The shooting that occurred in Las Vegas on Monday was a grievous national tragedy. Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers go out to the victims and their families. Unfortunately, the last thing we need is a defense of the status quo, which is what we are hearing from Congressman Zeldin. The status quo has not and will not prevent an appalling increase in the frequency of national tragedies such as what we witnessed in Las Vegas this week.
Former Congressman Steve Israel correctly points out (nyti.ms/...) that the corporate gun lobby will fight against any and all new common-sense gun safety efforts – even universal background checks. Simply put – all too many in the Republican Congress fear the NRA and refuse to act.
We’re better than that. We owe it to the victims of Las Vegas -- and the victims and families of so many other gun-related tragedies -- to overcome the Washington cynicism. Rise up. And fight for fundamental change.
Congress should do the right thing and take on the corporate gun lobby. This shouldn’t be about partisan politics, about Republicans or Democrats. But doing what’s right. There are glimmers of hope – Senator John McCain recently demonstrated tremendous courage by taking on his own party and refusing to support a draconian Republican healthcare plan. So too, we must encourage a coalition of common sense Democrats and Republicans to work together on sensible gun safety. Together we must keep the pressure on – in light of the recent violence – and demand that Congress do more than hold a moment of silence in respect for the fallen. They deserve so much more.
The Second Amendment is a critical part of our Constitution – people have the right to bear arms, hunt, and defend themselves. But this is fundamentally different from automatic and semi-automatic firearms and weapons that can be converted into automatic-like devices. In addition to universal background checks, there is a broad consensus to ban the “bump stock” type converter devices used in the Las Vegas tragedy. Furthermore, just as those who are on the terrorist watch list are placed on a no-fly list -- it is only common sense that these same people should not be allowed to buy deadly weapons.
America is watching. Congress, now is the time to act.