James Traficant: “Politics of guns. Politics of guns. Tough issue. Congress has traditionally put this sensitive and tough political issue…”

“Politics of guns. Politics of guns. Tough issue. Congress has traditionally put this sensitive and tough political issue on automatic pilot. Mr. Speaker, the truth is today Air Force One has taken leadership and they are bringing it down to Earth by calling for a vote. I want to give President Clinton credit today. He is going out politically on a limb and, Congress, if you are not prepared at some time in your life to go out on a limb, you will never collect the fruit and if there is a time to go out on the limb politically, today, is that day. Mr. Speaker, I am a former sheriff and let me say this: The second amendment to the Constitution makes sure that Americans can bear arms and have the right to protect themselves, but the Constitution never intended for individuals to strap a stinger missile on their back and then cite the second amendment privilege. Mr. Speaker, there is a reality here, a real reality. I have a gun, and if I catch somebody in my house at 3 o'clock in the morning, I hope I have the drop on them and I am not going to ask them if they are there from the local welcome wagon. But there is a limit here, folks. You do not have to give up your assault weapon, America. If you have one, you can keep it. And if you decide to sell it to another sportsman, there are provisions that you can do that.”