The UN ‘small arms treaty’ was highly anticipated among liberals and anti-gun groups, as it provided a fantastic way to get around the 2nd Amendment in order to implement strict gun control through a UN mandate. However, gun rights are fiercely defended in the US. Most politicians that attempt to implement gun-control laws can only do so in extremely liberal districts, or they often don’t see a second term in office. Normally, having a ‘pro-2nd Amendment’ leaning, is to err on the side off caution for many on Capitol Hill (that, or simply stay silent on the issue); however, given that conservatives in the US have been angered against the policies and recent speeches of the Obama administration, this could be one reason why the US was perhaps the first to back out of the treaty. USA Today reports:
Hopes had been raised that agreement could be reached on a revised treaty text that closed some major loopholes by Friday’s deadline for action. But the U.S. announced Friday morning that it needed more time to consider the proposed treaty — and Russia and China then also asked for more time.”
The fact that the US unraveled support for the treaty could be a good indication of two things:
- First, it hints that Barack Obama is growing desperate enough during this campaign to back out of a UN treaty that parallels his own personal aspirations for America. This is something for which liberals have been salivating for years, and the President was too timid to deliver.
- Second, it shows that the conservative voice has been heard, loud and clear. If the President hopes to have a prayer at winning in November, then he cannot touch this issue.
However, many in the UN are simply seeing these talks as a mere ‘setback’, and will reopen the discussion. The report states:
He said there are several options for moving forward in the General Assembly which will be considered over the summer, before the world body’s new session begins in September.”
This UN treaty still has a heartbeat. The US State Department was unwilling to follow through on its promises this time, however, many countries are still eagerly hoping to ratify it.
The secretary-general said he was disappointed at the failure to agree on a treaty, calling it “a setback.” But he said he was encouraged that states have agreed to continue pursuing a treaty and pledged his “robust” support.
At the end of the negotiating session, Mexico read a joint statement from more than 90 countries saying they “are determined to secure an Arms Trade Treaty as soon as possible.”
Ultimately, Barack Obama may be waiting for his second term in order to approve support for the ‘small arms treaty’, as he will then have nothing to lose. While some may cite the law stating that these treaties must be approved by the Senate, recent actions on the part of Washington agencies have indicated that they may simply not comply.
If the President sees reelection, the US may be forced under unconstitutional UN mandates. The preservation of liberty needs a vigilant watcher and a constant guardian.