"Was Project Gunrunner Just a Mistake?" Larry Pratt on Lou Dobbs

Published on June 23, 2011
Duration: 3:45

Larry Pratt of Gun Owners of America discusses Operation Gunrunner, alleging it was intentionally mishandled to build support for gun control legislation and a UN weapons ban treaty. He claims the operation allowed guns to reach Mexican drug cartels, contradicting the official narrative of a sting operation. Pratt also explains how international treaties can become 'norms' influencing domestic law even without Senate ratification.

Quick Summary

Larry Pratt of Gun Owners of America claims Operation Gunrunner was intentionally mishandled to allow guns to reach Mexican drug cartels, aiming to create political pressure for stricter gun control legislation and a UN weapons ban treaty.

Chapters

  1. 00:00House Oversight Committee Report on Operation Gunrunner
  2. 00:14Larry Pratt's Allegations on Operation Gunrunner Motives
  3. 00:31Was Operation Gunrunner Botched or Intentional?
  4. 00:50Legality of US Agents Carrying Firearms in Mexico
  5. 01:13Whistleblower Claims on Gunrunner's Purpose
  6. 01:43Comparison of Past and Present ATF Operations
  7. 02:07Retailer Reports of Suspicious Gun Purchases
  8. 02:30UN Weapons Treaty and Domestic Legislation
  9. 03:11International Norms and US Law: Yellowstone Example

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Operation Gunrunner according to Larry Pratt?

Larry Pratt of Gun Owners of America alleges that Operation Gunrunner was not a genuine sting operation but was intentionally mishandled to allow thousands of guns to reach Mexican drug cartels, aiming to build support for gun control legislation.

How could Operation Gunrunner be used to push gun control?

Pratt suggests that by allowing guns to fall into the hands of cartels, the administration could create a political climate where Congress feels pressured to pass stricter gun control laws, thereby advancing their agenda.

What is the concept of 'international norms' in relation to treaties?

International norms, as explained by Pratt, occur when a treaty, even if not ratified by a country's Senate, becomes influential after many nations ratify it. Bureaucrats can then cooperate based on this established 'norm'.

Can a UN weapons treaty affect US gun laws without Senate ratification?

Yes, according to Larry Pratt, even if the US Senate doesn't ratify a treaty, it can become an 'international norm.' This norm can then be used by bureaucrats to influence domestic policy and potentially lead to legislation.

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