I am still not receiving the Steady emails. The gun laws Congress is trying to agree on are woefully inadequate. Perhaps these small steps will lead to larger ones that enact sensible and well regulated gun laws. I now better understand "gun culture". How large a factor is the gun lobby? Do Republicans fear they cannot be elected without the NRA? I would like to see recent data on the effectiveness of the assault weapons ban that includes the increase in mass shootings.
I am still not receiving the Steady emails. The gun laws Congress is trying to reach an agreement on are woefully inadequate. Perhaps these small steps will lead to larger ones that enact sensible and well regulated gun laws. I now better understand "gun culture". How large a factor is the gun lobby? Do Republicans fear they cannot be elected without the NRA? I would like to see the recent data, that includes the increase in mass shootings, on the effectiveness of the assault weapons ban.
I am only voting for candidates who support common sense gun laws. That of course means that I will only be voting for Democrats. I am thankful that Senator Manchin and Senator Sinema are not from Virginia.
The only people who should have military grade weapons are the military and the police in SWAT units.
Assault weapons and the ammunition for them must be banned. No discussion, they must be banned.
Common sense gun laws including mandatory registration of all firearms, red flag laws, and an age requirement of 21 must be passed.
I think the only way out of this mess of a life we now live in, is to bring back the law that reporters , newspapers, and tv news , have to tell the truth always. Then we can better know where we stand as a country. The other night I was watching an interesting show on Zelinsky , president of Ukraine, as I was scrolling through the channels. Then the commercials came on and I realized that it was fox tv that I was watching, home of Tucker Carlson . I shut it off thinking it was full of lies. Republican's think Democrats lie and evade the truth and vice versa. If everyone could believe the news about gun killings, the insurrections mental illness, abortions, the police etc. If we knew the real truth . Well I think we would live in a much better world.
I'd like to see all sports players/teams around the world QUIT playing and STRIKE until substantive change is made. They could ride the wave created by Warriors (so sorry to hear of his father's assassination). Wouldn't hurt to start with a moratorium on assault weapons and making it impossible to buy any gun until age 21. I appreciated comments recently about calling for "necessary" background checks rather than "universal" background checks. I'd like to hear more protests from responsible gun owners. They too are disturbed by the ease with which this latest mentally disturbed person was able to acquire assault weapons and ammo. Compromise. We need it. It's how government used to work. My sister said to me yesterday "we already have authoritarian government because GOP refuses to even talk about or debate things they disagree with, no discussion." It began when McConnell refused to allow President Obama to nominate & confirm his choice for Supreme Court. Of course, being from Florida, I haven't had faith in that court since they decided the 2000 election. Scary fact: Kavanaugh & Barrett were instrumental in arguing for that decision. They got the ultimate pay-off. Lifetime appointment to a medieval-leaning, law-making entity intent on forcing society backward to a less-enlightened time. We must come together. And vote these incompetent "leaders" out. They really should be impeached for allowing this to happen on their watch. Again.
It's past time to stop treating any weapon of war, like the AR-15, et al, as a 'sporting' rifle for gun loving amateurs.
We require that auto drivers demonstrate competent, safe, knowledge and skill while operating a vehicle. If not, their privilege is suspended.
The Second Amendment notwithstanding, there is no justification, legal or moral, for allowing private citizens access to weapons of war like the AR-15. Beyond that, we would not dream of turning people loose on our highways with high powered cars without first ascertaining that they are competent, safe vehicle operators. When and if they disprove their competency behind the wheel, and with due process, we take appropriate legal action.
There is no reason why gun ownership cannot be structured in a similar way. Americans have the right to insist that when we are in public places we should not have to watch fellow citizens for suspicious behavior, or think of what we should or should not do if we see a gun pulled, or hear shots, or see a friend or family member fall.
Yet, that is the reality we face in our day to day lives. These insane, senseless, horrific murders can happen anywhere -- any time -- in any neighborhood, -- under any circumstances.
What is far worse is how many of these attacks have happened that are robbing us of our most precious gift - our children, our future, our national promise.
