Staff Reports
President Biden’s latest push against gun violence reveals a surprising commitment to restricting firearm innovations rather than addressing the root causes of violence—a classic bait-and-switch tactic. On Thursday, he is set to sign a series of executive orders designed to crack down on new firearm technologies, like 3D-printed guns and certain devices that turn semi-automatics into rapid-fire weapons. It seems the president believes that by simply banning technology, he can miraculously solve the pressing issues of crime and safety that plague American communities.
The intent behind these new orders, according to Biden’s team, is to create a safer America. A task force will allegedly be assembled to identify how federal law enforcement can detect these devices, promising a report in just 90 days. One wonders why this urgency isn’t matched with a focus on violent criminals instead of law-abiding citizens seeking to exercise their Second Amendment rights. The message is clear: it’s easier to target tools than to face the complexities of human behavior.
Anti-gun advocates like former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, who knows firsthand the traumatic impacts of gun violence, have voiced their support for Biden’s initiatives. They claim these measures, along with community programs and red flag laws, will somehow save lives. Meanwhile, the average citizen is left scratching their head, questioning how restricting tools, rather than addressing criminal activity itself, could possibly lead to safer streets and schools.
Biden's new gun-control actions go after machine-gun conversion kits and 3D printed firearms https://t.co/Agbf9BWXVs
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) September 26, 2024
Adding to the absurdity, the orders also address the emotional trauma caused by active shooter drills in schools. To solve this problem, the administration will direct various federal agencies to work out a strategy for implementing these drills, with a report due in 110 days. This move might come as a relief to many parents concerned about their children’s mental well-being, but it begs the question: if drills are necessary due to an undeniable reality of violent incidents, shouldn’t the focus be on securing schools and ensuring better law enforcement rather than simply modifying how drills are conducted?
Finally, this wave of executive orders is presented as monumental in Biden’s legacy as an anti-gun violence crusader. However, the skepticism surrounding their effectiveness remains palpable. Historically, executive orders may sound significant, but they frequently lack the backing needed to make a real impact—especially when it comes to complex issues like gun violence. With crime rates soaring and the specter of mass shootings haunting the nation, one can’t help but wonder if focusing on technology and regulations would truly address the root causes of violence or merely be another chapter in a long story of ineffective governance.
