Quinnipiac University Poll Shows Where the Majority of the People Stand on Guns—Not with the National Rifle Association

The respected Quinnipiac University poll released some important and stunning findings on Jan. 30, 2013:

95% of those polled support universal background checks for those that wish to purchase firearms;

60%  favor a ban on the sale of assault-style weapons (or whatever term one wishes to use for those firearms designed to slaughter human beings in rapid fire);

59% support a prohibition on the sale of magazines with more than ten rounds;  and

57%  favor stronger gun control laws in general.

It will be interesting to learn whether our elected officials are swayed by the public, including any of the individuals whose lives have been shattered by gun violence, prime case in point being former U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords, a gun owner and Second Amendment enthusiast, who simply, but passionately and emotionally addressed the U. S. Senate Judiciary Committee on 30 January, pleading for action. I believe that the inclination of those in positions of authority will be to conduct business as usual, i.e., to do what the powerful gun  manufacturers’ lobby, the National Rifle Association, its members and admirers tell them to do, which is virtually nothing. 

We shall soon see whether on the matters of background checks and the proliferation of the most lethal weapons and ammunition we enjoy government of, by, and for the people, or whether we live under a system of government of, by, and for minority special interest which is unrepresentative of the citizenry at large. I fear that I know the answer.