A ban on automatic assault weapons is a necessary first step toward resuscitating the soul of this country...

— ABFoundation (@ABFalecbaldwin) December 17, 2012

There's a saying, "it's better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than to open it and remove all doubt." Ignoring the use of the opaque, political term "assault weapon," apparently Alec Baldwin is unaware that automatic weapons are already banned in the United States. The only exception is those weapons which were already in the country before 1986, and they are tightly regulated by the ATF.

Already banned. RT @abfalecbaldwin: A ban on automatic assault weapons is a necessary 1st step toward resuscitating the soul of this country

— Erik Soderstrom (@soderstrom) December 17, 2012

How about learning about our current gun laws before making yourself look like an idiot. @abfalecbaldwin

— Erik Soderstrom (@soderstrom) December 17, 2012

Update: Others express similar ignorance

Terrible news today. When will politicians find courage to ban automatic weapons?As in Oz after similar tragedy.

— Rupert Murdoch(@rupertmurdoch) December 15, 2012

The POTUS has the power to override any state law and issue a ban on automatic weapons

— shawbear76 (@shawbear76) December 17, 2012

@senatorreid @speakerboehner America is ready for you to show courage & promote legislation to ban all automatic weapons! #GunControlLaws

— Tricia Jones (@TriciaJJones) December 17, 2012

Good speech, Mr Obama. There's no reason why semiautomatic & automatic weapons should be legal. Ban them 2day better than tomorrow #Newtown

— VMWestern (@VMWester) December 17, 2012

A simple ban on automatic weapons (like we had for 10 years) is what we really need. Even republicans are in agreement. #IKnowMyShit

— Johnathan Koller (@JohnathanKoller) December 17, 2012