Post by: csaaphill on December 20, 2012, 02:12:49 AM
Thank you for writing following the tragic events of last week. People across the nation are in mourning following the violent shooting rampage that occurred in a Newton, Connecticut elementary school. In Oregon, we remember the lives lost in the Clackamas Shopping Center last Monday. As we hold the victims in our hearts, it is first and foremost time to grieve and cherish our families.
We must not let this time of mourning, however, be an excuse to be bullied into accepting the status quo. The tragedies of last week must not obstruct the vision for better, safer tomorrow.
I talked about the importance of addressing gun violence in a speech on the House floor this morning, and urged my colleagues in Congress to join this important effort. I encourage you to visit my website to watch that video.
This country has suffered through one gun episode after another. Still, it seems that we can’t have a rational discussion in America on gun violence without unfounded claims of overreach. We've allowed the gun lobby to prevent the federal government from even researching the facts about gun violence, let alone potential solutions.
This political intimidation, combined with a lack of willpower in Congress, has made it impossible to even close the gun show loophole where individuals in many states can purchase an unlimited amount of guns without a background check. These gun interests like the NRA argue that all we need is for existing gun laws to be enforced. Then these same individuals and groups systematically set about to restrict and weaken the laws we have and underfund even the most feeble enforcement efforts. We now live in a country where too many people are armed with military-grade weapons that are designed only to kill people.
Since last week, many members of Congress, both in the House and Senate, and President Obama, have renewed conversations about sensible gun safety legislation, including reinstating the assault-weapons ban. I support reinstating the ban along with a number of other common sense policies such as restricting access to high capacity magazines, increasing firearm training and examining the nexus between mental illness and gun violence.
I'm committed to fighting back against the false messages and fear-mongering. Implementing rational gun safety laws would not be assault on our rights; rather, it is critical for public health and safety. It's time to recognize these realities and for politicians, gun owners, American businesses and the health community to come together to deal with the epidemic of gun violence the way we would treat any other threat to the safety of our families and communities.
To truly honor the victims of the shootings last week, and every other shooting, we must be serious about this epidemic once and for all. I am committed to this effort and appreciate your advocacy. Thank you again for writing.
Post by: Elkaholic daWg on December 20, 2012, 06:38:45 AM
Post by: csaaphill on December 20, 2012, 07:14:54 AM
Post by: h2ofowlr on December 20, 2012, 07:19:43 AM
Post by: csaaphill on December 20, 2012, 07:27:28 AM
for sure.