JOPLIN, MO.--- Steve Richards says his employees at Steve's Trading Post in Joplin do everything they can to comply with current firearms laws, including making sure the rules regarding background checks are followed, and that can be time consuming.
"Background checks have been taking as long as a week right now, sometimes longer," states Steve Richards, Steve's Trading Post Owner.
At a signing ceremony Wednesday, President Obama called for several new measures aimed at curbing gun violence, including a "universal background check."
Richards says that could potentially put even more stress on an already over taxed system.
"It's already overloaded with the background checks, which 99% of the time are legal purchasers of firearms," states Richards.
Along with more stringent background checks, the president is also calling for a limit on the magazine capacity of firearms, and increased funding to study gun violence throughout the nation.
We asked our Facebook followers to weigh in on the issue, and we received a mixture of answers.
Caleb disagreed with the idea of reducing magazine sizes, saying, "I don't understand how a 10 round limit is going to do anything, because if you have an empty magazine, it's as easy to change as a rifle or handgun is to empty."
Kristen applauded the president's call for increased background checks, saying, "I for one would like stronger restrictions on the purchasing of guns. This is not an attack on the right to bear arms, but is calling for more restrictions and background checks on the individuals purchasing said guns, especially assault rifles."
Josh added, "universal background checks should of happened a long time ago. The president acknowledged that any measures aimed at curbing the sale of any type of firearm or accessory is going to face strong opposition Wednesday."
Richards fears that in the end, it will be the law abiding citizens, not the criminals, that pay the price for firearm violence.
"Most of these laws are only going to affect the guy that is honest and not going to break the law," states Richards.
The president's executive orders signed today also include tougher penalties for people who lie on background checks when purchasing a firearm, and giving schools the ability to use federal grant money to approve school security. An executive order signed by the president does not need congressional approval before going into effect.
"Background checks have been taking as long as a week right now, sometimes longer," states Steve Richards, Steve's Trading Post Owner.
At a signing ceremony Wednesday, President Obama called for several new measures aimed at curbing gun violence, including a "universal background check."
Richards says that could potentially put even more stress on an already over taxed system.
"It's already overloaded with the background checks, which 99% of the time are legal purchasers of firearms," states Richards.
Along with more stringent background checks, the president is also calling for a limit on the magazine capacity of firearms, and increased funding to study gun violence throughout the nation.
We asked our Facebook followers to weigh in on the issue, and we received a mixture of answers.
Caleb disagreed with the idea of reducing magazine sizes, saying, "I don't understand how a 10 round limit is going to do anything, because if you have an empty magazine, it's as easy to change as a rifle or handgun is to empty."
Kristen applauded the president's call for increased background checks, saying, "I for one would like stronger restrictions on the purchasing of guns. This is not an attack on the right to bear arms, but is calling for more restrictions and background checks on the individuals purchasing said guns, especially assault rifles."
Josh added, "universal background checks should of happened a long time ago. The president acknowledged that any measures aimed at curbing the sale of any type of firearm or accessory is going to face strong opposition Wednesday."
Richards fears that in the end, it will be the law abiding citizens, not the criminals, that pay the price for firearm violence.
"Most of these laws are only going to affect the guy that is honest and not going to break the law," states Richards.
The president's executive orders signed today also include tougher penalties for people who lie on background checks when purchasing a firearm, and giving schools the ability to use federal grant money to approve school security. An executive order signed by the president does not need congressional approval before going into effect.
Comments
Any new laws limiting gun purchases or magazine capacity will have the exact opposite effect of the public's desired results. Limiting the law abiding citizen's ability defend against a criminal with an arsenal is criminal, or even murderous in itself. It sounds extreme but so is the president rewriting the constitution that this once incredible nation was found on, with his own twisted agenda. Obama should be held accountable for deaths caused by his defilement of our constitutional rights. Less guns = more violence. The most effective way to increase public safety against the Demented produced by today's society is for the people to start wearing guns everywhere they may. There are millions of guns in this country that can be easily purchased outside of firearms retailers, and that's what criminals will do. I personally have acquired 2 9mm high capacity firearms and an ar15, all from private parties in the last three weeks because of the ignoramus in charge and his idiotic proposals. I don't even know people with guns! I just started asking around. Any criminal can do the same and all who think otherwise are asinine. Limiting the amount of guns will only increase gun violence and crime rate. Do your part. Help solve the problem. Buy a gun and wear it everywhere allowed. Check city ordinance's for specific laws regarding wear-ability. You don't need a permit to carry. Only to conceal. Be part of the REAL solution... Buy a gun and wear it.
Billy B.
January 16, 2013 at 8:10 pm
