The 1994 law that banned military style assault weapons expires today after the Republican-led Congress allowed the law to sunset. George W. Bush, who said he would sign an extension of the law, actually worked to make sure Congress wouldn’t pass the extension (how Machiavellian of him).
Law enforcement groups backed the law. The National Association of Police Organizations, a coalition of more than 2,000 police unions and associations, endorsed John Kerry today in his bid to become the next President.
The National Rifle Association opposed the assault weapons ban and they consider this a major victory.
Studies have found that the law resulted in a dramatic decrease in deaths and violence at the hands of assault weapons. The Bush Administration and Congress have clearly put the needs and desires of the NRA (and the criminals they protect) ahead of public safety.
Let the killing begin.
