Thursday, December 20, 2007

Chambliss Update: Signs of Progress

Yesterday, we discussed Senator Chambliss's bandwagon being too full to haul "Maximum Mike" out of town.

What a difference a day makes. I'm now being told this was "a misunderstanding," and that the senator's chief of staff will conference with Ryan Horsley and Len Savage. As an act of good faith, Ryan has removed the post from his blog pending the outcome of that conference.

Two Georgia gun rights groups I've been in contact with are also on hold, awaiting the results. (Georgia Packing has already posted a forum page discussing this.)

It's too early to pronounce anything a done deal, but it certainly does look like we at least got their attention, and reaffirmed the reality that there is a political cost attached to every perceived benefit. For now, as far as Chambliss is concerned, my advice is hold fire.

Which brings us to other senators taking a non-position. We just saw two examples yesterday, courtesy of Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn. Here's why, even though there's no principle-based excuse, their lack of action is understandable: NRA has ignored this. Without the big dog in the fight, they're free to assume they're dealing with a handful of disgruntled malcontents lacking the clout to make it worth their while to expend any political capital.

That's both the perception and the reality.

NRA's silence is inexcusable in principle, but again, politically understandable. There's nothing to force a change in position for one reason and one reason only: they have not been besieged by determined members letting them know there will be an "or else" attached to their failure to act. As far as Fairfax is concerned, it's just the same small group of irritating gnats buzzing about, so there's no new incentive to change course.

Which means, as is typical, it really is the fault of gun owners who read these words--in this instance and in countless other appeals for action--and do nothing. Politician's don't give it a priority because the NRA doesn't give it a priority because gun owners won't give it a priority.

Which, in a nutshell, is the reason why we have "gun control laws" in the first damn place.

3 comments:

SamenoKami said...

Chambliss is in trouble because he actually responded to the Sullivan brou-ha-ha. The rest of the Senators are just ignoring us for being idiots in questioning their supreme judgment. This will not be the first time GA senator Chambliss has held a moistened finger into the political wind. He (and Isakson) did a serious 180 on the Amnesty bill after the phone/emails melted down the capitol switchboard. He probably needs to go whether he changes his mind or not. My email to him is on the first posting.

Anonymous said...

Just called both Isaakson and Chambliss to remind them that Sullivan is a bad guy and should be opposed. Asked 'em also to join the holds.

Suggest all Georgians do the same.

Ryan Horsley said...

Peaceable Texans for Firearms Rights just sent out an e-mail urging members to contact Senator Hutchison regarding Sullivan's confirmation.