An Update on Guns and Policy

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?

Wrapping Up 2012

2012 was a rollercoaster year. I don't think I've ever felt more in a year than I have in 2012.

It's sort of frustrating that facebook doesn't sort all the New Year's Eve posts like it does Christmas or Mitt Romney posts (though maybe I'm just looking before it sorts itself, which is very possible). However, in my one-year-old tradition, I'm looking to my feeds to understand how everyone's 2012 went for them.

I might add that social networking is amazing because it is so much information so quickly and with very little filter. It provides a window into the lives of many, many people across the globe. Facebook/Twitter/Instagram provide one with many diverse opinions and some really weird posts, which is great. Here are a few of the posts from my feeds about the end of 2012:

Acknowledging Dr. Quillen

Thursday morning, the president of Davidson spoke to a committee of the Senate. The Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee is comprised of members of both parties, and was having a hearing on the affordability of education - likely due to Obama's State of the Union promises to make higher education more affordable.

Needless to say, Dr. Quillen was extraordinarily impressive as always. I am so proud to be at the school that I am attending, and even more proud to have such a wonderful woman as my president. My predecessors did a wonderful job finding a new president.

I'm looking forward to Quillen's Monday signing of the Davidson Climate Action Plan and unveiling of the solar panels on Baker. Honestly, I will probably give Dr. Quillen a hug then.