I guess that he's OK with guns as movie props

... but Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger doesn't understand what the "assault weapon" ban is about.

Gov. Aaaahnold sent a letter to Sen. Dianne Feinstein supporting an extension of the "assault weapon" ban. Schwarzenegger claims “The renewal of the federal ban on assault weapons is a prudent, common sense effort to limit the prevalence and availability of dangerous weapons and protect public safety”. However, these guns are neither prevalent nor dangerous. They represent a fraction of the long guns in the US civilian inventory. They are almost never used in crimes. They are ballistically identical to many other common sporting arms. And, when compared to many popular hunting rifles, they aren't particularly "powerful". They are no more dangerous than Grandpa's huntin' rifle.

Public safety has not been enhanced by the ban. Not one bit of evidence suggests that the ban has had any effect on violent crime. If there were such evidence, then the ban would merit discussion. However, ten years of experience has shown that the discussion has ended; it has proved to be a useless law. Useless laws have no place on the books. Even less deserving are useless laws that touch upon an area of law specifically addressed by the Constitution.

Whether DiFi likes it or not, the right to keep and bear arms is part of the Law of The Land. Despite her unique interpretation of the phrase "the People", any law that threatens what may be an individual liberty ought to be eyed with suspicion. She could be right; but if not, then the American People have had their rights abused for the last ten years for no good reason. The ban should be allowed to sunset.

In a cost-benefit analysis, the ban fails the test. It has no benefit and high potential risk. Our Governor is a skilled businessman. He should be able to recognize this.