Standing Up Against Madness

It would have been hard--maybe impossible--to imagine it as recently as last year. But behind the strong support of the Clinton Administration, three former presidents, the law enforcement community and, according to polls, more than 70% of Americans, 216 members of the House of Representatives took a dramatic step Thursday toward a safer--and saner--nation by approving landmark federal legislation outlawing the manufacture and sale of most assault weapons.

The 216-214 vote was as tenaciously fought as it was improbable. Down as much as 20 votes a few weeks ago, proponents furiously lobbied lawmakers, never abandoning hope.

In the end that perseverance paid off handsomely, with a mere two votes providing the winning margin.

A good measure of credit for the victory must go to California’s senior Democratic senator, Dianne Feinstein, and Rep. Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.). Both put their names--and hearts--behind the legislation that President Clinton has promised will become law once the House version is reconciled with the Senate’s. Clinton also provided leadership and deserves credit for working the phones in his best victory style.

No rational person would suggest this legislation is a cure-all. The 210 million weapons now in circulation suggest a serious degree of violence in the future. But passage of the assault gun ban and, earlier, the Brady bill--the five-day waiting period for handgun purchasers--represents the beginning of the sea change that must take place if this nation is ever to get a handle on gun crime and gun violence.

The House “stood up against the madness,” Clinton declared Thursday, as did Los Angeles voters in the San Fernando Valley last month in gunning down the gun lobby’s effort to recall state Sen. David A. Roberti, who pushed for California’s assault gun ban. Mindless opposition to sensible gun control may finally be on the run.