“If there is anything more irrational in this world than violent religious extremism, it’s the Ameri

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“If there is anything more irrational in this world than violent religious extremism, it’s the American gun lobby” http://gu.com/p/4eaap/stw


A prohibition of refugees won't prevent terror attacks – but gun control might
Jesse Berney

If there is anything more irrational in this world than violent religious extremism, it’s the American gun lobby
A Texas politician feared allowing refugees into his state ... because it was too easy to buy guns there.
A Texas politician feared allowing refugees into his state ... because it was too easy to buy guns there. Photograph: Gilles Mingasson/Getty Images

Wednesday 18 November 2015 06.45 EST
Last modified on Wednesday 18 November 2015 09.45 EST



Here are a few of the things conservatives have done in response to the terrorist attacks on Paris: multiple Republican governors – and one Democrat – have announced they will do everything in their power to keep Syrian refugees out of their states; Donald Trump has called for shutting down mosques; his fellow candidates Ted Cruz and Jeb Bush have proposed screening refugees and allowing just Christians in while keeping Muslims out.

These are acts born of fear, and it is rational to be afraid of terrorists. There is no doubt Isis would love to attack the United States, and it is perfectly reasonable to want to take steps to beef up our security while still promoting American values by offering a safe haven to refugees.




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The New York Daily News cover on Wednesday 18 November. Photograph: NY Daily News





A Paris-style attack in the United States would be a horror, and we should take reasonable, commonsense steps to prevent such a scenario – like making sure terrorists can’t get guns. But if there is anything more irrational in this world than violent religious extremism, it’s the American gun lobby.

It is extremely easy for terrorists to obtain a gun in the United States. There is a federal requirement for background checks, but the loopholes are so big you could drive a Mack truck filled with AR-15s through them. Gun shows, private sales and the internet all make it simple for anyone who wants a mess of assault rifles to obtain them easily..............