As a liberal (whose heart does not bleed for everything) I was extremely disappointed that, with surveys supporting a move to more data and regulation on gun sales and ownership, since anyone can get a gun in this country, the Senate (Democrats and Republicans) were cowards and did not pass this very minimal bill. Former Congresswoman, Gabby Giffords, whose writing is more eloquent than her speech-making these days due to a violent gun act gave us an inside look at what she knew had happened here.
Yes, I agree this is one small plug in the dike holding back the flood of violence in this country and we also need to move strongly on better mental health care, better mental health identification and reducing our addiction to violence in our culture and entertainment. And no one is going to take away the guns of an honest citizen anymore than they take away the cars of drivers that don't drink and drive.
But we have to start somewhere in turning our country around and this bi-partisan bill seemed to have a chance.
What happened? Go here and you will understand.
Just how much do you love YOUR country?
Oh, I agree. Getting rid of the right to guns is a very necessary first step to health and peace!
ReplyDeleteI could not open the link and it is just as well.
ReplyDeleteIf I agree, does that mean I love or do not love my country?
Often I am told what my religious beliefs must be to prove my Faith.
Actually I love God and Country:) If you know me you know that already.
Granny Annie I added the link URL and hopefully that might help. The love of country begins with insisting our Congresspersons actually vote the wishes of their constituency and this video give an example regarding another regulation that failed for a stupid reason. The love of country doesn't really have anything to do with specific issues but with making sure a Congressperson has our ear and no longer the lobbyists who hint they will destroy their career if they do not water down or stop a bill.
ReplyDeleteladyfi, it is not about getting rid of the right to guns but a transparency in the responsibility of ownership of guns the same way we accept transparency of use of drugs, ownership of cars, getting married, etc. All require records of some sort and prove of legality for ownership or being married.
ReplyDeleteWhat bunch of buggers congress is, I guess the next question is how to unseat the worst of them.
ReplyDeleteWe watched 'Lincoln' for the first time last night. Excellent film and a reminder of how messy politics is and always has been. It doesn't make a person feel better of course. What I think is Americans have to keep caring. If we don't, we get what we deserve in the government we have. I am a gun owner and believe in the right to own them but also of responsible regulations regarding them. So the three things Congress voted on I'd have voted yes on all. We better donate and work for those who would do likewise and that means in 2014 and not only in our state but across the US. It's a national issue not a local one.
ReplyDeleteI think that background checks are not enough. Criminals don't generally have regard for the laws. If they did, "Thou shalt not kill" would be quite enough. I thought maybe an identifying electronic chip in the shoulder of anyone convicted of a violent crime might help, but no body listens to my ranting.
ReplyDeleteActually, Olga, there are biometric technologies for guns that could be helpful as well, allowing only the owner of the gun to fire it, but that would only work on new guns. Any new methods in any order...but NOW.
ReplyDeleteI was sad and depressed when the Senate refused to pass this bill. Since 98% of Americans want this I can only wonder who these senators think they're representing.
ReplyDeleteGood analogy about the right to drive and the lack of right to drive drunk.
ReplyDeleteAnd very eloquent piece by Gabrielle Giffords.
So you ask.. how much do I love my country? Very, VERY much. And only partly because our gun laws are much more stringent than south of the border.
Excellent suggestion from Olga.
ReplyDeleteBut I'm still wondering if speeding tix would prevent someone from getting a pistol to defend themselves?
I think gun shows n online sales should definitely be more regulated n business operators take responsibility for not checking customers. True crooks will steal n go underground for guns anyhow- but at least kids won't learn how to use assault weapons to solve temper tantrums before they understand what they're doing.
It astonishes me that we have allowed the NRA to have such power. And now it is all about maintaining that power by scaring ignorant people into donating to the cause of "protecting their rights". Those millions that the NRA collects are used to thwart our democracy.
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, yes, and yes.
ReplyDeleteYesterday I thought of you while cleaning out the art and architecture volumes. I haven't gotten to the poetry yet. lol
I think there should be background checks even at gun shows, but if I understand correctly, this bill went farther than that. I'm actually against being able to tack on 'extras' to bills.
ReplyDeleteI consider myself a responsible gun owner, and think that there are enough laws on the books already re: guns.
ReplyDeleteIt just amazes me that others that believe differently think that gives them the right to regulate/dictate my choices.