18 Everyday Things Liberals Want to Snatch from Your Hands

Amy LewisNov 19, 2023

Minute Read

Liberals in the United States have been vocal about their desire to ban certain things in the country that they believe are harmful or offensive. From firearms to certain types of speech, the list of things that liberals want to ban is extensive and controversial. Here are 18 things that liberals have called for banning in the United States.

Assault Weapons Ban

Liberals have been advocating for an assault weapons ban for years. Assault weapons are military-style firearms designed for rapid fire and high-capacity magazines. These types of weapons have been used in several mass shootings in the US, including the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012. Liberals argue that banning assault weapons will reduce the number of mass shootings and save lives. Opponents of the assault weapons ban argue that it violates the Second Amendment of the US Constitution, which guarantees the right to bear arms. They also argue that the definition of an assault weapon is too broad and could include many types of firearms that are not actually used in mass shootings.

High-Capacity Magazines Ban

High-capacity magazines are magazines that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition. Liberals argue that banning high-capacity magazines will reduce the number of fatalities in mass shootings and make it more difficult for shooters to carry out their attacks. Opponents of the high-capacity magazines ban argue that it is ineffective because shooters can simply carry multiple magazines or use firearms that do not require magazines. They also argue that it violates the Second Amendment of the US Constitution. Overall, the debate over gun control is complex and controversial. While liberals argue that gun control measures will reduce gun violence and save lives, opponents argue that they violate the Second Amendment and are ineffective at stopping criminals from obtaining firearms.

Fossil Fuels

Liberals are pushing for a ban on the use of fossil fuels in the United States. They argue that the burning of fossil fuels is the main contributor to climate change, which is causing devastating effects such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and loss of biodiversity. The proposed ban would include coal, oil, and natural gas. To replace fossil fuels, liberals are advocating for the use of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. They believe that these sources are cleaner and more sustainable, and can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Plastic Bags

Another policy that liberals are pushing for is a ban on single-use plastic bags. They argue that these bags are harmful to the environment, as they take hundreds of years to decompose and often end up in landfills and oceans, where they can harm wildlife. Instead of plastic bags, liberals are advocating for the use of reusable bags made from cloth or other materials. They believe that this can help reduce waste and protect the environment. In addition to these policies, liberals are also advocating for other measures to address climate change, such as investing in public transportation, promoting energy-efficient buildings, and supporting research into new technologies. While these policies may face opposition from some quarters, many liberals believe that they are necessary to protect the planet and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

Private Health Insurance

Liberals want to ban private health insurance in the United States. They believe that it is a barrier to universal healthcare coverage. They argue that private insurance companies prioritize profits over patients and often deny coverage to those who need it most. Instead, they propose a single-payer healthcare system, where the government provides healthcare coverage to all citizens. Proponents of private health insurance argue that it provides choice and competition, which can lead to lower costs and better quality of care. They also argue that a government-run healthcare system would be inefficient and lead to long wait times for medical procedures.

Pharmaceutical Price Gouging

Another healthcare reform that liberals want to implement is to ban pharmaceutical price gouging. They believe that drug companies are charging exorbitant prices for life-saving medications, making them unaffordable for many Americans. They argue that the government should regulate drug prices to ensure that all Americans have access to affordable medication. Opponents of this proposal argue that price controls would stifle innovation and lead to a shortage of new drugs. They also argue that drug companies need to charge high prices to recoup the costs of research and development. Overall, healthcare reform is a contentious issue in the United States. Liberals believe that the government has a responsibility to ensure that all Americans have access to affordable healthcare, while opponents argue that the government should not interfere in the private healthcare market.

Charter Schools

Liberals have been critical of charter schools for a variety of reasons. One of the primary concerns is that charter schools are often run by for-profit companies, which can lead to a focus on profit over education. Additionally, charter schools have been criticized for cherry-picking students, leaving behind those who are more difficult to educate. However, supporters of charter schools argue that they offer parents and students more choice and can provide better educational opportunities for those who are underserved by traditional public schools.

Standardized Testing

Liberals have been vocal about their opposition to standardized testing, arguing that it places too much emphasis on test scores and can lead to a narrow focus on teaching to the test. They also argue that standardized testing can be biased against certain groups of students, such as those from low-income backgrounds or those with disabilities. However, supporters of standardized testing argue that it provides an objective measure of student achievement and can help identify areas where students need additional support. They also argue that standardized testing can help hold teachers and schools accountable for student performance. Overall, the debate over education policy is complex and multifaceted. While liberals may want to ban certain aspects of education policy, it is important to carefully consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of any proposed changes.

Conversion Therapy

Liberals want to ban conversion therapy, a controversial practice aimed at changing a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The American Psychological Association (APA) has stated that conversion therapy is not supported by scientific evidence and can cause harm to individuals. Several states have already banned the practice for minors, but liberals want to see a nationwide ban.

