A Step in the Right Direction

Since the shooting in Newtown, Connecticut the need for increased gun control is on the minds of many Americans, and luckily the President and Senate as well. It looked as though this tragedy may not bring about positive change but fortunately it appears that both Congressional Republicans and Democrats are no longer only considering the interest of the National Rifle Association but the general public as well, the many citizens who are making their safety and the safety of their families their top priority.

On Tuesday Senate Republicans announced that they would not filibuster a gun control bill. Even more importantly Senator Joe Manchin from Virginia and Patrick Toomey from Pennsylvania, who both have a pro-gun-rights stance on the issue, reached a deal that would take the positive step of expanding background checks for gun buys. In support for this bill Toomey commented, “I don’t consider criminal background checks to be gun control, I think it’s just common sense.” The Senators and supporters of this deal are not attempting to lessen the freedom of American citizens, but rather to keep the public safe by enforcing stricter monitoring of who is having access to deadly weapons. Currently the system for checking who is making gun purchases is unacceptable. It is estimated that as many as 40 percent of gun buys are able to avoid checks. It is flaws like this that have led to murders at movie theaters and in classrooms and it must be fixed. This is a necessary step towards eliminating violence, and it is saddening that it took the death of 20 first graders and six adults to finally make this clear.

The expansion of the background check for gun buyers would include a background check on anyone purchasing guns not only in stores but on the internet and at gun shows. Though there is more to be done than only implementing broader background checks, it is certainly a move towards lessening gun violence by being more aware of who is purchasing weapons. Other necessities for gun control would be the addition of limits on high capacity ammunition and a ban on assault weapons, though additions like this to Obama’s gun control plan would have a very small chance of passing. It is stipulations like this that make the upcoming debate concerning gun control and the possible passing of bills regarding the subject controversial because even Senator Toomey commented that he would decide to vote against a bill that included broader background checks if it is a part of a bill that, if passed, would infringe on gun owner’s rights.

Unfortunately, there are many obstacles that must be overcome in order for a bill mandating broader background checks can be passed. There are weeks of debates coming up which could sway the opinions of Senators who currently support the bill. Also, even if a gun control measure if able to be clear in the Senate it does not necessarily mean the same will take place in the Republican-majoirty House of Representatives. I would like to hope that the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary will be more than enough to shower our government leaders that this is a necessary change that our country can’t do without if we want to live in safety.

I personally commend Senator Toomey and Manchin for putting the needs of the public first and taking the time to discuss this issue without immediately shutting down the idea of making changes to current gun laws. Additionally, the fact that this issue is going to be debated and has not gone away as days go by from the recent Connecticut tragedy is to the credit of President Obama. Regarding others issues Obama has occasionally not been forceful and determined enough and has compromised too quickly, but he has effectively demonstrated the urgency of this issue and he is not letting the public or the leaders of our country forget it.

The Road to Compromise

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

Shortly after the horrible tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary, President Obama hastily and efficiently proposed to Congress a multitude of new restrictions on firearms. The majority of Americans showed strong support for these new gun restrictions as an effective way of limiting gun violence in the United States. Understandably, the Republicans on the other side of the aisle view President Obama’s proposals as excessively restrictive and in contradiction of the Second Amendment, the right to bear arms. The controversy in Congress over how to protect citizens’ safety, and simultaneously not restrict people’s freedoms has seen significant progress in terms of potential legislation that both parties agree on.

Specifically, Democratic Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Republican Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania have outlined a few proposals that seem most likely to pass in a staunchly divided congress. The key component of the law they are seeking to enact is an aggressive overhaul of the system currently in place that dictates the requirements of background checks for prospective gun owners. Currently, gun owners can avoid background checks when purchasing firearms at gun shows and online, allowing nearly 40% of gun buyers to avoid background checks.

The Presidents new budget represents how adamant the President is about making America safer from gun accidents, while still responsibly protecting the rights of our citizens. “President Obama’s budget contains a significantly elevated level of spending dedicated to enforcement of federal gun control. According to the budget, the Department of Justice will be granted some $395 million “to combat gun violence, and ensure that those who are not eligible to purchase or possess guns are prevented from doing so.” More importantly, the budget includes funding designed to “increase inspections of the firearms industry.” (Ben Shapiro, Breibart News, 4/10/2013) This legislation would help to better serve the public safety interests of all Americans, and this represents tremendous progress in the transformation of the firearm industry.

At this juncture the National Rifle Association (NRA) is adamant about protecting 2nd Amendment rights of the United States Citizens, something President Obama doesn’t fully acknowledge to the same extent. The week of April 14th the NRA filed a motion in New York to temporarily black parts of the state’s sweeping new gun control law. The NRA is grounding their argument on the unconstitutionally vague definition of assault weapons in the President’s proposals. Though I do agree that the laws are likely to infringe upon people’s 2nd Amendment rights, I do think the NRA will have a difficult time arguing that “its members would suffer irreparable harm” simply due to the enactment of these new gun laws.

