While ignoring petitions to the White House calling for his own impeachment or Texan secession, President Obama acknowledged those asking for action on gun control in a video this morning. “We hear you,” he said, just hours before the National Rifle Association holds a don’t-call-it-a-rally in Washington to address the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut. “I can’t do it alone,” Obama said. “I need your help. If were going to succeed, it’s going to take a sustained effort from mothers and fathers, daughters and sons, law enforcement and responsible gun owners, organizing, speaking up, calling their members of Congress as many times as it takes, standing up and saying enough on behalf of all our kids. That’s how change happens.”
So far, despite the nationwide outcry, no congressional Republicans have come forward in support of the preliminary proposals put forward by the president or Democrats in Congress, such as a renewal of the assault-weapon ban passed in 1994.
Today, Obama reaffirmed that “most gun owners are responsible,” but added, “It’s encouraging that many gun owners have stepped up this week to say there are steps we can take to prevent more tragedies like the one in Newtown, steps that both protect our rights and protect our kids.”
“You’ve started something,” he said, “and now I’m asking you to keep at it.”
