What’s long been predicted seems to be about to happen. If reports are accurate, the White House is about to take the nuclear option, mandating universal background checks by executive order. From the Associated Press: “President Barack Obama’s advisers are finalizing a proposal that would expand background checks on gun sales without congressional approval.White House adviser Valerie Jarrett says the president has asked his team to complete a proposal and submit it for his review “in short order.” She says the recommendations will include measures to expand background checks.” . . .

White House officials have said they’re exploring closing the so-called “gun show loophole” that allows people to buy weapons at gun shows and online without a background check.

Not that the “gun show loophole” had anything whatsoever to do with any mass shooting in living memory. But never let a crisis…well…you know the rest.

How they propose to enforce a law mandating NICS checks between private parties is anyone’s guess. But details and practicalities – let alone actually saving lives – never seems to be the top priority where gun control laws are concerned.