Critically, the Schumer-Toomey-Manchin Gun Registry Bill should be filibustered and defeated for several reasons. Firstly, the DOJ will now have in effect created a national gun registry by collecting records, completing background checks, and tracking gun registrations. Further, private citizens that will sell their personal firearm to a relative or close-friend are now obligated to have a background check conducted before the sale is completed. If they fail to ensure proper safety precautions have been met they can be forced to serve up to five years in prison. Concluding, this new law is not that different to the Government hacking every detail of information from our computers, except they are now going after our physical possessions as well.

Social media has enabled political and social movements to gain tremendous traction in relatively short periods of time. Tracking twitter handles such as #guncontrol and #2ndamendment each showed a huge spike in interest and volume after the recent violent shootings in Sandy Hook elementary. A few comments I found to be particularly noteworthy included:

@RonPaul- So you want a a government that’s bombing multiple countries to protect you by taking your guns away?!

@TheIlluminati- Gun control doesn’t Work! It’s about control! Never let them take your guns! It’s the first step to losing ur rights, “to conquer a nation first disarm its citizens” (adolf hitler)

@CharlieDaniels- The 2nd amendment was not written with hunters or target shooters in mind.It was meant to provide citizens with means to protect themselves

Connecticut Gun-Laws Press Some NRA Buttons

As to be expected, the NRA is not too happy about the Connecticut bill.

They find it “unconstitutional and ineffective”- saying that banning future sales of high-capacity magazines wont have an impact on crime because what criminal cares about laws? But the point that Sandy Hook family victims are trying to make is that had Lanza needed to reload his gun 15 times instead of the 6, would there have been more of a chance to save lives?

I think the NRA is also waiting out the change in opinions of the public; they’re calling this sudden spike in gun-control advocacy the “Connecticut Effect”, claiming that since the Sandy Hook shootings the amount of support has declined.

While a CNN poll this month found fading support, the percentages of other polls still show high interest in control. 87% support expanded background checks, 91% support universal background checks, 60% support stricter sale of firearms.

The data is clear- the people want control, just without it controlling our constitutional rights. Obama fights that this “doesn’t have to be a conflict between our citizens and protecting our Second Amendment rights”, which is why the new CT laws only cover most gun-owners as the bill grandfathers in people who already own high-capacity magazines.

Sure there is disappointment amongst gun-control advocacy groups, but it is unanimous that this is the best case scenario for reality.

It’s important to note the historical aspect of this law. Not only does it create a message for the 49 other states, but it shows the strong agreement that Democrats and Republicans can come come to- something that is empowering to all citizens.

This bill not only eases the minds of family victims, but marks a historic moment for the nation.

Connecticut approves legislation that cracks down on gun laws and is being called the “toughest law passed anywhere in the country”

Yay! Today the Connecticut State Senate passed a bundle of gun control laws that expand the state’s preexisting gun laws. You can read an article here  from NBC about the legislation. The bill had bipartisan support, probably in part due to the shooting rampage in Newtown only a few months ago that left 26 dead and left the state emotionally shaken and looking for change.

The legislation was passed by a vote of 26-10.

A rally at the State Capitol in Hartford for tougher gun controls. Source: NYTimes

The Sandy Hook shooting of course served as a huge catalyst for Connecticut’s senate to pass this bill. We don’t need to wait around for other states to have tragedy  befall them, and I hope that this bill sets a precedent for other states to follow.

Donald Williams (CT Senate President) who is a democrat said “There were some who said the ‘Connecticut effect’ would wear off – that it would wear off in Connecticut and it would wear off across the country, […]What they didn’t know was that Democrats and Republicans would come together and work to put together the strongest and most comprehensive bill in the United States to fight gun violence, to strengthen the security at our schools, and to provide the mental health services that are necessary.”

Hopefully the rest our nation will follow. In a Business Insider article U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal says that he hopes these laws will prompt other states to make changes. He says “I’m proud and thankful that Connecticut is helping to lead the nation and leading by example.”

So you may be wondering what this new legislation entails… Here’s a breakdown:

• A ban on high-capacity magazines of more than 10 rounds
• A ban on armor-piercing bullets
• Requiring background checks for all weapon sales, including privately at gun shows
• An expansion of mental health research in the state
• An expansion of the state’s current assault weapons ban.

An important thing to remember is that while these new laws in Connecticut are great, the fight for a gun responsible nation is far from over.  Every state needs to be on board to really make a difference.

I personally am so proud of the Connecticut for getting this bipartisan bill passed- and I believe that they are setting a great example for our nation at large. Passing nationwide legislation like this will keep Americans safer, and also help those that desperately need mental health care acquire it.

No Guns Allowed

Snoop, Drake, Cori B., and Diplo are for gun control… Are you? Talk about modern activism! And not a bad tune either.

Pin Your Activism

Think activism is all sit-ins and boring debates? Check out how Pinterest is fueling clicktivism! Here’s a pin board dedicated to activist posts. Specifically check out the gun control pins! Go Web 3.0!

Hey Maryland! Help pass gun reform in our state, it takes all of ten seconds and sends your local delegates an email saying that you want gun reform

Governor O’Malley has introduced a comprehensive plan to reduce gun violence in our communities and the Senate passed his legislation with some acceptable amendments on February 28, 2013.