Their insistence on maintaining the 2nd as set out over 200 years ago in a very different America, is unjust, immoral, and unthinkable. It is the ultimate act of the destruction of the principles and the values we allegedly hold dear, the right for all to live free of continuing attacks of war from our deranged fellow citizens.
The time for political bullshit is over. The Founders never foresaw the America we live in today. The 2nd Amendment was for a small, agricultural country where guns were a necessity of life. Unrestricted, unqualified, unnecessary and inherently dangerous gun ownership capriciously and unjustly kills Americans every day in a wide variety of walks of life. It's long past time to enact some common sense gun safety legislation before laissez-faire gun ownership and use kills our Republic and all that it stands for; all in order to maintain the current utterly abhorrent and destructive sanctity of its appalling killing fields.
We have to be better than this. We just have to be. I wrote a piece and mentioned MADD. That was a groundswell of people sick of the deaths caused by drunk drivers. Not so different than what is happening now with guns. Outrage is just one of the emotions one feels towards the congressmen and women, and the manufacturers who make and market these weapons. I too hope this groundswell can exact some change.
Does it occur to anyone else besides me that only 10 people, 10 inflexible Republican Senators, are standing in the way of the gun reform laws that the MAJORITY of our nation of millions of citizens want to enact? How has our entire nation come to be completely hog tied by 10 socially blind humans?
I am so beyond disgusted and frustrated by the present state of the Senate.......will we never again see bipartisan coöperation to support laws for the good of the majority of citizens in our nation? If murderous rampages by 18-22 year old sadly and dangerously misguided young people stealing the lives of innocent babies and teachers in schools, private worshipers in diverse houses of worship, and grocery store shoppers quietly going about their own business don't precipitate change, what else can possibly do it?
“I want to puke! If Donald Trump's total insensitivity to the victims and families of the Uvalde tragedy by addressing the NRA convention within days of the carnage wasn't enough, to read that he took that stage to suggest the answer to such perversion of American ideals is to arm all Americans. And to hear Ted Cruz cite a long obsolete constitutional right as reasons for condoning the means by which such attacks may be perpetuated, is more than any right thinking American should endure. I am a life-long Republican looking for a new party and candidates which will reject and replace those championing such insanity.”
I do hope you are right…that this is the moment…..I appreciate your thoughtful writings and I won’t give up hope because to do so would to be giving up on my grandkid’s future, so I will stay engaged and continue to fight for common sense, inclusiveness, and tolerance. Thank you for your words of hope.
“But as I see a groundswell of outrage and determination, I find hope — and steadiness — in the knowledge that other movements have succeeded before. It means never giving up, on the energy it takes to make the difference, or the hope that guides you along the way”
I was just saying the same thing in a phone conversation before I read this newsletter. I also believe that the ringleaders who have been sowing discontent have for many years now, have finally pushed enough groups of people that are now saying: “we are not taking this anymore.” It’s energy that can be focused into action.
We are hampered by the filibuster and corporate lobbying that keeps a minority in charge and career politicians devoted to corporations instead of the people that elected them. And I’m afraid nothing, absolutely nothing will change until every politician that has received money from the gun lobby is voted out of office. Corporate money and lobbying with incentives should be taken out of our political system.
Just as we repealed the 18th Amendment to the Constitution we might consider repealing the 2nd. After that we can institute new laws governing gun ownership. We won’t do away with owning guns but we will level more safeguards just as we do with owning a car. It always amazes me that folks seem to overlook that important part of the 2nd which states “A well-regulated militia”, you never hear gun owners addressing that phrase
posted yesterday, I thought this was great for today, Taps across America. I Try to re-google it. site cannt fine now, beleave it was tapscrossamerica.org as too sheet music if needed too.
If you know a musician pass it on or listen for. Its to play Military's TAPS at 3 pm
I am still not receiving the Steady emails. The gun laws Congress is trying to agree on are woefully inadequate. Perhaps these small steps will lead to larger ones that enact sensible and well regulated gun laws. I now better understand "gun culture". How large a factor is the gun lobby? Do Republicans fear they cannot be elected without the NRA? I would like to see recent data on the effectiveness of the assault weapons ban that includes the increase in mass shootings.
