In case you missed it, extremist gun rights advocates have lately been claiming that this is a women’s rights issues — that unrestricted gun ownership is the best and only way to fight violence against women. Not, for instance, passing the Violence Against Women Act and actually prosecuting violence against women. Anyway…. Here’s me debating the subject on America Live with Megyn Kelly:
Video courtesy of Mediaite and Fox News.
Bill Clinton warned a group of Democratic donors not to condescend toward Americans in parts of the country where gun culture is prevalent. I discuss Clinton’s remarks in the following video, in which I guffaw — and then make some good points about gun culture and violence prevention:
Our nation is understandably focused on the 20 children and 6 others killed in the Sandy Hook shooting. But this year, over 12,000 people in America — 34 every day — will be killed by guns. Here is just one of their stories:
Linkin Leatham, age 2
Linkin’s parents called their son the “miracle baby” for having overcome several complications at birth and defying doctors’ expectations that he wouldn’t survive. Then, in September, 2-year-old Linkin picked up his father’s handgun and shot himself in the eye, ultimately dying from his wounds. Linkin’s father is a Utah police officer, though the weapon involved in the shooting was not his service weapon.
In his obituary, Linkin is celebrated as a joyful and sweet little boy:
“Linkin enjoyed life to its fullest. He was always smiling, running and playing. Linkin loved trucks, airplanes, the moon and the stars, dancing, smiling and wee-woos (his name for police cars). Linkin’s infectious smile and playful personality always made people laugh and drew others toward him. To know him was to be wrapped around his tiny little finger. In Linkin’s short time on this earth, he has brought immeasurable joy to countless people.”
You can read six other touching and powerful stories of lives taken by guns this year here.
NEW YORK TIMES PROFILE
SOCIALIZE WITH ME!
TV DOESN’T PAY THE BILLS
Make a tax-deductible contribution via our fiscal sponsor, the Grassroots Policy Project
