Here is an article from Patrick J. Murphy, former Democratic Congressman from Pennsylvania and U.S. Army veteran, from MSNBC stating that after two months of the Sandy Hook tragedy Congress needs to take a stand on gun control:
http://tv.msnbc.com/2013/02/12/message-to-congress-its-been-two-months-since-sandy-hook-act/
This Thursday, Valentine’s Day, will be the two month anniversary of
the Sandy Hook massacre. Since that tragic day, more than 1,763
Americans have been killed by gun violence (@GunDeaths). The debate over
assault rifles has led me to reminisce about my own experience with
these weapons–which I’ll admit is more than most–and the continued
inaction of the U.S. Congress.
When I was in the army, we spent so much time with our assault rifles
that we sang about dating them (“Used to date a beauty queen, now I
date my M-16”). When I was in boot camp, I learned how to take it apart
and put it back together, practically with my eyes closed. By the time I
went to Iraq, I could shoot “expert.”
So it’s fair to say that I’m comfortable with guns. But I’ve also
seen first hand what an assault weapon can do the human body and I can
tell you this: there isn’t a civilian in America who needs one. And if
you do want to use an assault weapon, join the Army. I promise you’ll
get plenty of practice.
Short of that, assault weapons have no place in our society and they
certainly have no place on our streets. That’s why an assault weapons
ban–even stronger than the one that expired in 2004–is both necessary
and logical.
Like I said, I’ve operated weapons as a soldier. Now I own a weapon,
have a permit to carry and believe in the Second Amendment. But I
honestly cannot read another story about kids no older than my daughter
being killed by some lunatic with a gun he has no business carrying. Can
we finally say: enough? As the president has said, “If there is even
one life that can be saved, we have an obligation to try.”
Congress must finally take action on a comprehensive approach to the
issue of gun violence. An assault weapons ban, limiting ammunition
magazine capacity, strengthening background checks for gun purchasers
and expanding mental health treatment options–are four commonsense
solutions that are supported by the majority of gun owners and non-gun
owners alike. What is so difficult about starting there?
The answer is pretty obvious: the extreme–and well-funded–gun lobby.
Contrary to what politicians and NRA officials often suggest, Americans
know reasonable plans to reduce gun-related violence are consistent with
the right for individuals to own a firearm.
A majority of Americans now support the individual measures proposed
by the president and the House Democrats. With respect to increasing
background checks and expanding mental health programs, the majorities
are overwhelming. Americans simply realize that our constitutional right
to bear arms can coexist with efforts to make our communities safer
from gun-related violence.
And there is also no denying the extent to which gun violence is a
problem in this country. Violence continues to rage in many of our
cities. The murder rate in Chicago, for instance, is more than double
that of Mexico City. My own city of Philadelphia–where the vice
president spoke recently on this issue–has witnessed 331 murders last
year. The number has risen each of the past three years.
Sandy Hook was an unspeakable tragedy. As a father, the safety of my
children literally keeps me up at night. There is nothing more important
to me and there isn’t a close second. So I join mothers and fathers
across the country when I say: I don’t want to hear any more excuses
from anyone. Republicans. Democrats. I don’t care. It is time to put
safety above politics and get this done.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Message to Congress: It’s been two months since Sandy Hook. Act!
1:39 PM
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