I am still not receiving the Steady emails. The gun laws Congress is trying to reach an agreement on are woefully inadequate. Perhaps these small steps will lead to larger ones that enact sensible and well regulated gun laws. I now better understand "gun culture". How large a factor is the gun lobby? Do Republicans fear they cannot be elected without the NRA? I would like to see the recent data, that includes the increase in mass shootings, on the effectiveness of the assault weapons ban.
Steve Kerr says it all!!!
I am only voting for candidates who support common sense gun laws. That of course means that I will only be voting for Democrats. I am thankful that Senator Manchin and Senator Sinema are not from Virginia.
The only people who should have military grade weapons are the military and the police in SWAT units.
Assault weapons and the ammunition for them must be banned. No discussion, they must be banned.
Common sense gun laws including mandatory registration of all firearms, red flag laws, and an age requirement of 21 must be passed.
I think the only way out of this mess of a life we now live in, is to bring back the law that reporters , newspapers, and tv news , have to tell the truth always. Then we can better know where we stand as a country. The other night I was watching an interesting show on Zelinsky , president of Ukraine, as I was scrolling through the channels. Then the commercials came on and I realized that it was fox tv that I was watching, home of Tucker Carlson . I shut it off thinking it was full of lies. Republican's think Democrats lie and evade the truth and vice versa. If everyone could believe the news about gun killings, the insurrections mental illness, abortions, the police etc. If we knew the real truth . Well I think we would live in a much better world.
US. The Land of Guns. Not a winning legacy.
I'd like to see all sports players/teams around the world QUIT playing and STRIKE until substantive change is made. They could ride the wave created by Warriors (so sorry to hear of his father's assassination). Wouldn't hurt to start with a moratorium on assault weapons and making it impossible to buy any gun until age 21. I appreciated comments recently about calling for "necessary" background checks rather than "universal" background checks. I'd like to hear more protests from responsible gun owners. They too are disturbed by the ease with which this latest mentally disturbed person was able to acquire assault weapons and ammo. Compromise. We need it. It's how government used to work. My sister said to me yesterday "we already have authoritarian government because GOP refuses to even talk about or debate things they disagree with, no discussion." It began when McConnell refused to allow President Obama to nominate & confirm his choice for Supreme Court. Of course, being from Florida, I haven't had faith in that court since they decided the 2000 election. Scary fact: Kavanaugh & Barrett were instrumental in arguing for that decision. They got the ultimate pay-off. Lifetime appointment to a medieval-leaning, law-making entity intent on forcing society backward to a less-enlightened time. We must come together. And vote these incompetent "leaders" out. They really should be impeached for allowing this to happen on their watch. Again.
It's past time to stop treating any weapon of war, like the AR-15, et al, as a 'sporting' rifle for gun loving amateurs.
We require that auto drivers demonstrate competent, safe, knowledge and skill while operating a vehicle. If not, their privilege is suspended.
The Second Amendment notwithstanding, there is no justification, legal or moral, for allowing private citizens access to weapons of war like the AR-15. Beyond that, we would not dream of turning people loose on our highways with high powered cars without first ascertaining that they are competent, safe vehicle operators. When and if they disprove their competency behind the wheel, and with due process, we take appropriate legal action.
There is no reason why gun ownership cannot be structured in a similar way. Americans have the right to insist that when we are in public places we should not have to watch fellow citizens for suspicious behavior, or think of what we should or should not do if we see a gun pulled, or hear shots, or see a friend or family member fall.
Yet, that is the reality we face in our day to day lives. These insane, senseless, horrific murders can happen anywhere -- any time -- in any neighborhood, -- under any circumstances.
What is far worse is how many of these attacks have happened that are robbing us of our most precious gift - our children, our future, our national promise.
