Lou Dobbs Tonight with Erich Pratt and Richard Aborn on the Feinstein Bill

Published on February 25, 2013
Duration: 10:15

This video features a debate on proposed assault weapons bans, with Erich Pratt of Gun Owners of America arguing against their effectiveness and Richard Aborn of the Citizens Crime Commission of New York advocating for them. The discussion touches on the impact of the 1994 assault weapons ban, crime statistics, the role of mental health, and the definition of assault weapons. Both sides present arguments regarding firearm policy and its relation to public safety.

Quick Summary

Arguments against proposed assault weapons bans include claims that they are ineffective in reducing crime, as suggested by a Justice Department analysis of the 1994 ban. Opponents also argue that such bans do not prevent determined individuals from acquiring firearms and that crime rates have not increased since previous bans expired. They emphasize that millions of law-abiding citizens use these firearms for self-defense.

Chapters

  1. 00:10Introduction to Assault Weapons Ban Debate
  2. 00:46Richard Aborn's Hope for Feinstein's Legislation
  3. 01:34Erich Pratt's Perspective on the Push
  4. 02:22Richard Aborn's Response to Pratt
  5. 03:00Pratt on Safety Since Ban Sunset
  6. 03:38Aborn's Rebuttal on Crime Statistics
  7. 04:04Rifles vs. Other Weapons in Crime
  8. 04:36Defining Assault Weapons Characteristics
  9. 05:20Pratt: These Are Not Assault Weapons
  10. 05:30Aborn: Characteristics for Sustained Fire
  11. 05:53Pratt: Millions Use for Self-Defense
  12. 06:37Aborn: School Massacres and Law Enforcement Support
  13. 06:54Pratt: Police Chiefs Appointed by Mayors
  14. 07:17Pratt: Massacres in Gun-Banned Areas
  15. 07:33Hypocrisy of Guarding Congressmen
  16. 07:46Complexity of Gun Violence Issues
  17. 08:02Mental Health as a Root Cause
  18. 08:23Criticism of 'Comprehensive' Gun Control
  19. 09:05Focus on Mental Health First
  20. 09:23Addressing the Instant Issue
  21. 09:32Broader Perspectives on Gun Violence

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main argument against proposed assault weapons bans?

Arguments against proposed assault weapons bans include claims that they are ineffective in reducing crime, as suggested by a Justice Department analysis of the 1994 ban. Opponents also argue that such bans do not prevent determined individuals from acquiring firearms and that crime rates have not increased since previous bans expired. They emphasize that millions of law-abiding citizens use these firearms for self-defense.

What is the argument for implementing assault weapons bans?

Proponents of assault weapons bans argue that they are necessary to reduce the firepower available to those who would commit violence. They cite increased seizures of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines after the 1994 ban lapsed and assert that law enforcement supports these measures because these weapons are considered 'crime guns'.

How does the discussion address the effectiveness of past assault weapons bans?

The effectiveness of past assault weapons bans is a point of contention. Richard Aborn, who supported the 1994 ban, believes it was effective during its tenure. Conversely, Erich Pratt cites a Justice Department analysis concluding the ban did not reduce crime and points to FBI statistics showing a plummeting murder rate after the ban sunsetted, suggesting increased safety.

What role does mental health play in the debate on gun violence?

Mental health is presented as a significant factor in gun violence, with some arguing that shootings are more the responsibility of individuals with untreated mental illness than of the firearms themselves. There is a call to prioritize addressing mental health issues as a root cause of such tragedies, rather than solely focusing on gun control measures.

Related News

All News →

More 2nd Amendment & Law Videos You Might Like

More from Gun Owners of America

View all →