In case you missed it...video

[kag]

I truly believe this should be mandatory viewing for anyone in the position of making gun policy in this country. His main point, which I whole-heartedly agree with, is that the right to own a weapon is SECONDARY to the right to life of his son, the others at Sandy Hook, and all of us. But he says it much more poignantly:

[Rhiannon12866]

1. I did see this, but it deserves a big K&R...

Heartbreaking...

[dkf]

2. I don't understand why only large magazines or "assault" weapons could

Have taken his child's life.

Really he is making an argument for the banning and confiscation of all firearms.

That is the disconnect.

[rog]

5. What I heard him say ...

... is that all firearms should be re-registered annually. Like your car.

.rog.

[dkf]

6. He said someone's right to a gun should not come before his child's right to life.

People with mental health issues don't have a right to a gun

[rog]

7. What he SAID was ...

... That a person with these (mental health) problems could live in a home where he had access to among the most powerful firearms available to non-military personnel is unacceptable. It doesn't matter to whom the weapons were registered. It doesn't matter if they were purchased illegally. What matters is that it was far too easy for another mentally unbalanced, suicidal person who had violent obsessions to have easy access to unreasonably powerful weapons.

The inability of agencies to share information regarding at risk individuals' mental states, personal histories, proximity to firearms - this contributed to the senseless murder of my six year old son, 19 other children, and seven adults. This is where you must focus your efforts.

First, military style assault weapons belong in an armory, under lock and key. They do not belong in a weapon safe in a home. We now have more unassailable proof that this is true, beyond argument, as if that were necessary. Legislation must insure that any firearm in a home be re-registered annually.

Second, at-risk individuals must be identified and continually assessed by capable mental health professionals in a way that leaves their dignity and their self-respect intact.

Most importantly, databases of accurate information must be leveraged to allow identification of where the two issues of mental health and firearm ownership intersect. ...

Edited to add that I agree that someone's right to own a gun should not come before ANYONE'S right to life. I also believe that, just as there are certain individuals who should not be issued a driver's license, there are individuals who should not be licensed to own firearms.

.r.

[pkdu]

3. This guy should run for congress...most articulate argument on any subject I've heard in years. Nt

[dkf]

4. He was a whole lot stronger on identifying people with mental health issues than any I've heard.

I wonder if what he wants is legal. This is what one of our contributors was worried about I think when he mentioned his own mental health issues.

[kag]

8. He did explicitly refer to...

leaving their dignity and self respect in tact. I don't think he wants anything illegal; just safety for children and adults who exist now at the mercy of the gun lobby.