We.Cannot.Survive.as.a. Nation.by.Sacrificing.Innocents.to.the. Gun.Lobby.in.the.Name.of.the.Bill.of. Rights.
Their insistence on maintaining the 2nd as set out over 200 years ago in a very different America, is unjust, immoral, and unthinkable. It is the ultimate act of the destruction of the principles and the values we allegedly hold dear, the right for all to live free of continuing attacks of war from our deranged fellow citizens.
The time for political bullshit is over. The Founders never foresaw the America we live in today. The 2nd Amendment was for a small, agricultural country where guns were a necessity of life. Unrestricted, unqualified, unnecessary and inherently dangerous gun ownership capriciously and unjustly kills Americans every day in a wide variety of walks of life. It's long past time to enact some common sense gun safety legislation before laissez-faire gun ownership and use kills our Republic and all that it stands for; all in order to maintain the current utterly abhorrent and destructive sanctity of its appalling killing fields.
Kathy
We have to be better than this. We just have to be. I wrote a piece and mentioned MADD. That was a groundswell of people sick of the deaths caused by drunk drivers. Not so different than what is happening now with guns. Outrage is just one of the emotions one feels towards the congressmen and women, and the manufacturers who make and market these weapons. I too hope this groundswell can exact some change.
Does it occur to anyone else besides me that only 10 people, 10 inflexible Republican Senators, are standing in the way of the gun reform laws that the MAJORITY of our nation of millions of citizens want to enact? How has our entire nation come to be completely hog tied by 10 socially blind humans?
I am so beyond disgusted and frustrated by the present state of the Senate.......will we never again see bipartisan coöperation to support laws for the good of the majority of citizens in our nation? If murderous rampages by 18-22 year old sadly and dangerously misguided young people stealing the lives of innocent babies and teachers in schools, private worshipers in diverse houses of worship, and grocery store shoppers quietly going about their own business don't precipitate change, what else can possibly do it?
My conservative father had this recent post.
He is 80. Life long republican. There is hope.
“I want to puke! If Donald Trump's total insensitivity to the victims and families of the Uvalde tragedy by addressing the NRA convention within days of the carnage wasn't enough, to read that he took that stage to suggest the answer to such perversion of American ideals is to arm all Americans. And to hear Ted Cruz cite a long obsolete constitutional right as reasons for condoning the means by which such attacks may be perpetuated, is more than any right thinking American should endure. I am a life-long Republican looking for a new party and candidates which will reject and replace those championing such insanity.”
I do hope you are right…that this is the moment…..I appreciate your thoughtful writings and I won’t give up hope because to do so would to be giving up on my grandkid’s future, so I will stay engaged and continue to fight for common sense, inclusiveness, and tolerance. Thank you for your words of hope.
“But as I see a groundswell of outrage and determination, I find hope — and steadiness — in the knowledge that other movements have succeeded before. It means never giving up, on the energy it takes to make the difference, or the hope that guides you along the way”
I was just saying the same thing in a phone conversation before I read this newsletter. I also believe that the ringleaders who have been sowing discontent have for many years now, have finally pushed enough groups of people that are now saying: “we are not taking this anymore.” It’s energy that can be focused into action.
We are hampered by the filibuster and corporate lobbying that keeps a minority in charge and career politicians devoted to corporations instead of the people that elected them. And I’m afraid nothing, absolutely nothing will change until every politician that has received money from the gun lobby is voted out of office. Corporate money and lobbying with incentives should be taken out of our political system.
Just as we repealed the 18th Amendment to the Constitution we might consider repealing the 2nd. After that we can institute new laws governing gun ownership. We won’t do away with owning guns but we will level more safeguards just as we do with owning a car. It always amazes me that folks seem to overlook that important part of the 2nd which states “A well-regulated militia”, you never hear gun owners addressing that phrase
posted yesterday, I thought this was great for today, Taps across America. I Try to re-google it. site cannt fine now, beleave it was tapscrossamerica.org as too sheet music if needed too.
If you know a musician pass it on or listen for. Its to play Military's TAPS at 3 pm