Abortion Restrictions

Liberals also want to ban certain abortion restrictions that they believe limit a woman’s right to choose. These restrictions include waiting periods, mandatory ultrasounds, and restrictions on funding for abortion services. Liberals argue that these restrictions are unnecessary and create barriers for women seeking reproductive healthcare. Overall, liberals believe that social issues should be addressed with compassion and respect for individual rights. They argue that banning harmful practices and removing unnecessary restrictions on personal choices will create a more just and equitable society.

Trickle-Down Economics

Liberals have long been critical of the theory of trickle-down economics, which posits that tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations will lead to economic growth that benefits all Americans. They argue that this approach has not worked in practice, and has instead led to increasing economic inequality and a concentration of wealth among the top 1%. In response, many liberals advocate for policies that prioritize the needs of working-class Americans, such as raising the minimum wage, investing in infrastructure, and expanding access to healthcare and education. They also support progressive taxation that ensures the wealthy pay their fair share and helps fund social programs that benefit all Americans.

Offshore Tax Havens

Another issue that many liberals want to address is the use of offshore tax havens by corporations and the ultra-wealthy to avoid paying taxes. They argue that this practice deprives the government of much-needed revenue and exacerbates economic inequality by allowing the wealthy to avoid contributing their fair share. To combat this problem, many liberals advocate for policies that would close tax loopholes and crack down on offshore tax havens. This could include measures such as implementing a global minimum tax rate, increasing penalties for tax evasion, and requiring greater transparency from corporations and wealthy individuals about their financial activities. Overall, liberals believe that economic policies should prioritize the needs of working-class Americans and ensure that the wealthy pay their fair share. By addressing issues such as trickle-down economics and offshore tax havens, they hope to create a more equitable and just economy for all Americans.

Family Separation

The Trump administration’s “zero tolerance” policy, which resulted in the separation of thousands of families at the border, was widely criticized by liberals and human rights advocates. In 2018, a federal judge ordered the government to reunite the families, and the policy was eventually rescinded. However, some liberals continue to push for legislation that would prevent such policies from being implemented in the future.

Asylum Restrictions

The Trump administration also implemented a number of restrictions on asylum seekers, including a policy that required migrants to seek asylum in the first safe country they entered, rather than in the United States. This policy was struck down by a federal judge, but the administration has continued to implement other restrictions, such as a rule that would deny asylum to migrants who pass through another country on their way to the United States. Liberals generally oppose these restrictions, arguing that they violate international law and are cruel to migrants who are fleeing violence and persecution in their home countries. Some have called for a more compassionate and humane approach to immigration policy, including increased funding for refugee resettlement programs and a more streamlined asylum process.

Misinformation

Liberals are pushing for stricter regulations on media outlets to combat the spread of misinformation. They argue that false information is dangerous and can lead to harm, especially in areas such as health and politics. Some proposed regulations include:

Requiring media outlets to fact-check their information before publishing or broadcasting it
Imposing fines or other penalties for spreading false information
Holding media outlets accountable for the harm caused by the misinformation they spread

Opponents of these regulations argue that they could stifle free speech and that it would be difficult to define what constitutes “misinformation.”

Hate Speech

Another area of media regulation that liberals are interested in is hate speech. They argue that hate speech is not protected under the First Amendment and that it can lead to violence and discrimination against marginalized groups. Some proposed regulations include:

Banning hate speech on social media platforms and other online forums
Imposing fines or other penalties for individuals or media outlets that engage in hate speech
Holding media outlets accountable for the harm caused by the hate speech they spread

Opponents of these regulations argue that hate speech is subjective and that it would be difficult to define what constitutes hate speech. They also argue that these regulations could infringe on free speech rights.

Private Prisons

Liberals are pushing for the banning of private prisons in the United States. Private prisons have been criticized for their lack of transparency and accountability. They have been accused of prioritizing profits over the well-being of prisoners, leading to poor living conditions and mistreatment. According to a report by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, private prisons hold approximately 8% of the total U.S. prison population. However, they have been found to have higher rates of violence and inmate misconduct compared to public prisons.

Mandatory Minimum Sentences

Another criminal justice reform that liberals want to implement is the elimination of mandatory minimum sentences. Mandatory minimum sentences require judges to impose a minimum sentence for certain crimes, regardless of the circumstances of the case or the offender’s background. Critics argue that mandatory minimum sentences disproportionately affect minority communities and contribute to the mass incarceration problem in the United States. They also argue that mandatory minimum sentences take away judges’ discretion and prevent them from considering individual circumstances when determining a sentence. In recent years, some states have already taken steps to eliminate mandatory minimum sentences. For example, in 2019, New York State passed a law that eliminates mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent drug offenses.