The Politics of Guns in America
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2012-04-17/politics-guns-america
Five years ago a gunman killed 32 people on the Virginia Tech campus in America's worst mass shooting. Two years ago a gunman critically wounded former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and killed six people. Two months ago teenager Travon Martin was shot and killed by a neighborhood watch volunteer in Florida. Each time a tragedy involving firearms becomes national news, advocacy groups and politicians call for stricter gun control. But little action has resulted. Pro-gun groups argue violent crime in the U.S. is a major reason to expand gun rights, so more Americans can protect themselves. Diane and her guests will explore the politics of gun control.
Guests
E.J. Dionne Jr.
senior fellow, The Brookings Institution, columnist, Washington Post and author of the forthcoming book, "Our Divided Political Heart: The Battle for the American Idea in an Age of Discontent."
Daniel Webster
co-director, Center for Gun Policy and Research at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
John Velleco
director of federal affairs, Gun Owners of America.
Comments
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I am a middle-aged educated professional female living in a nice neighborhood in the suburbs of Philadelphia, a registered Democrat who also supported basic background checks for gun purchases. After a late night encounter with the criminal element in my safe neighborhood, I plan to purchase a hand gun for self defense. I have concluded that it is willful ignorance to believe that you will absolutely never need to defend yourself. When you have only seconds to act, there is no time for a 911 call. Now when I hear about mass shootings, I think what a shame that no one was armed and able to shoot the perpetrator before so many died and before the police arrived. Endless gun control legislation is a missed opportunity to pursue remedies for the root causes of violence such as stricter sentences for violent criminals and a sensible approach to treating the mentally ill before they become violent.