New Matilda (March 1)
As America’s ally. Australia “must enter the American gun control debate. We not only have a right to do so, we also have a responsibility…. Now more than ever, Australia is relevant as a voice for gun control in American politics.” Prime Minister Turnbull “must affirm our successes and call out America for their failures. To do anything less would be a betrayal to both the Australian and the American people.”
Tags: Ally, Australia, Betrayal, Debate, Gun control, Responsibility, Right, Successes, U.S.
Washington Post (September 2)
“Every day 297 Americans are shot in murders, assaults, suicides and accidents; 89 of them die.” Following the fatal shooting of their daughter last week, “Andy and Barbara Parker have emerged as powerful advocates for gun control…. That the Parkers were moved to activism by the murder of their daughter is a tragedy—and it’s an evolution experienced by far too many Americans over too many years. That makes the lack of action by those in public office to bring some sense to the country’s gun laws even more intolerable.”
New York Times (November 6)
“The Democratic brand did not fare well” in Tuesday’s elections that broadly swept conservative Republican candidates into office. When asked to vote on policy issues, however, “voters made notably liberal decisions in both red and blue states,” passing liberal initiatives ranging from environmental initiatives and gun control measures to legalizing marijuana. These initiatives “were directly at odds with the positions of many of the Republican winners.”
Tags: Conservative, Democrats, Elections, Environment, Gun control, Liberal, Marijuana, Policy, Republicans, U.S.
New York Times (January 11, 2011)
Congress must pass laws to strengthen gun control. The shooting in Tucson of 20 individuals, including Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, was committed with a Glock 19 and an oversized ammunition clip, previously outlawed, which allows 33 shots without reloading. Jared Loughner, the shooter, had been rejected by the military due to a failed drug test. He was thrown out of junior college for disruptive behavior. Yet he was still able to buy a gun. “Members of Congress are legitimately concerned about their own safety now, but they should be no less worried about the effect of their inaction on the safety of all Americans.”
Tags: Congress, Gun control, Shooting, Tucson
