In 2022, at an impactful House Judiciary Committee hearing, Representative Thomas Massie rigorously challenged the sweeping gun control measures proposed by President Biden, specifically the push to ban all semi-automatic weapons—a classification that encompasses the majority of firearms owned today.
This robust discourse highlights a vital conversation about not just the broad implications of such a ban but also the intricate issues surrounding the Federal background checks, as detailed by expert Dr. John Lott.
Percentage Of Males Who Have Felony Convictions By Race
Dr. Lott’s testimony reveals a disturbing trend within the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
Despite the claimed intended purpose of preventing prohibited individuals from acquiring firearms, the system exhibits a significant flaw—racial disparity in the denial rates of legal firearm purchases. His research indicates that an overwhelming majority of initial denials, approximately 99%, are errors, disproportionately affecting Hispanic and Black males due to phonetic similarities in names within racial groups.
This revelation is particularly concerning as it suggests that law-abiding citizens are being unjustly prevented from exercising their Second Amendment rights based on flawed data handling.
The errors in NICS background checks not only impede the right to self-defense but also impose a costly and complicated appeals process, often unaffordable to those affected. Dr. Lott proposes a straightforward solution: hold the federal government to the same stringent standards private companies must adhere to in conducting background checks. Such a move would drastically reduce errors and ensure that background checks serve their intended purpose without infringing upon the rights of innocent citizens.
Additionally, the discussion ventured into the territory of red flag laws, which have been touted as preventive measures against potential threats. However, Dr. Lott and Rep. Massie critique these laws for lacking comprehensive mental health evaluations and due process, arguing that they do not address the root of the problem and leave individuals without necessary treatment.
This hearing was a critical reminder of the complexities involved in legislating on matters of national security and individual rights. As President Trump retakes office and future legislative sessions approach, it becomes imperative to revisit the mechanisms of the NICS and refine them to uphold the principles of justice and accuracy. Ensuring that every American can exercise their right to bear arms without undue hindrance is not just a matter of constitutional rights but also of civil equity.
As the fight continues, one thing remains clear: the conversation about gun control and rights is as nuanced as it is vital. It requires careful consideration of both the data and the human impacts of our legal systems, always striving for a balance that respects both safety, liberty, and the right to keep and bear arms.
Ohhh another white guilt story.
enough already. the 13% are responsible for 65% of all murders and manslaughter cases nationwide; not good numbers for any minority race. they create their own problems but continue to blame others for their internal failures.
And here in Arizona more than one FFL has been targeted by local industry reps from ATF because they process ‘too high a number of hispanic surnamed applicants.’ Wow. Who would have ever guessed there would be a higher than the national average of hispanic surnamed people in a state once a territory of Mexico. On the Mexican border. But the FFL’s are targeted simply due to demographic reality and not because anyone is a felon. In the end, when you do a critical analysis of American public policy the real bigots are the progressives. Always have been. It’s the… Read more »
Maybe liberals should apply affirmative action policy to passing background checks. And give the proud people of color a break! Like good liberals. Why should anything as fair and square as affirmative action preferences need to be restricted to just housing, education and employment? Why not apply affirmative muscle to passing bothersome background checks too?
My great niece had a mexican boy friend, mom mexican, dad white. Cabela’s would not sell him a gun because per the clerk” I think you are a gang banger so I wont sell to you”. He is a nice, honest, hard working young man. He deserves better than my great niece and after he helped pay for her college, housed her and fed her, she dumped him just like her mommy did to her old boyfriend and then married a childhood friend, 3 months later!!!!! I am sure the guy was or is heartbroken but now he can find… Read more »
Western civilization wasn’t built for non-Whites. The black rate of violent crime speaks for itself and is the problem, not firearms. This crime disproportionately affects the beautiful cities whites built and deserve to enjoy without the scourge of black violence. Another article wildly off-base. Difficult to get things so wrong so often, unless…