Trump vs. Hillary on Gun Rights

Just in case there is any confusion over possible outcomes for the 2016 presidential election, either Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton will be our next President and Commander in Chief.

Yes, others will be on the ballot, including Libertarian and Green Party nominees, but they have no chance of winning. So let's not kid ourselves. If you're a gun owner and you're evaluating how to vote, these are the candidates you need to look at closely.

If you're not happy with these choices, you can refuse to vote. But that just lets others, who may be less-informed, make the choice for you. You cannot wash your hands of eleciton results. If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.

So let's take a look at Trump and Clinton and where they stand on your gun rights. The following information is presented without comment. Just the facts. I've summarized the proposals of each as objectively as possible, and you can check the candidates' websites for the full text.

Donald Trump

Statement and Proposals:

https://www.donaldjtrump.com/positions/second-amendment-rights

“The Second Amendment to our Constitution is clear. The right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed upon. Period.

“The Second Amendment guarantees a fundamental right that belongs to all law-abiding Americans. The Constitution doesn’t create that right – it ensures that the government can’t take it away. Our Founding Fathers knew, and our Supreme Court has upheld, that the Second Amendment’s purpose is to guarantee our right to defend ourselves and our families. This is about self-defense, plain and simple.

“It’s been said that the Second Amendment is America’s first freedom. That’s because the Right to Keep and Bear Arms protects all our other rights. We are the only country in the world that has a Second Amendment. Protecting that freedom is imperative.”

Enforce the laws on the books by prosecuting violent criminals and empowering law-abiding gun owners to defend themselves.

Fix our broken mental health system by expanding treatment programs and getting violent people off the street.

Defend the rights of gun owners by:

Allowing law-abiding people to own the firearm of their choice instead of demonizing popular rifles and standard magazines owned by millions of Americans.

Fixing the background check system so that it includes criminal and mental health records and is instant, accurate, and fair.

Making concealed carry permits valid in all 50 states because bearing arms is a right, not a privilege.

Allowing those in the military to defend themselves by carrying firearms on bases and at recruiting centers.

History:

http://www.ontheissues.org/Donald_Trump.htm#Gun_Control

• Mass shootings are due to a huge mental health problem. (Jan 2016)
• No limits on guns; they save lives. (Jan 2016)
• Keep enemies of the state away from guns. (Nov 2015)
• Make concealed-carry permits valid across all states. (Nov 2015)
• Gun-free zones are target practice for sickos. (Oct 2015)
• Gun ownership makes US safer, not more dangerous. (Oct 2015)
• Mental health more important than gun control. (Oct 2015)
• Laws are ineffective in preventing gun violence. (Oct 2015)
• Gun violence is inevitable; regulations won't help. (Oct 2015)
• Protect the Second Amendment, but address mental health. (Sep 2015)
• Take guns from good people & bad people have target practice. (Jul 2015)
• A very strong person on the Second Amendment. (Jun 2015)
• I am against gun control. (Feb 2011)
• Dems and Reps are both wrong on guns. (Jul 2000)
• For assault weapon ban, waiting period, & background check. (Jul 2000)

Endorsements:

National Rifle Association, International Defensive Pistol Association

Hillary Clinton

Statement and Proposals:

https://www.hillaryclinton.com/issues/gun-violence-prevention/

“I believe weapons of war have no place on our streets. We may have our disagreements on gun safety regulations, but we should all be able to agree on a few things. If the FBI is watching you for suspected terrorist links, you shouldn’t be able to just go buy a gun with no questions asked. You shouldn’t be able to exploit loopholes and evade criminal background checks by buying online or at a gun show. And yes, if you’re too dangerous to get on a plane, you are too dangerous to buy a gun in America.”

Expand background checks by forcing personal gun transfers to go through a licensed dealer, requiring dealers to deny gun sales for an indefinite period when there is a delay in any background check, use administrative action to lower the threshold for classifying individuals as “dealers.”

Punish businesses for crimes committed with their products by allowing lawsuits against gun dealers and manufacturers and increasing the budget for BATFE to conduct more dealer inspections and encourage more license revocations.

Prohibit more gun purchases by expanding “domestic abuse” laws to include those dating or those convicted of stalking, making straw purchases a federal crime (note: it already is), prohibiting those receiving mental treatment from buying guns, and banning so-called “assault” weapons.

History:

http://www.ontheissues.org/Hillary_Clinton.htm#Gun_Control

• I support Brady Bill and closing the Charleston loophole. (Dec 2015)
• Arming more people is not appropriate response to terrorism. (Dec 2015)
• Reverse gun manufacturer immunity; let them get sued. (Nov 2015)
• Don't shield gun manufacturers from lawsuits: I vote that way. (Oct 2015)
• Sensible restraints on manufacturer liability & online sales. (Oct 2015)
• Gun control advocates see Clinton as an ally. (Jun 2015)
• Rein in idea that anybody can have a gun anywhere, anytime. (May 2014)
• 2000: advocate for national gun registry; 2008: backed off. (May 2014)
• Balance lawful gun ownership & keeping guns from criminals. (Apr 2008)
• Give local police access to federal gun tracking info. (Apr 2008)
• Let states & cities determine local gun laws. (Apr 2008)
• Against illegal guns, crack down on illegal gun dealers. (Jan 2008)
• Backed off a national licensing registration plan on guns. (Jan 2008)
• Get assault weapons & guns off the street. (Jul 2007)
• Background check system could prevent Virginia Tech massacre. (Apr 2007)
• Congress’ failure at Littleton response inspired Senate run. (Nov 2003)
• Keep guns away from people who shouldn’t have them. (Sep 2000)
• Limit access to weapons; look for early warning signs. (Sep 2000)
• License and register all handgun sales. (Jun 2000)
• Tough gun control keeps guns out of wrong hands. (Jul 1999)
• Gun control protects our children. (Jul 1999)
• Don’t water down sensible gun control legislation. (Jul 1999)
• Lock up guns; store ammo separately. (Jun 1999)
• Ban kids’ unsupervised access to guns. (Jun 1999)
• Get weapons off the streets; zero tolerance for weapons. (Sep 1996)
• Voted NO on prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers. (Jul 2005)
• Voted NO on banning lawsuits against gun manufacturers for gun violence. (Mar 2004)
• Prevent unauthorized firearm use with "smart gun" technology. (Aug 2000)

Endorsements:

Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, the Newtown Action Alliance, and Everytown for Gun Safety – including Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.

So there you go. The choice is yours. Whatever you decide, please vote your gun rights.

Dean Rieck is Executive Director of Buckeye Firearms Association, a former competitive shooter, NRA Patron Member, #1 NRA Recruiter for 2013, business owner and partner with Second Call Defense.