Don't look for a Texas debate on gun limits
SMU Political Science Professor Cal Jillson talks about the Texas Legislature and gun legislation.
By Joe Holley
The Connecticut school massacre has prompted anguished national debate about access to guns. In Texas, though, the debate is likely to be muted — the issue is all but settled.
“I hope and trust that in the next session of Congress there will be sustained and thoughtful debate about America's gun culture,” said Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif.
But in Texas, some elected officials were calling for more guns, not fewer. . .
Sen. Rodney Ellis, who last session fought a bill that would have allowed guns on college campuses, called on state and federal officials “to stand up for sensible measures” and “to advance responsible reforms to reduce gun violence.”
SMU political scientist Cal Jillson predicts any such discussions will be futile.
“A political progressive has to accept the fact that there are so many things that need to be done in Texas — water, transportation, education — that this particular battle might not be the first on the list,” he said. “Gun rights in Texas are here to stay. They're not going to change that, but they might be able to do something about the other issues.”
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