Sorry, But Legislation Is Slow. Period.

Photo by Christopher Burns

Today, an article from CNN discussing the continued legality of bump stocks was discussed by Daniella Diaz. The title,

"A month after the Las Vegas shooting, there's still no bump stock regulation." 

Now, I'm all for bump stock regulation, but to believe congress would act so quickly is absolutely absurd. For an example, we can see how fast congress acts on legislation with this site here:  https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/statistics

In 2017 so far, our 115th Congress has been sitting on 6,645 different pieces of legislation. They have enacted 1% of those, passed 4%, and voted on 5%. Taking this into account, as quickly as it should happen, it's naive to expect any immediate action from Congress. Below is an animated PBS video of how a bill becomes a law. If you do not wish to see the video, then here's the spoiler: It's a rather lengthy process.

With that said, Diaz is fair asking why the ATF has yet to institute any kind of regulation within their power and criticizing the NRA for saying a bill banning bump stocks would be, "intentionally overreaching." But again, government agencies move very slowly, plus multitude of factors, varying opinions, and more that must be taken into account when changing a law.

So while I am able to appreciate the "mostly" objective reporting of Diaz, I believe her attempt to put blame on our government for acting too slowly when it's a naturally slow process is ridiculous. Besides, firearm advocates who might be in favor of keeping bump stock regulation (all my opinions reserved) should still have the right to vocalize their opinion prior to the bills vote/passing.

Photo by Jens Lelie

This is a prime example of the media pushing their agenda onto their audiences. CNN is wanting to wile up the public without taking into account the opposite side's point of view. That is why I can only say her reporting is "mostly" objective, from one point of view, because of the agenda (right or wrong) that is being pushed.