If any good can come from the tragedy in Newtown, it will be good people from both sides of the gun debate coming together to support legislation and funding that will help prevent future carnage.
Gun ownership viewpoints range from moderate to extreme. Surely there are some principles we can agree on. It might not be much. But, even in small quantities, compromise and agreement can and will save lives.
We believe the majority of Americans agree on these basic principles.
• The Second Amendment protects gun ownership. We will never ban gun ownership.
• Used safely, guns can serve good purposes.
• Laws can be passed to regulate activity, but not thoughts and beliefs.
• We want to reduce the carnage in our schools, streets, shopping areas, government buildings and homes.
• Preventing gun violence will save more lives than doing battle with the perpetrators of gun violence.
• Gun owners should be well trained in gun use and knowledgeable about gun laws.
• People untrained in gun use and/or people with a violent criminal history should not have access to guns.
• Violent video games and other forms of entertainment that glorify killing can increase gun violence.
• Background checks prior to gun purchases must be timely, thorough and accurate.
• Penalties for criminals who use guns in the commission of crimes should be stiffened.
• Our current gun laws need to be fully funded so that they can be effectively enforced.
The U.S. has more gun deaths perpetrated by mentally ill people than any other nation. Why? We need research and funding to help us address this problem.
Gun safety efforts should be compared to the “alcohol safety” laws that help to reduce drunk driving and keep alcohol away from minors. Alcohol control saves lives; gun control can do the same.
According to Lee Drutman, writing for sunlightfoundation.com, the National Rifle Association has spent 73 times what the leading pro-gun control advocacy organization, the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, has spent on lobbying in the 112th Congress ($4.4 million compared to $60,000, through the second quarter of 2012), and 4,143 times what the Brady Campaign spent on the 2012 election ($24.28 million to $5,816).
The NRA wields powerful influence on Capitol Hill and beyond. We hope the Newtown tragedy encourages lawmakers to focus on legislation and funding that supports the “middle ground” beliefs that are shared by many Americans.
After defining and articulating what we agree on, we can move forward — politely, without name calling.
We owe it to our children.