The National Rifle Association opened fire on Obama with ads claiming he voted to ban deer-hunting ammunition (not true) and voted to "make you the criminal" for using a handgun in self-defense (a serious distortion of a vote to uphold enforcement of local gun bans in Illinois). factCheck.org. Any American has the right to defend his home, property, and self with a weapon. I personally dont feel the need for an automatic weapon to do that, as my pistol and shotgun will do nicely. Gangbangers, terrorists, and professional crooks frequently feel a need for automatic weapons and thats why the police and military should also have them.