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A week after Republicans adopted the “strongest pro-gun rights platform” in GOP history, Democrats endorsed a 2012 party platform that calls for enacting “commonsense improvements” such as reinstating the assault weapons ban, closing the gun show “loophole” and strengthening the background check system.

Delegates at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., approved the 70-page 2012 party platform on Sept. 4. It addresses the Second Amendment and gun ownership on page 53, stating the party’s focus is “on effective enforcement of existing laws” with an emphasis on enacting “commonsense improvements — like reinstating the assault weapons ban and closing the gun show loophole.”

The Republican 2012 party platform adopted on Aug. 28 by GOP Convention delegates in Tampa endorses national concealed carry reciprocity, gun owner privacy and “stand your ground” rights while opposing reinstatement of the assault weapons ban and restrictions on magazine capacities.

The contrast between the two party’s stances on the Second Amendment is “clear and easy to see,” the National Shooting Sports Foundation said in a Sept. 4 press release. “We encourage you to read both platforms and draw your own conclusions.”

For more, go to:
— Contrast between parties on gun rights platform planks says it all

— Democratic Platform Discusses ‘Commonsense Improvements’ in Gun Rights

— 2012 Democratic Party National Platform

— Senator Dianne Feinstein says she’ll reintroduce assault weapon legislation

— Convention floor interview: Sen. Dianne Feinstein

— Dianne Feinstein lays out plans for another U.S. Senate term

— NJ’s Tough Gun Laws Not Enough To Stop Old Bridge Shooting

— Peace group calls for “common sense” steps to stem gun violence

— California gun law sparks debate in effort to close loophole

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