In response to the tragedy in South Carolina and countless other acts of gun-related violence, President Obama stood before reporters and asked us to consider that "this type of mass violence does not happen in other advanced countries. It doesn't happen in other places with this kind of frequency. And it is in our power to do something about it."
He is absolutely correct.
The one thing that we, as Americans, can do immediately is deliver a courageous message to our leaders. The message is a simple one: We hear you, Mr. President, and that is why we demand that ALL STATES require a permit to purchase for all gun purchases.
For far too long, state gun laws have become less and less stringent. Recent tragedies — from Aurora to Charleston — could have been prevented if stronger requirements for gun purchases were in place. Instead of tightening laws, we currently have, according to a report in the Washington Post, 34 states with laws that allow for their citizens to use deadly force whenever they feel threatened.
In the years since Columbine, there have been nearly 200 school shootings and most were purchased legally. This is madness. Sign the petition today to let Congress know that we are ready for them to act!
Dear Decision Maker, I strongly urge you to pass federal legislation to require a permit to purchase a firearm. A recent 10-year study by Johns Hopkins University found that Connecticut's passage of a permit to purchase law was associated with a 40 percent reduction in gun homicides. Doesn't the rest of the country deserve the same safety? Don't families across America deserve the same assurance that the people who purchase guns in their states have been checked for criminal records, firearms knowledge, and other factors that may threaten the safety of our children? [Your comments] This is a common-sense proposal that would make our streets safer and in no way threatens the rights of responsible gun owners. I hope that you will do everything in your power to ensure that permit to purchase becomes the of the land. Sincerely, [Your name]