second Amendment Support Questioned
  36. 06:21Elena Kagan's Role in Clinton Administration
  37. 06:32Kagan Pushing Gun Control Regulations
  38. 06:42Kagan's Zeal for Restricting Gun Ownership
  39. 06:50Heller and McDonald Decisions (5-4 Votes)
  40. 07:00Limitations of Heller/McDonald
  41. 07:10Reasonable Regulations vs. Bans
  42. 07:13Registration Fees ($130 Handgun)
  43. 07:19Mandatory Training Hours
  44. 07:34Obama Appointing Restrictive Judges
  45. 07:49Rope-A-Dope Strategy?
  46. 07:54Clintonian Triangulation Strategy
  47. 08:01Federal Pay Freeze Announcement
  48. 08:09Media Applauds Obama's Moderation
  49. 08:18Ignoring True Colors on Gun Issue
  50. 08:31Obama Viscerally Hates Gun Owners
  51. 08:45Bitter People Holding Guns and Religion
  52. 08:53Joyce Foundation Membership
  53. 08:57Funding Violence Policy Center
  54. 09:12Long History of Eliminating Gun Ownership
  55. 09:17Obama's Statement to Lott
  56. 09:27Liberal Academics and Gun Views
  57. 09:41Rare Flat Opposition to Gun Ownership
  58. 09:55Rudeness Due to Dislike of Guns
  59. 10:16Appearing Moderate vs. True Intent
  60. 10:19Salary Freeze Not a Big Deal
  61. 10:24Increased Government Salaries
  62. 10:33Government Worker Salary Increases
  63. 10:46GS Categories and Steps
  64. 11:04Not Stopping GS Category Advancement
  65. 11:10No Additional Above-Inflation Increase
  66. 11:21Not a Complete Salary Freeze
  67. 11:28Minute Moves vs. True Colors
  68. 11:43Obama's True Colors on Gun Issue
  69. 11:47Appreciation for John Lott
  70. 11:53Out of Time for Segment

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main criticisms of Andrew Traver's nomination to the ATF directorship?

John Lott criticizes Andrew Traver as an 'anti-gun zealot' who has made factual misstatements about assault weapons bans and firearm calibers. Lott argues Traver conflates semi-automatic weapons with machine guns and misrepresents the power of common rifle rounds, suggesting a bias that makes him unfit to interpret firearms laws.

How does John Lott characterize President Obama's stance on gun ownership?

John Lott states that President Obama 'viscerally hates gun owners and gun ownership.' He cites Obama's past statements, including a direct comment to Lott that people shouldn't own guns, his support for various gun bans, and his judicial appointments as evidence of this deep-seated opposition.

What specific inaccuracies did Andrew Traver allegedly make regarding firearms?

Andrew Traver reportedly failed to distinguish between semi-automatic firearms and machine guns, and misrepresented the caliber and power of weapons like AK-47s and M16s. Lott points out that M16s fire small .223 caliber rounds and AK-47 rounds are comparable to deer hunting rifle rounds, contradicting claims of uniquely powerful or heavy calibers.

How might the Supreme Court's interpretation of the Second Amendment be affected by Obama's appointments?

John Lott suggests that President Obama's appointments to the Supreme Court, such as Elena Kagan, increase the likelihood of future rulings that favor 'reasonable regulations' over individual gun ownership rights. While Heller and McDonald affirmed a right to own guns, Lott believes these new justices may uphold measures like registration fees or training requirements.

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