If the Democrats have "gotten the message" on gun control, why is this guy their new "rock star"?

Senator Barak H. Obama, Democratic Jr Senator (IL); previously State Senator

Position: Keep guns out of inner cities "but inner city violence is also a problem of morality:

I believe in keeping guns out of our inner cities, and that our leaders must say so in the face of the gun manfuacturer's lobby. But I also believe that when a gangbanger shoots indiscriminately into a crowd because he feels someone disrespected him, we have a problem of morality. Not only do we need to punish that man for his crime, but we need to acknowledge that there's a hole in his heart, one that government programs alone may not be able to repair Source: The Audacity of Hope, by Barack Obama, p.215 Oct 1, 2006

Position: Ban high capacity semiautomatic handguns:

While Obama suggested there may be a need for restrictions on so-called semiautomatic guns, he contends Democrats must steer clear of alienating "lawful" gun owners. "I'm a strong believer in the rights of hunters and sportsmen to have firearms. I'm a believer in homeowners having a firearm to protect their home and their family," Obama said. "It's hard for me to find a rationale for having a 17-clip semiautomatic Source: Radio Iowa

Positions on Gun Control:

• Ban semi-automatics, and impose more restrictions on other types of firearms possession; Source: 1998 IL State Legislative National Political Awareness Test Jul 2, 1998
• Ban the sale or transfer of all forms of semi-automatic weapons;
• Increase state restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms;
• Require manufacturers to provide child-safety locks with firearms.
• On the issue of prohibiting citizens from carrying concealed weapons, Obama said he believes national legislation should be passed to "prevent other states' laws [allowing citizens to conceal their guns] from threatening the safety of Illinois residents Source
• "I believe we need to renew"not roll back "this common sense gun law," [The Clinton "Assault Weapons" Ban] Source
• Proposes several gun-control laws, including restricting purchases of weapons and ammunition at gun shows, establishing a national database that would capture and record imprints left by bullets, and making gun locks mandatory. Source
• Obama said concealed weapons should be allowed for retired police officers and some military personnel.
• "Ordinary citizens should not be allowed to own military assault weapons, such as AK-47s and Uzis Source

Voted NO on prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers.

A bill to prohibit civil liability actions from being brought or continued against manufacturers, distributors, dealers, or importers of firearms or ammunition for damages, injunctive or other relief resulting from the misuse of their products by others. Voting YES would:

• Exempt lawsuits brought against individuals who knowingly transfer a firearm that will be used to commit a violent or drug-trafficking crime
• Exempt lawsuits against actions that result in death, physical injury or property damage due solely to a product defect
• Call for the dismissal of all qualified civil liability actions pending on the date of enactment by the court in which the action was brought
• Prohibit the manufacture, import, sale or delivery of armor piercing ammunition, and sets a minimum prison term of 15 years for violations
• Require all licensed importers, manufacturers and dealers who engage in the transfer of handguns to provide secure gun storage or safety devices

Reference: Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act; Bill S 397 ; vote number 2005-219 on Jul 29, 2005 Source

"This seems to be a man [Obama] who is absolutely determined to make the world safe for criminals while making sure that law-abiding citizens have no opportunity to defend themselves "Alan Keyes. Source

Commenting on the VT massacre, Obama said:

"(Cho) had a semiautomatic weapon with a clip that allowed him to take 19 shots in a row", Obama said. "I don't know any self-respecting hunter that needs 19 rounds of anything. The only reason you have 19 rounds is potentially to do physical harm to people. You don't shoot 19 rounds at a deer. And if you do, you shouldn't be hunting Source

Uh, dude, it's not about hunting. Maybe it's about being able to defend yourself from maniacs?

Barak Obama's Voting Record on Gun Control
This page on Gunlaw News includes quotes, voting record and more links to additional resources.

In another place:

Obama regularly supported gun-control measures, including a ban on semiautomatic "assault weapons" and a limit on handgun purchases to one a month.

He also opposed letting people use a self-defense argument if charged with violating local handgun bans by using weapons in their homes. The bill was a reaction to a Chicago-area man who, after shooting an intruder, was charged with a handgun violation.

Supporters framed the issue as a fundamental question of whether homeowners have the right to protect themselves.

Obama joined several Chicago Democrats who argued the measure could open loopholes letting gun owners use their weapons on the street. They said local governments should have the final say, but the self-defense exception passed 41-16 and ultimately became state law. Source

Barak Obama served on the board of the notoriously anti-civil right Joyce Foundation. Source. The Joyce Foundation is the funding source for astroturf anti-gun organizations such at The Gun Guys and The Freedom States Alliance.

On the Washington D.C. handgun ban, Obama said that he:

believes that we can recognize and respect the rights of law-abiding gun owners and the right of local communities to enact common sense laws to combat violence and save lives Obama believes the D.C. handgun law is constitutional. Source

Mr. Obama says he's, in it to transform the country No thanks, Barak. Think I'll pass. Your kind of changes I can live without.