My Wednesday column and another example of how all politics is state and local:
You’ve probably never heard of Missouri state Rep. Rory Ellinger (D-University City). Last week, Ellinger introduced a bill that represents the most powerful assault weapons ban to date, and when you hear about its content, you might not think it’s such a good idea. But I do. I think it’s groundbreaking and even though it probably won’t pass it could lead the way to lesser but achievable gun control laws in that state.
Ellinger’s HB545 would not only ban the sale of assault weapons, it would also ban the manufacturing and importation of assault weapons. If that wasn’t strong enough, the bill would criminalize the possession of an assault weapon following a 90-day period during which owners would be forced by law to relinquish their assault weapons to authorities.
Again, there’s no chance of the bill passing and Ellinger readily admits it. But it’s a stroke of genius nonetheless. Not necessarily because I think it’s a fantastic idea (frankly, a buy-back program is more effective), but because it’s strategically brilliant. [continue reading here]