By Bill O'Neil
San Antonio area Republicans and Democrats are offering differing views on President Barack Obama's plans for curbing gun violence in the United States.
GOP Congressman Lamar Smith sees something bigger at play.
"A lot of individuals I think regrettavly are using these tragedies (recent mass shootings) to advance their own liberal agenda--but I think most people see through that" Smith told 550 KTSA News, adding "Individuals who don't seem to know much about guns or appreciate firearms are always willing to tell people who are law-abiding citizens what they should do with their firearms."
On the other side of the aile though--there is a different tone.
"The measures need careful evaluation--but we need to do more to keep weapons of war out of the hands of those who should not have them" said Democratic Congressman Lloyd Doggett. He told 550 KTSA News he can support an assault weapons ban--though it would probably have to take adifferent form than the one that had been previously enacted.
"But a ten round limit on magazines I think is a reasonable limitation" Doggett added.
Meanwhile--the Texas State Rifle Association makes no secret of it's position.
"The assault weapons ban was allowed to sunset because it had no impact whatsoever on crime. The size of the magazine--that should have no impact on crime" said the Group's Legislative Director and Lobbyist Alice Tripp. She told 550 KTSA News there's a better path to follow.
"We support better enforcement and prosecution of existing laws--which we know are not being used at all--before new laws further encroach on the law abiding" Tripp said.
