The latest statistics place criminal purchase of guns at gun shows at around .07%. [sarcasm mode on]Wow, that's a real problem![sarcasm mode off]
In addition it's not even a loophole. Here is the dictionary definition of what a loophole is:
loop·hole
[loop-hohl] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation noun, verb, -holed, -hol·ing. –noun
1. a small or narrow opening, as in a wall, for looking through, for admitting light and air, or, particularly in a fortification, for the discharge of missiles against an enemy outside.
2. an opening or aperture. –verb (used with object)
3. a means of escape or evasion; a means or opportunity of evading a rule, law, etc.: There are a number of loopholes in the tax laws whereby corporations can save money.
4. to furnish with loopholes.
So a loophole is a means of evading the law. In most states there is no law that prevents a citizen from selling one of their guns to another citizen.
So what are the anti's calling a loophole? What it is, is the ability of one private citizen to sell their own personal property to another private citizen without getting the government involved. It can happen anywhere, not just gun shows. Are they going to go after the "newspaper loophole" next? How about the "driveway" or "garage loophole"?
The whole thing is silly. The law will be about as effective as the Brady background checks have been. That is to say, an utter and abysmal failure. To any thinking person, the fallacy is clear. Paul Helmke can talk out of his ass all he wants, but it doesn't change the facts.
I went up to Olympia last year as part of our successful effort to stop the same type of bill in WA that had been passed in OR, with John McCains help, so obviously I feel strongly about this.
"I'm John McCain with some straight talk. Convicted felons have been able to buy and sell thousands of guns at gun shows because of a loophole in the law. Many were later used in crimes. That's wrong.
Here in Colorado, Amendment 22 will close this dangerous loophole by requiring criminal background checks by unlicensed dealers at gun shows.
I believe law-abiding citizens have the right to own guns. But with rights come responsibilities. Close the loophole. Vote Yes on Amendment 22."
—Senator John McCain
...and...
'"John McCain Urges Voters to Close the "Gun Show Loophole"
U.S. Senator John McCain (R-Arizona) is featured in two television spots in support of Colorado and Oregon ballot initiatives to close the "Gun Show Loophole."
The thirty-second ads, appearing in both states, are the first spots in a $1 million campaign sponsored by Americans for Gun Safety (AGS), a new non-partisan group that is supporting the two citizen-led referendums.
Currently, Colorado and Oregon laws allow unlicensed dealers to sell firearms at gun shows without performing the criminal background checks that are required for all sales by federally licensed dealers.
The ballot initiatives (Amendment 22 in Colorado and Measure 5 in Oregon) would mandate the same criminal background checks by unlicensed dealers at gun shows. Guns used in the Columbine shooting and the Granada Hills shooting were purchased from unlicensed dealers at gun shows—without background checks.
"Despite the tragic lessons we have learned, it is still far too easy for a convicted felon to buy firearms at a gun show. That is wrong," said Senator McCain in a recent press release. "This is not about what's conservative and what's liberal, what's Republican and what's Democrat. It's about what's right and what's wrong. And quite simply, closing this loophole is the right thing to do."
"I believe law-abiding citizens have the right to own guns, and I have steadfastly fought for those rights for many years. But with rights come responsibilities. I strongly support the Colorado and Oregon ballot initiatives that help close this dangerous loophole," said the Senator.
"These ballot initiatives have made Colorado and Oregon 'ground zero' for the gun safety debate," said AGS President Jonathan Cowan. "Americans for Gun Safety is pleased to join with a true American hero, Senator McCain, and the people of Colorado and Oregon in supporting these common-sense solutions that will help keep guns out of the hands of kids and criminals."'
John McCain can bite me. I will never vote for him.
source material
