Brady officials say Obama has made concessions to the “guns anywhere” mentality of the gun lobby by signing legislation that allows people to carry concealed weapons in national parks and in checked luggage on Amtrak trains. The president also is accused of having “muzzled Cabinet members who expressed any support for stronger gun laws,” and his aides supposedly have removed statements from the White House website that indicate support for gun violence prevention laws. 

 

“If I had been told, in the days before Barack Obama’s inauguration, that his record on gun violence prevention would be this poor, I would not have believed it,” said Paul Helmke, president of the Brady Center. “Throughout his career, President Obama has understood the urgent need for strong, sensible gun laws. We have been very disappointed by his first year record on this issue.”

 

Obama’s policies as president contradict the expectations of many gun owners who, thinking he would ban all guns and rifles once he took office, rushed out to stock up on weapons and ammunition, much to the delight of gun dealers.

-Noel Brinkerhoff

 

Weaker Gun Laws, Lack of Leadership Earn President Obama a Failing Grade (Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence)

President Obama’s First Year: Failed Leadership, Lost Lives (Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence) (pdf)

Barack Oabama on Gun Control…as a Senator (On The Issues)