Why Did The Republicans Support Gun Control?

In contrast to Democrats (most supported gun control, some opposed it), most Republicans supported the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms for every American, especially in reasonable grounds. But some Republicans supported gun control by banning guns, even for protection.

Fred Thompson is opposed to most gun control laws. Speaking of the Virginia Tech massacre, he said:

"Whenever I’ve seen one of those ‘Gun-free Zone’ signs, especially outside of a school filled with our youngest and most vulnerable citizens, I’ve always wondered exactly who these signs are directed at. Obviously, they don’t mean much to the sort of man who murdered 32 people just a few days ago."

Although his record in the Senate on guns is generally mixed. Thompson voted pro-gun 19 times and anti-gun 14 times. Additionally, Thompson voted for the Domestic Violence Offender Gun Ban, which restricts ownership and use of guns or ammunition by individuals convicted of misdemeanor or felony domestic violence.

McCain’s record on gun control is mixed. He co-sponsored the Gun Show Loophole Closing and Gun Law Enforcement Act of 2001. This act would reduce the number of gun shows, require gun-owners to purchase trigger locks, and allow federal agents to arrest those who violate federal gun laws. However, McCain has frequently voted in support of the Second Amendment, such as voting against background checks at gun shows and voting in support of prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers. In August of 1999, McCain said he was open to voting for an assault weapon ban, depending on the details. However, he still voted against the Federal Assault Weapons Ban and the efforts to renew it, as well as the Brady Bill.

A top official of the National Rifle Association said McCain has been a reliable ally of gun owners despite divisions with the powerful lobbying group on some issues. NRA executive vice president Wayne LaPierre told The Associated Press "…We’re not foolish enough to ignore the vast areas of agreement in which John McCain has been a friend to gun owners." The Republican presidential nominee has voted against a ban on assault-type weapons with restrictions which were objected.

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Questions regarding gun rights and YOUR views?

Answer each with "Yes", "No", or "Undecided"-

1. Do you agree with Barack Obama that Americans should be forced to apply for a government license before purchasing a firearm?
2. Do you agree with Barack Obama that the federal government should overturn the Right-to-Carry protections that are now in place in 40 states?
3. Do you agree with Barack Obama that all gun stores within five miles of a school or par should be forced to shut down?
4. Do you support what politicians like Chuck Schumer who are using their power in the US Senate to block pro-Second Amendment judicial nominees from being confirmed as judges on our federal courts?
5. Do you agree with Barack Obama that certain firearms should be banned based only on the way they look?
6. Do you agree with Barack Obama that cities and municiplaities should be allowed to ban handguns?
7. Do you agree with Barack Obama that convicted felons such as murderers and rapists–should automatically be allowed to vote in future elections?
8. Do you believe that national media polls claiming that Americans want more gun control are fair, and that they accurately represent the views of voters like you?
9. Would you vote for a candidate who supports proposed UN treaties giving UM bureaucrats the power to dictate America’s policies on firearms?
10. Would you KNOWINGLY vote for any candidate who supports any portion of the gun-ban lobby’s anti-Second Amendment agenda?

I just saw these questions and was curious how others would answer them… this is NOT at all about right or wrong, liberal or conservative, but just my wondering how others feel?
Avail… you don’t even have to be a citizen to vote. Probably the most amazing, beautiful blessing-to vote, yet any illegal or dead person can cast their ballot…
Do you think the distance of a store to purchase bullets at (Wal Mart ring a bell for one thing) is going to stop someone who is literally insane enough to do that? Distance doesn’t stop evil, it just makes it take a little longer.
That is actually one reason my children won’t go to public school… and that is why I support that teachers should be armed as well-or at least have the option to be.
In spite of my views on gun ownership, I do appreciate all the answers you guys (or girls) are giving…

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*******Gun Laws*******?

Do you support a gun ban for legal gun owners???

Do you support criminals not getting enough time in prison for having or using a gun in the commission of a crime???

Poll: If you could change as much gun control legislation as you wanted to, what would you change?

I’m hoping to get some very interesting answers. If I could change the course of gun control, I would:

Repeal the 1986 machine gun ban
Repeal the Gun control act of 1968
Repeal the National Firearms Act of 1934
Lower the minimum age to own a firearm to 16 (for all firearms, not just long guns)
Repeal all laws that restrict foreign imports
Repeal any and all exam requirements
Abolish the BATFE