Now, the House of Delegates is debating the legislation, and we need your voice now more than ever!

Tell delegates in Annapolis to support the the Firearms Safety Act of 2013 (SB 281), which includes common-sense measures to reduce gun violence, such as:

• Banning Assault Weapons designed to kill and inflict maximum carnage;

• Limiting Magazine Capacity to 10 rounds per magazine; and

• Requiring a Fingerprint-Based License to Purchase a Handgun.

Click here to send an email with your support

An interesting perspective on gun control: The emergency room doctor’s point of view.

When you flip on your television at the end of the day or scroll through your twitter newsfeed on your iPhone I would be willing to bet that when you see another article about the gun-control debate your eyes glaze over. I think that often politician-heavy debate that centers on nit-picking the wording of laws can be exhausting to follow.

I know that before we began this blog I was following the recent gun control debate that was reignited because of the Sandy Hook shootings, but my interest was quickly losing steam because articles seemed to be getting mucked down in political speak.

When we think about the issue of gun control the people who matter most in the debate, the ones holding the guns and the ones being aimed at, are often forgotten in the bipartisan arguments.

In this post I would like to present you with the perspective of an American who is unaffiliated with the political world- but who is extremely affected by gun violence and who have a strong opinions about the current state of our gun laws.

Dr. Chris Colwell was recently featured in a segment on NPR. He is director of emergency medicine at Denver Health Hospital in Colorado and has worked in their emergency room  for over 20 years.

Chris Colwell, director of emergency medicine at Denver Health in Colorado.

Before you continue reading I would like to point out that the the NPR segments cites that Colorado is one of DOZEN states where more people died from GUNS than auto accidents in 2010 (according to federal numbers). I found that statistic to be absolutely shocking.

Colwell worked in the ER after the Columbine school shooting (in 1999, 15 died) and also worked in the ER after the Aurora movie theater shootings (12 died).  I think that his opinion on this issue lends some very special insight because he has been so closely tied to both of these tragedies that were made possible by guns.

Colwell says that based on his first hand experience often people who pull the trigger don’t fully realize what they’ve done until after the fact. Because of his work in the ER he has been able to speak with the victims of gun wounds and also the perpetrators. He says that many times the person holding the gun made a snap decision and automatically regretted it.

Colwell says that he is highly disturbed at how easy it is to obtain a gun. He says “I see patients every day that are right on the edge of being unstable and are out there in the environment and they describe problems with access to medications, problems with access to psychiatric care, or substance abuse care, problems with access to homes or to shelter. But they don’t describe problems with access to guns”

Colwell’s opinion is not unique in the medical field. The NPR segment cites that the Colorado chapter of the American Medical Association (AMA) traveled to Washington to meet with congress. Before going to congress the AMA conducted a survey in which they found that 65% of their members wanted gun regulation strengthened.

Colwell (and his fellow doctors) are the ones fighting the battle of cleaning up after the messes that are made possible by guns in the hands of the wrong people. Drop the politics and listen to the voices in the room that deal with the problem first-hand every day.

An Unpopular Proposition

In an article found on the Accuracy in Media website, James Simpson covers the February 6th protest in Annapolis against Governor O’Malley’s “Fire Arm Safety Act of 2013”. This protest is thought to be “the largest crowd ever signed up to testify in Maryland history.”

The “Fire Arm Safety Act of 2013” more formally known as SB281, will be responsible for:

“altering the authorization for a person to wear, carry, or transport a handgun to be within specified limitations; designating specified firearms as assault weapons; prohibiting, with specified exceptions, a person from transporting an assault weapon into the State or possessing, selling, offering to sell, transferring, purchasing, or receiving an assault weapon; providing that specified prohibitions relating to assault weapons and detachable magazines do not apply to specified persons under specified circumstances; etc.” (http://legiscan.com/MD/bill/SB281/2013)

Opposers to the bill argue that the majority of crimes committed are caused by felons without a legally owned firearm. Passing this bill, then, would not lower the crime rate significantly, but instead put more citizens at risk by taking away weapons used for protection against those with unregistered arms.

Another clause of SB281 states that new handgun owners will be required to pay a $100 license fee per five years of ownership in addition to a sixteen hour course in gun safety. This expensive, time-consuming clause will make people think twice about gun ownership, which again will put their safety and security at risk.

Lastly, the population of Maryland argues that enforcing these harsh restrictions on gun ownership will not stop people from obtaining guns elsewhere. Guns are imported from all over the world to America daily making the regulation of guns in one state a pointless endeavor.

To learn more about this bill please visit: http://www.aim.org/aim-column/thousands-oppose-governor-omalleys-ill-conceived-gun-bills/#

Colorado Doctors Treating Gunshot Victims Differ On Gun Politics

Chris Colwell, director of emergency medicine at Denver Health, has treated victims from two of the deadliest mass shootings in the U.S. He says he’s deeply disturbed by how easy it is to get guns.

Check out this article from NPR’s health blog