Gunmakers Granted Immunity by Congress

(Washington) By a vote of 283 to 144, the U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation Thursday that gives gun makers and dealers immunity from civil lawsuits. Considered a major victory for the National Rifle Association and its allies, the measure is supported by President Bush who only needs to sign for it to become law since the Senate previously passed it.

The bill will stifle frivolous lawsuits from groups that believe the manufacture and sale of firearms drives violence in communities. The measure excludes from liability protection those that knowingly sell firearms for the commission of crimes. And, although child safety locks will be required under the new law, gun control advocates are displeased and have vowed to challenge the law's constitutionality.

Across the pond, the Brits have weighed in with the opinion that President Bush succeeds only at protecting big business while stumbling through every other effort. I think that Britain needs a Bill of Rights. Maybe then they wouldn't be so quick to criticize what they don't understand.