Remember Newtown by advocating for gun reform

Twenty-seven innocent people were killed in the Newtown, Conn., tragedy — 20 of those victims were children. In the year since the Newtown shooting, 11,126 people have died from gun violence. This year was marked by 24 mass shootings, which are defined by the FBI as shootings with four or more victims, such as the naval yard shooting [in Washington, D.C.] that killed 13 people. On average, 32 Americans are murdered with guns every day; an estimated eight of those killed are children and teens.

And what is the response from elected officials to all this senseless violence? Well, the U.S. Congress did nothing. Of the less than 60 laws passed in 2013 (a historic low), none dealt with gun reform. Here in North Carolina, the Legislature slashed existing gun control laws, permitting guns on school campuses, playgrounds, restaurants and bars. They limited the ability of law enforcement to restrict multiple handgun permits to individuals and removed concealed-gun permit information from the public record.

Supposing the founders intended citizens to have rights to whatever firearms they desire under the Second Amendment, which is debatable, no right is entirely unfettered. Certainly, one person’s right should not impinge on another’s safety. How many will die before we make common-sense gun reforms to protect our families?

— Sarah Grace Zambon
Fletcher

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

About Letters
We want to hear from you! Send your letters and commentary to letters@mountainx.com

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

3 thoughts on “Remember Newtown by advocating for gun reform

  1. timothypeck

    The children at Newtown were killed by the progressive public policy of gun control and gun free zones. Thanks a lot.

    Armed Guard’s Presence Ended Arapahoe School Shooting in 80 Seconds

    “On December 15th Breitbart News reported that an armed guard saved students’ lives when Karl Halverson Pierson began firing his shotgun inside Arapahoe High School. As more details emerge, it has become evident that the guard — a county deputy resource officer — did this by running toward the shooter in a way that ended the entire incident in 80 seconds.”

    http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2013/12/16/Armed-Guard-s-Presence-Ended-Arapahoe-School-Shooting-In-80-Seconds

  2. Winston

    Sarah: As a true libera and major, I watched in utter disgust and horror as the US gov’t bombed Iraq’s smaller cities, Baghdad and killed 30,000 in the taking of Baghdad and it’s surroundings in 2003 ( Bush’s admission in 12/2005 was to 30,000 dead Iraqis although the UK’s Lancet stated that 50,000 was closer to the total number slaughtered by the US military ). There is no way I am giving the liars the US gov’t, the Bush Administration, Obama Administration, Congress, or any gov’t the benefit of the doubt as far as personal protection for me and my family and access to firearms. As a left of center advocate and voter, I know what happened to Socialists and Communists in Fascist Italy, France, Yugoslavia, Austria, and Germany during the 1930s through 1945- they were rounded up and largely exterminated. The US is now the world’s most powerful neo- fascist state. You may wish to be unarmed- that is your right- but do not use this gov’t to force your whims on others whose situations are different than you own.

  3. bkepley

    Seems to me that Newtown (and many other tragedies like it) would be better remembered by mental health care reforms.

Leave a Reply to timothypeck ×

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.