President Obama was emotional as he spoke of the 5- and 6-year-old first grade victims of the Sandy Hook mass shooting and the almost routine gun massacres in America. The President vowed to do everything in his power to help reduce gun violence. He announced that he will use his executive powers to redefine the category of gun dealer to include those who sell firearms at gun shows, thus closing that gaping loophole by requiring the same background checks on prospective buyers as are mandatory in gun shops. Obama is taking other steps too, using his executive powers to bypass Congress and the need to have that fractious body co-sign his actions. While some on the right are accusing him of overreaching his role as President, I couldn't be more proud of him for finally taking this stand. (Photo by Jacquelyn Martin/ AP)
Can I be the Devil's Advocate? In my opinion this is not near enough. I don't think anyone should be allowed to own certain guns whether registered or not. Guns for killing people should be completely banned. Guns for hunting should be allowed. Not that it would stop the loonies but at least a person can't go into a school with 1000's of rounds of ammunition.
ReplyDeleteI do know that the Republicans will never happen but just wanted to add my two cents. And that's about what it is worth!
My brain is still very fuzzy and this is a serious topic. I hope it makes sense. It took me about 10 minutes to write that.
I love you Birdie. I so agree with you. I think these actions the president will be taking are in part symbolic, and will not do nearly enough to stop the violence. But I think it's important that he take these actions anyway, to do what small part he can do without being hamstrung by the obstructionist Congress and the ridiculously powerful gun lobby. But yes, background checks are just one small part of it. Why the heck does anyone need an AK47 for personal use???
DeleteYou are right but we have to be pragmatic. It has taken a long time to start the tide turning against the NRA. Baby steps.
DeleteDrug dealing, prostitution, pornography, sex trafficking, gang warfare...I could go on...Of course, I'm being the Devil's Advocate here as well...Better than nothing, though...
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that he is using his executive powers to put some laws in place that are much needed. There seems to be a local gun show every week here in Texas and purchasing guns at these shows is like trading baseball cards...... no laws or background checks necessary, just money trading hands. I also haven't ventured out much to see 1st hand the new "open carry" law that took effect in Texas on 1/1/2016, I think I'm too scared, and probably would leave a business if I see a gun toting, trigger happy person in my presence......
ReplyDeleteI love and adore and respect him. That is all I need to say.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy he's trying to get something-anything accomplished on this issue. I love that he cares so much. As any father should.
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ps I've loved seeing your happy family holiday pics. Love love love.
I agree!
ReplyDeleteThat photo is remarkable and will be, I'm sure, an iconic one of him. I hated that some on the right mocked it and his tears. I am certainly glad he's taking these steps -- long overdue -- and only wish he could be even more far-reaching.
ReplyDeleteAs a Brit. I am very pleased to see that someone with power is finally trying to do something about the ridiculous and dangerous gun laws in your country. Well done Obama! It remains to be seen if anything will actually change.
ReplyDeleteAgreed!
ReplyDeleteI loved him even more when he did that. Which seemed impossible, but I did.
ReplyDeleteI admire the President in every way as a leader and as a man. I really wish we could just ban guns absolutely (and I think he probably does too.) I don't understand why we have to negotiate with people who think guns are a right, it's ludicrous.
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