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November 30, 2009

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Editorial: Gun show loophole needs fixing now

Monday, June 24, 2002 | 9:03 a.m.

Federal law requires stores, mail-order companies and online outlets to deny gun sales to people with criminal backgrounds, but gun shows are exempt. At gun shows all over the country, therefore, no background checks are conducted. People may buy guns with no questions asked.

This gun show loophole is the focus of a bill by Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Sen. Joseph Lieberman, D-Conn. They want the background checks extended to include the estimated 4,500 gun shows held every year in the United States. Republican and Democratic leaders are pressuring them to hold off on the bill, fearing it will generate a political uproar and distract from other important legislation. The leaders are partially right -- anything smacking of gun control inspires heated controversy. But McCain and Lieberman are right, too. There really is a loophole. And it should be plugged without delay. Unless background checks are required everywhere guns are sold, the law is severely diminished.

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