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Cynthia McKinney on Gun Control

The right to bear arms is part of the United States Bill of Rights in the Constitution. Exactly what this right means today is a debate that all the candidates have weighed in on from many different perspectives. This topic includes information about candidate positions on: restricting access to firearms, the assault rifles ban, and background checks on gun purchasers.

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Cynthia McKinney supports restrictions on access to firearms

"Anyway that restrictions on handguns could be put in place, I supported that. If I have a fear, it is now a fear of the government. So I believe strongly in the right to bear arms. That won't be reflected in my voting record."

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[McKinney] believes that the right to bear arms must be tempered by common-sense measures to keep firearms out of the hands of those most inclined to threaten others with violence. (In light of its history, this would have to include the U.S. government and many police officers, but those issues are dealt with elsewhere.) She has favored waiting periods for gun purchases and opposed measures to restrict or bar lawsuits against gun manufacturers resulting from the misuse of their products by others.

Chicago Tribune Issues Comparison

Cynthia McKinney supports a ban on assault weapons

In a letter to the President last year McKinney called for the extension of ban on assault weapons to include models based on the AK 47 assault rifle and varients of the Israeli Uzi.

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[McKinney] would support a properly drafted assault weapons ban. But she recognizes that the primary causes of violence are rooted in economic and social conditions that go beyond America's gun-infused culture.

Chicago Tribune Issues Comparison

Cynthia McKinney supports running background checks on individuals purchasing guns.

Voted NO on decreasing the background check waiting period at gun shows from 3 days to 24 hours.

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