"There are roughly 4,500 gun shows in the United States each year. [u]Vendors there peddle everything from pistols to assault weapons, but federal law doesn't require them to run a background check on their customers. Eighteen states do require checks[/u].
"In contrast, at licensed gun shops federal law requires background checks to prevent felons, illegal immigrants and even foreign visitors with tourist or student visas -- like some of the hijackers had -- from buying weapons.
"The Justice Department is asking Internet users to sacrifice some of their privacy in the interest of national security, but gun buyers aren't being asked for similar concessions.
"In fact, Ashcroft's office has recently moved to further protect gun owners' right to anonymity.
"On July 6, the Justice Department proposed a rule that would reduce the amount of time -- from 90 days to just one business day -- that background-check records for approved gun purchases are held.
"Despite the tone on Capital Hill, some opponents of the loophole are speaking out.
"Now, more than ever, we need to close the gun show loophole," said Amy Stilwell, spokeswoman for the Brady Campaign, a group that advocates tighter gun control. "We think it's a good time to raise this issue, and we're doing what we can."
"If and when Congress does address closing the gun show loophole, the battle will be heated.
"Revelations that the weapons used in Colorado's Columbine High School massacre were purchased at a gun show, and the Million Mom March it inspired, weren't enough to get the loophole closed during the last congressional session.
"Anti-loophole bills passed the House and Senate (thanks to a tie-breaking vote from Al Gore) last year. But the legislation died when the two chambers could not agree on a joint version of the bill to be sent to the president for approval."
Is this guy nuts, or what? He thinks that even FFL dealers don't have to do background checks if the sale takes place at a gunshow!!!!
Eric The(WhatAMoron!)Hun[>]:)]