As of Monday, we have had 307 mass shootings in the United States—and we’ve still got more than a month and a half to go before 2018. That number is ghastly and should be totally unacceptable, especially because it is absolutely within our power to change it.
Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and her husband Captain Mark Kelly are determined to do something about it. Through their organization, Giffords, they have worked with elected officials, law enforcement communities, companies and grassroots activists to advocate for stronger gun laws. They have also endorsed candidates for office that have a track record demonstrating a commitment to policies which keep people safe and reduce gun violence. On Thursday, Giffords endorsed Stacey Abrams in her run for governor of Georgia. Abrams, a Democrat, was endorsed in October by Daily Kos.
Giffords had this to say about supporting Abrams:
“Georgia needs a leader with courage to take on gun violence and push solutions that will make our communities safer. [...]
[Stacey] is committed to protecting the rights of law-abiding citizens while taking action to stop an epidemic that is ravaging the state. Stacey understands the importance of keeping guns out of the hands of violent felons, domestic abusers, and other dangerous people.
As Governor, Stacey Abrams will work to build support for commonsense measures that stop individuals who are in danger of hurting themselves or others from possessing firearms and strengthen the background check system.”
Abrams stance on gun restrictions poses a marked contrast to her Republican opponents. They are all against banning bump stocks—a device used in the recent mass shooting in Las Vegas, which when attached to a semiautomatic rifle, allows it to fire rounds of bullets (up to 500 per minute) as fast as a machine gun. Not only do they want bump stocks to remain legal, they also have called for loosening gun restrictions.
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In an Atlanta Journal Constitution article about Giffords endorsement of Abrams, she is quoted as saying this about her position on gun control:
“My family hunts, and I know how to shoot a pistol, fire a rifle and respect the power of firearms,” she added. “Because of my respect for weapons and the Constitution, I will consistently support gun safety policies that prevent violence.”
Stacey Abrams is committed to fighting for safer gun laws. And in a country that had 486 mass shootings in 2016, ensuring that guns stay out of the hands of dangerous people should be a priority. Republicans have shown over and over again that they cannot be trusted to lead on this issue. Let's make sure that Stacey Abrams is the next governor of Georgia. This is a critical election that can lead Georgia into a promising, progressive future.