GUN CONTROL ADVOCATES CALL FOR COMMON SENSE POLICIES
By Mike Howells
5-9-07
 
Responding to the efforts of the "gun lobby to weaken gun laws," Chad Ramsey, Field Directory for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, led a press conference today in the State Capitol urging the need for "common sense" gun policies in Pennsylvania.
 
Allegheny County Democrat Rep. Dan Frankel criticized the "excessive language" incorporated onto a banner raised at a 2nd Amendment rally several weeks ago, but stressed the message was representative of only a small fraction of the pro-gun lobby. Referring to the "extreme goal" of single-issue voters wanting to expand the availability of weapons in the state, Rep. Frankel encouraged voters to resist being held hostage by a vocal minority. He asserted a "broad cross-section" of Pennsylvanians believe stronger gun control laws are part of the equation in the effort to curb gun violence, and emphasized the need "at least" for Pittsburgh and Philadelphia to be able to decide the gun control issue for themselves. He stressed "nobody believes stronger gun laws are the whole answer, but they are part of it," and reported a number of states have successfully and effectively enacted gun control laws similar to those currently under consideration by the General Assembly.
 
Barbara Montgomery, President of PA's Million Mom March, explained her organization's mission to provide Pennsylvanian's with the right to be safe from gun violence, and its belief that it is possible to reduce gun violence through "common sense policy." She noted that in speaking with children across the state, she has determined they feel scared and powerless, and in light of the "unprecedented gun lobby push for the roll-back of gun control laws," asserted it is time to stand up for those at risk.
 
Joe Davis, of the PA chapter of Think First National Injury Prevention Foundation, posited that common sense gun control is the answer to keeping children safe, and urged Pennsylvanians not to allow "a few to dictate the policies of many."
 
Reverend James Brown explained how guns are "loaned" in exchange for part of the "take" of a crime and emphasized common sense action is needed to stem the tide of violence.
 
Rabbi Ron Muroff echoed the sentiments of Reverend Brown, and confirmed "we are doing what is right and what is needed."