It has been shown that the AWB is nothing more than cosmetic "prejudice". The ones pushing the AWB, in all likelihood, are aware of this fact. Also, in all likelihood, most of the legislators who voted for the ban initially, probably had no idea what they were actually voting for. My guess is that they were fed a bunch of garbage about actual assault weapons, and so voted thinking that "military" weapons were the subject.
Since the ban, anybody who has paid any attention to the debates, by now know the truth about the AWB.
That being said, why do some liberals continue to push for such a misnomer of a bill?
Note the earlier illustration of NetPublicist,
This fact is supported by a quick comparison of a rifle that was banned (Colt AR-15) and one that was not. (Ruger Mini-14) Both of these weapons fire the same exact cartridge and bullet, the .223 Remington. Both are semi-automatic. Both can accept detachable magazines. Functionally, these are very similar weapons. So what is the main difference? The AR-15 has a black synthetic stock and looks like a military weapon. The Ruger Mini-14 has a wooden stock, and looks more "conventional."
At some future date, when no one is questioning the AWB, (should the ban be extended/made permanent) the simple logic of the two (AR-15 & Mini-14) being the same caliber, will then be the justification for banning the Mini-14 types. Surely the ensuing steps are clear; won't be very long then till the 2nd is history.
And it will be done so gradual that everybody (??) will never question the "WISDOM" of such protective legislation.
Then, once no one has any defense, the Idi Amiens, Joe Stalins, Adolph Hitlers etc will come out of the woodwork and I hope the rapture comes first!