Obama Bemoans 'epidemic of violence' (Wants permanent Assault Weapons Ban)

AP ^ | 7/15/97 | NATHANIEL HERNANDEZ

[NRA2BFree]

CHICAGO (AP) - Standing before a church congregation that has witnessed inner-city violence firsthand, Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama said Sunday that more must be done to end a social ill that is "sickening the soul of this nation." Obama told churchgoers at the Vernon Park Church of God on Chicago's South Side that too many young lives are being claimed by violence and more must be done to combat the problem.

"From South Central L.A. to Newark, New Jersey, there's an epidemic of violence that's sickening the soul of this nation," the Illinois senator told the crowd. "The violence is unacceptable and it's got to stop."

Nearly three dozen Chicago students have been killed this year, according to Chicago Public Schools. Obama said that figure is higher than the number of Illinois serviceman who've died in Iraq in 2007.

"We need to express our collective anger through collective action," Obama said.

He said the government needs to permanently reinstate an assault weapons ban and close regulatory loopholes that protect unscrupulous gun dealers.

He also said government should support and fund more after-school programs to keep kids off the streets. But some of the burden must also be shouldered by residents who need to do more to raise and protect at-risk children, he added.

"We have an entire generation of young men in our society who have become products of violence, and we are going to have to break the cycle," Obama said. "There are too many young men out there who have gone down the wrong path."

He later added, "There's a reason they go out and shoot each other, because they don't love themselves. And the reason they don't love themselves is because we are not loving them enough."

[ought-six]

“Conservatives are breaking the cycle. It’s called concealed carry, the castle doctrine, mandatory sentences, three strikes and you’re out, the death penalty, and constructionist judges.”

All of which the Democrats vehemently oppose.

[ought-six]

Of course, none of the dead were killed by what the gun-grabbers even call an assault weapon. But, since when has logic and the facts meant anything to a marxist?

[dragnet2]

Yeah, just what we need in today's America, with tens of thousands of rapist, robbers, freaks, illegal alien criminals, drug runners, deviates, nutjobs, and senseless sadistic murderers, is another political socialist toadie calling for law abiding citizens to disarm.

Where do these freaks come from?

[G Larry]

Hey Obama, how many of those murders were the result of actual “assault weapons”?

For starters, we’ll stipulate that if it doesn’t have a full automatic selection mode, it’s NOT an assault weapon!

[dragnet2]

He later added, "There's a reason they go out and shoot each other, because they don't love themselves. And the reason they don't love themselves is because we are not loving them enough."

Oh yeah Osama, or what ever the hell your name is, I'll go right out now and show my love to a few dozen radical illegal alien Mexican gang members that want to over throw America and give them a big hug, n' buy them a Pepsi

[goldstategop]

Its all our fault. They weren't raised right, they were deprived of love - and what's that hoary liberal excuse - ah yes, poverty made them do it. And then of course, there's always the Race Card TM. Liberal politicians will never address the need to obey the law, keep your nose clean and be responsible. NEVER. They need victims as voters, especially felons.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[OldPossum]

He also said government should support and fund more after-school programs to keep kids off the streets.

You know, I was just thinking about a program that could keep gang members out of trouble in the evening. You see, we set up this basketball program all over the inner cities and run them real late, until, say, midnight. We'll call it "Midnight Basketball."

[Gritty]

I thought these guns already were illegal in Chicago? How is passing another law banning them going to help?

How about enforcing the laws on murder?

[goldstategop]

Liberals claim building more prisons is too expensive and locking up criminals doesn't address the "root causes" of crime. That's why they say we need more Midnight Basketball Leagues.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[Canedawg]

How about a ban on BARBARIANS!
If someone cannot live up to the obligations required of free men, WHY MUST WE RESPECT THEM AS CITIZENS?

Good points.

[SWAMPSNIPER]

Don’t let things get so damned complex and complicated, the issue is a simple matter of right, and wrong, and all debate is a waste of time, and a diversion.
You know what the “right” thing is, Hell, I hope you do, we are losing because too many folks only want to be popular, and get laid often!
I reckon that some of my more religious brethern will take exception to my choice of words, sorry, about that!
I no longer care much if I land in Hell, if I can keep my kids and grandkids out of it!

[ishabibble]

Well now, I’ve been thinking about Barry’s “Hug a Thug” program and it might have merit. Only a week or so ago, I came out of my local mega-mall to find a pair of unloved young urbanites hanging around my car. In a lot with a thousand cars parked in it. I was thoughtless and rude to these to unlovelies. The screaming and shouting didn’t move them, so I threw a giant can of spray starch (thank God it missed my car) and they ran off. These boys were victims...of stupidity. They may have been “minorities” but the ugly clothes they were wearing cost a bundle.
So, that whole poverty thing is right out the window as far as I’m concerned. They’ve got the clothes, jewelry, tattooes, CD’s, junk food money kind of poverty that I am never going to understand.

Poverty, violence, racism, victimization. You can watch it 24/7 on BET, MTV, VHI, and my new favourite, Oxygen (aka How to Become a Whore/Lesbian). Sorry, I ain’t buying this BS ever again. Barry and his entire crowd need to realize that the 1960’s are over. Cable TV is a magnifying glass on the hypocrisy of the Lefties. Big Al Gore is off licking his wounds over that gassy flop of his, how embarrassing! But a very good example of people seeing BS front and center.

[Travis McGee]

"There's a reason they go out and shoot each other, because they don't love themselves. And the reason they don't love themselves is because we are not loving them enough."

Where do they find such morons?

[3_if_by_Treason]

Yep that was a little long winded, and the concept of right and wrong was central to the discussion. Sometimes it’s effective to take their twisted idea and use it against them. At least they shut the hell up.

[School of Rational Thought]

“There’s a reason they go out and shoot each other, because they don’t love themselves. And the reason they don’t love themselves is because we are not loving them enough.”

Only the so-called assault weapons ban will result in self love!!!

[lndrvr1972]

Okay here is an arguement should we also ban assault knives,bats,fists and frozen turkeys? Last time I checked if you hurt or kill someone should it matter what type of weapon that was used because last time I checked if you “Assault” someone it does not matter what is used.

[bannie]

Our forefathers didn’t say that we have “the right to bear arms—except for the big ones that the army has.”

[LiteKeeper]

Somebody notify the IRS!