Obama Says CT Gun Laws Model For Congress
By Ali Inglese 4-8-2013
WEBN Staff Photo
President Barack Obama is continuing to pressure Congress to pass gun violence laws. Today he returned to Connecticut to praise the state’s bipartisan action to pass new gun control legislation.
The President’s speech at the University of Hartford was one of several events planned this week to put pressure on Congress to hold a vote on gun control legislation. He iterated his promise to the Newton, Connecticut families that he would use their tragedy as a vehicle for transformation.
“Your families still grieve in ways most of us can’t comprehend. But so many of you have used that grief to make a difference, not just to honor your own children, but to protect the lives of all of our children.”
Last week, Connecticut passed the nation’s toughest gun laws. President Obama praised the legislators, saying he wants to take the same action nationally by pushing for required background checks, a crackdown on gun trafficking and a ban on military-style assault weapons.
“I know that some of these proposals inspire more debate than others, but each of them has the support of majority of the American people. All of them are common sense.”
Ninety percent of Americans support universal background checks. The President drew laughter from an enthralled crowd when he added, “How often do 90 percent of Americans agree on anything?”
The President also addressed critics who say his concern for gun legislation is based on political gain.
“This is not about me,” he said, “this is about doing the right thing for all the families here that have been torn apart from violence.”
Bringing his emotionally-charged speech to a close, President Obama proclaimed his support for the stricken Connecticut town. “Newtown, we want you to know that we’re here with you,” he said.
“We will not walk away from the promises we’ve made. We are as determined as ever to do what must be done. In fact, I’m here to ask you to help me show that we can get it done. We’re not forgetting.”
President Barack Obama returned to Washington D.C. with the relatives of 11 victims of the Sandy Hook shootings on Air Force One to lobby on Capitol Hill for stricter gun control laws.