Boston Globe Editorial - A False Choice: Gun making vs. gun control [View All]

[ProgressiveProfessor]

NEW ENGLAND has a centuries-old tradition of both gun manufacturing and gun control. It shouldn't have to pick between the two. However, at least one manufacturer is trying to force the matter. Proposals to require that guns be made suitable for micro-stamping, a technology which would allow shell casings to be traced back to the exact gun they were fired from, have been introduced in the Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts legislatures. These have drawn significant criticism from gun manufacturers, at least one of which, Colt, is threatening to move out of New England if such legislation is adopted.
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While firearms manufacturers have a right to lobby against this legislation and explain their objections to it, it is inappropriate to wield the jobs of hundreds of workers as a weapon. Micro-stamping does not place any significant burden on the sale or manufacture of guns. It is not a ban or an arduous tax. It merely requires the engraving of a serial number in one more place on the weapon. If a state legislature decides micro-stamping is appropriate, it should not be forced to choose between citizens’ lives and citizens’ livelihood.

Complete article here: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2011/08/28/a_false_choice_gun_making_vs_gun_control/
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This is an interesting conundrum for the pols. In an area where manufacturing jobs are already seriously eroded, do they run more off for something of negligible effectiveness. Unlike the Boeing fracas, this is not over union issues, but the political climate, so there will be no NLRB action. However, like Boeing there will be numerous states willing to host Colt and any others that choose to move. The stakes are pretty clear.

The squeals of the author are hypocritical. Actions, especially political actions have consequences and the Globe surely knows that. The comments on the article are fairly surprising in their tone. Then again, its not like comments in a major newspaper are just from the local area either.

The down side of course is the impact on the workers. IME, New Englanders tend to be less mobile than others groups. Extended families often live in the same region. The pols decision in light of announcements could force hard choices on them.