In a new poll , 91 % of Americans say they support universal background checks . John Donohue : Besides criminals and the insane , gun manufacturers oppose them . He says the manufacturers call the shots at the NRA , and they care about profits . The direct loss of profit comes because closing the current gaping loophole in the background check system will shut off sales to criminals and the mentally ill who are effectively free to buy all the guns they want at gun shows and through private transactions . Donohue : Some groups try to scare us by talking about ` ` logistical nightmare '' of checks .
In a new poll , 91 % of Americans say they support universal background checks . John Donohue : Besides criminals and the insane , gun manufacturers oppose them . He says the manufacturers call the shots at the NRA , and they care about profits . Donohue : Some groups try to scare us by talking about ` ` logistical nightmare '' of checks .