Why Gun Control Advocates Target AR-15s Despite Higher Handgun Fatalities
Why do gun control advocates primarily focus on banning assault-style rifles like the AR-15, when handguns are responsible for a majority of mass shootings?
Complexities of Anti-Gun Advocacy
It's a commonly held belief that anti-gun advocates lack strategic intelligence. They focus on rifles like the AR-15 for an easy win, not because these weapons are the primary culprits in gun-related deaths. Instead, they aim for an incremental approach aimed at gaining public support easier to secure than a total ban on handguns.
The AR-15: A Strategic Banning Tool
The AR-15, often seen as a symbol of modern American military-style weaponry, is a particular target. Anti-gun activists use this weapon as a gateway to broader firearm restriction policy. The AR-15 looks intimidating, making it an easy sell to a gullible public who are often misinformed about firearms. By banning this weapon, proponents hope to gradually shift public and legislative perception towards support for a more comprehensive ban on all firearms.
Historical and Political Motivations
The history of gun control in America goes far beyond legitimate safety concerns. From the days of disenfranchising recently-freed slaves through to current efforts to maintain control, anti-gun laws have always been about maintaining a certain power dynamic, not safety. The AR-15 ban is a step towards a broader goal of disarming law-abiding citizens while doing nothing to address criminal violence.
Strategic Voting and Political Dynamics
The strategic nature of gun control advocacy is evident. Current voter data shows that while approximately 20 million Americans own AR-15s, the total number of gun owners is around 72 million. In the 2020 elections, only about 1.6 billion people were eligible to vote, with around 160 million casting ballots. Therefore, displeasing 20 million gun owners is less significant than potentially alienating 72 million. This strategy aims at maximizing the potential shift in the political landscape.
Union voters, who have traditionally supported the Democrats, have shown a shift towards the Republican side. This shift does not occur solely due to gun control but is influenced by broader political issues. However, the AR-15 ban can play a crucial role in this political realignment.
Conclusion
The focus on AR-15s and other assault-style rifles by gun control advocates is a carefully thought-out move. While handguns are the weapon of choice for most mass shootings, the AR-15 ban serves as a stepping stone. The ultimate goal is a widespread ban on firearms, not just control over military-style weapons. This incremental approach is strategic and aimed at gradually eroding public and legislative support for guns.