First Hearing on Gun Violence

Yesterday the Senate held its first in a series of hearings on Gun Violence.  I was frustrated not to watch the testimony; however, maybe it was a gift not to hear all that Wayne Lapierre (NRA) had to say.  (What I did hear made me wonder whether Lapierre could pass a mental health background check.) I was disappointed not to hear Gabrielle Giffords' plea that the Committee "Act now."   I was on the road, listening on Sirius XM until I reached my destination.   It was disheartening to hear the "easy out" on banning assault/military style weapons:   That the last ban "did no good."  I'm not convinced that's the case.  Even some Dems seem to be hedging on that aspect of reform.  

 

    (Image posted online, no source given.)

 

I heard opponents of gun reform talking about criminals getting their hands on guns.  The people who perpetrated the mass killings were not criminals until after they committed multiple murders.   In fact, the less-than-stable shooter at Sandy Hook chose his weapons from an assortment procured legally by his mother;  she was one of those killed by him.   Even if a person is mentally unstable or a potential "criminal," guns in the household—legally gotten or not—assault/military style weaponry (especially with rapid-fire clips) can beget tragedy.  [Why not allow certified shooting ranges to have those high-power, multiple clip guns available for on-premise use by those who can't resist the thrill?] 

 

Gun shows were mentioned as one of the loopholes that need to be closed.  How about the internet?  I've read that 40% of all guns purchased are ordered online.  Another issue we hear little about is the number of suicides in which guns are the easiest means to the end.  And  people who had suicidal feelings often have recovered from their depressive states, thankful there were no firearms close at hand during their darkest moments.  

 

You'll be hearing much more gun safety talk here at Lucy Left in the weeks ahead.  Surely we (the people) need to pull out ALL the stops on this issue.   Stay tuned and let me hear your thoughts on this issue!  Better still, let your members of Congress hear your thoughts.