If you haven't heard yet, Mr Obama signed presidential orders for measures to reduce gun violence this week. Mr Biden and Mr Obama made their statements live on PBS Newshour, which was streamed live and then put on YouTube, which you can view here. (There are a few glitches from the recording, so be prepared for odd noises in the first 7 minutes or so.)
President Obama effectively shifted the responsibility to Congress on a number of initiatives, offering his arguments for them. A few things he hopes for: more extensive universal background checks, 10-round limit on clips, mental healthcare reform, and an assault weapons ban.
Mr Obama cites Reagan, who wrote to Congress asking them to "listen to the American public and to the law enforcement community and to support a ban on the manufacture of military-style assault weapons."
Obama understands our right to bear arms, and supports that. He believes we can keep this right while ensuring the safety of our children and fellow Americans. With rights come responsibilities, and we are obligated to allow others their right to life as we allow ourselves.
All peachy-keen, right?
Well, the NRA responded with this ad, attacking Obama for the Secret Service wielding guns to protect the President's children. They even called him an "elitist hypocrite" for doing so.
This ad is completely ridiculous and borderline offensive. Jay Carney, the White House Press Secretary, is said to have stated that "to go so far as to make the safety of the President's children the subject of an attack ad is repugnant and cowardly."
There is, however, one problem.
Obama's tactics have very much included testimony from children. Dana Milibank reports on the politicizing of children in this debate, and while I don't agree with him on everything, it's an interesting read.
Protecting children is very important, I think. And it's a shame that arguing for gun control along the lines of protection of children is becoming something so politicized nobody can take arguments seriously.
What it's going to take now is stuff like this and action by the citizenship.
First, I offer you this letter to Mr Biden and Mr Obama, to thank them for having the courage to make the issue of gun violence something to take such a major political stage.
Next, Americans must avoid discourse like Alex Jones' appearance on Piers Morgan (pt. II here) and even Piers Morgan's response to Larry Pratt. We need to have civil discourse over this, otherwise we will just turn into a nation of angry people yelling at each other again. Do not - I repeat, DO NOT - post angry things on social media sites, even in comments to people who have offended you. There is nothing that can be gained from these arguments, since either arguer will be responding more to his or her emotional reactions (primarily anger) than to the stats and issues.
I urge you to contact your representatives, tell them your position, and be firm. Phone calls work very well. Always start by stating your name. Do not raise your voice, but remain firm. I've interned for a representative before, and nothing aggravates the one who answers the phone more than people threatening the apocalypse or continuous high call volume. Stay polite but firm. (If you haven't noticed, firm is important.)
Do you know who your congresspeople are? If not, check this site. I seriously hope we move forward on this issue and see some real change, even if that change comes down the road. (Mr Biden agrees.)
No comments:
Post a Comment