(Newser)
–
Gun-rights advocates who feared that the Obama presidency would mean the end of the Second Amendment have instead found the political climate surprisingly friendly, the Washington Independent reports. The Supreme Court and state legislatures alike have awarded victories to pro-gun forces, and federal lawmakers are wary of rocking the boat. Even though Democrats hold majorities, members of Congress remember the powerful right-wing backlash President Clinton's gun control efforts fueled.
“Democrats learned a substantial lesson in 1994, and no anti-gun measures are ever going to come forth in this Congress,” said one criminal law expert. This presidency may even be better for gun groups than the previous administration, because the perception that Obama will take away guns—his lack of evidence and "F" rating from the Brady Center notwithstanding—is fueling fundraising.
