Let me preface this by stating that until Friday, the libertarian streak in me was against strict gun regulation. On Friday, it has become obvious my thinking was flawed and that the bar we have set is too low. Just like every other industry peddling with dangerous substances or objects is subject to strict regulations, the gun industry should be too. A step in the right direction is the assault weapons ban. Imagine if Lanza had to reload every few shots — the carnage would have been significantly less.
However, according to Mother Jones, all three of our senators are quiet on the assault weapons ban.
I am particularly disappointed by Senator Elect Elizabeth Warren‘s absence of leadership. I directly called her out on twitter (twice) and have not received any answer.
This is unacceptable, considering that the vast majority of the Massachusetts electorate supports an assault weapons ban, not to mention the actual voters who elected her over Senator Scott Brown.
And if outgoing Senator Scott Brown is a real independent he tries to portray himself, and wants to have a shot a re-election, he would support this ban.
Senator John Kerry may be calculating in order to get appointed to his new position, and being deliberately quiet. Let’s note that inaction is taking sides. There is no “neutral”. Either you support the ban or not. To support the ban you need to vote for it. Let’s not allow Kerry to choose the side that his constituents, and the majority of the country, are not supporting.
I call on the BMG community to step up and send a clear message via social media and any other means (letters? calls?) you deem effective.
The opportunity for change is now. Let’s use it.
Thank you,
nc
sco says
From the Mother Jones link:
As for Warren, I’d like to hear her take a more proactive response to this, but I don’t think that Twitter inactivity (likely not even seen by the Senator-elect) should count against her.
Bob Neer says
Thanks sco for the double-check!
sco says
During the campaign, Warren had said she was in favor of reinstating the assault weapons ban. Again, I’d like her to be more outspoken on this issue, but I’m going to assume that she’s on board until proven otherwise. The fact that no member of her transition team is checking her Twitter replies isn’t evidence enough for me that she’s not going to support this.
nc says
And I checked the link just before posting and Kerry was not listed yet…I am pleasantly surprised.
I am not opposed Sen Warren ignoring twitter calls, but this should not be:
hesterprynne says
in support of renewing federal assault weapons ban. Via Globe.
karenc says
in the last 4 days. It is ignoring people who ran on banning them (ie Warren), or people who have supported – even cosponsored – legislation in the past. It looks like they added Kerry’s statement, but this is even a position he spoke on when running for President.
Because of this the several “maybes” are treated better than those who did not make a statement. At this point, a “maybe” is not all that good.
methuenprogressive says
In an issued statement;
“How many more innocent people have to die senseless deaths until we enact stricter rules that address unfettered access to guns? Thirty-four people are killed with guns every day in America. It past time for a national debate on gun control and solutions to ensure that this terrible trend in mass shootings finally comes to an end.”
So OK, Ed. You’ve had three days. Start the debate.
seamusromney says
Also on record in July.
Not surprising for the gun lobby’s favorite Senator.
And in all fairness to Markey, his comment sounds to me like support for a ban. The pro-“debate” side is generally the pro-gun safety side, because things have become so lopsided that there really hasn’t been any debate since the ’90s.
John Tehan says
I just received this by email:
fenway49 says
was going to post.
nc says
It may have taken them a few days, but all three Senators (incl. Scott Brown!) now support an federal assault weapons ban.
Please consider this a closed case!