Posted on 04/16/2009 2:44:09 PM PDT by DCBryan1
Dear 1LT Bryan:
I'm sitting here in my wheelchair today, mad as hell, trying to control my anger, but without much success.
And please understand-I'm not angry with folks like you...or angry about my own personal situation.
Many years ago, with the help of my wife Sarah, I was able to cope with the initial bitterness and depression that come with the knowledge that I'm going to spend the rest of my life confined to a wheelchair.
Instead, I'm angry at the gun lobby led by the National Rifle Association (NRA), and the dangerous state of "gun politics" in Washington D.C. But what really gets me is, even ad deadly shootings are on the rise in churches, workplaces, and schools, these threats to safety of Americans have failed to force legislators to close the legal loopholes in the gun laws that allow serial killers, disturbed teenagers, terrorists, and dangerous criminals to easily obtain any firearms they want- even military style assault weapons!!
And that's why I am so deeply involved in the work of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and why we need you to join us with a contribution of $20, $32, or $75.
Currently, the Brady Campaign is working with the U.S. Congress and state legislatures in fighting against extremists like the well funded gun lobby and the NRA, who spend millions of dollars lobbying against sensible gun legilsation. Isn't it time to end once and for all, the gun lobby's extremist "guns for everyone, no qauestions asked" mentality?
Watching the gun lobby run roughshod over our nation's gun laws and put American lives in jeopardy is very tough for me, because I have experienced, first hand, up close and personal, what it means to be a victim of gun violence.
As you know, on March 30, 1981, a deranged man named John Hinckley attempted to assassinate President Reagan. I was seriously wounded with a bullet in my head. This permanently affected my speech and motor response. And that is why I am still in a wheelchair. And always will be.
But here's exactly what makes me so angry:
Nearly 28 years after I was shot, even though laws have since been passed requiring criminal background checks on handguns purchased thorugh licened dealers...there still exists a terrible and deadly loophole....
It's called the "gun show loophole".
A loophole that could be responsible for killing someone you love.
In brief, this gun show loophole allows the NRA-backed gun industry to get away with the moral equivalent of MURDER! And it is still possible for a criminal, terrorist (or a man like John Hinkley!) to buy a gun without a background check.
That is why , instead of just sitting here feeling sorry for myself- which would be an easy indulgence- my wife Sarah and I have dedicated our lives to putting strong gun laws on the books and making our country safer.
You may be aware of the Brady Law, which requires background checks on most gun sales. We introduced this law and convinced Congress to pass it in 1993, after seven, long, bitter years of fighting the NRA. They ar eaffiliated with the rich, powerful gun industry. All we had were folkes like you and me. And we won! Imagine that!
It was a start twoards ending gun violence- a strong beginning. But here is the deadly truth about the gun show loophole:
Even though the Brady Law ent into effect over 15 years ago, and over 1.6 million prohibited purchers - felons, juveniles, stalkers, those convicted of domestic violence, terrorists, - have been stopped from buying firearms from licensed gun dealers, which has contributed to 27 percent decrease in gun deaths...
Because of this loophole, gun shows have become nothing less than an arms bazaar that provides a safe haven for criminals, terrorists, minors, and illegal gun dealers who want to skirt federal gun laws and buy or sell guns on a cash-and-carry, "no questions asked" basis.
And because there are an estimated 4,000 gun shows that take place annually across th enation in convention centers, school gymnasiums, fairgrounds, and facilities often paid for and maintained with taxpayer money, including some in your own community.
It's a frightening, uncontrolled business.
And in a nutshell, it exists becuase the Brady Law applies only to licenced gun dealers! The same is true of many state firearm background check laws. And so, in most states and under ferderal laws, if you want to buy a handgun - or a weapon powerful enough to down a commercial airline - hey, just go to a gunshow!
Show your driver's license to a private dealer, and now, thanks to congressional inaction, you can even buy an American-made AK-47 or Uzi-style killing machine. It is all perfectly legal!
This should worry you. This should be your wake-up call to insist that Congress do everything possible to close the gun show loophole.
And that is why I say, "Enough is enough...NO back ground check, NO gun, NO excuses!"
The battle lines here are clearly drawn. The majority of Amreicans support gun laws. That's a fact.
So what keeps such laws from being passed?
It's quite simple. It's still the NRA, along with the wealthy, and the gun lobby. They have the financial reserves that make them, as they say on Capitol Hill, "very deep pocketed".
We may not have the same war chest as the NRA, but we have the majority of Americans on our side. The Brady Campaign needs you, and I urge you to sign on.
We can beat them if we have you with us. If you will sign both petitions and them return them to me, I promise that your petitions will be delivered to your Senators.
Your Senators absolutely must get the message loud and clear: "I'm a voter in your state, and here is how i feel about U.S. gun laws and closing the gun show loophole". Once they hear from all of us, they'll know that passing strong gun laws must be at the top of their agenda.
Finally, when you return your signed petitions to your Senators, it will help us greatly if you join that Brady Campaing today with a gift of $20, or $32, or $75...please do the best that you can.
If we don't stand up for America's safety, when will the next criminal, disturbed teenager, or terrorist purchase a weapon at a gun show? And who will be the next victim?
Gun violence is senseless. It's stupid. It can be prevented. But with the gun industry and the National Rifle Association no longer controlling the White House, it's up to citizens like you and me to stand with the Brady Campoaing to get the job done!
All we want are strong, sensible gun laws that protect our loved ones and keep guns out of the hands of criminals, juveniles, terrorists, and other dangerous people.
Very sincerely,
Jim Brady
Brady Campaing to Prevent Gun Violence
1225 Eye Street, NW
Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20005-3914
www.BradyCampaign.org
I wasn't referring to individuals in private sales which are not dealers.
I wonder what Henry is waiting for? Engraved invitation?
Patience padiwan....I have my list. I hope you have yours. Think locally.
My vision is getting misty :>)
Wake Up America!
sorry SEMI-auto
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