[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 71 (Wednesday, May 2, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E926]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        ADDRESS GUN CONTROL NOW

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                          HON. JAMES P. MORAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 2, 2007

  Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Madam Speaker, two weeks ago, our Nation 
suffered an unspeakable tragedy when a deranged gunman indiscriminately 
killed 32 students and teachers at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA. Our 
prayers and thoughts are with the surviving victims, families, and the 
entire Virginia Tech community who are determined to not allow one 
crazed individual to ruin the school's Hokie spirit and strength. This 
horrific, senseless act was committed because a mentally ill individual 
could easily buy two handguns and as many rounds of ammunition clips as 
he desired. I cannot stress to you how important it is that we 
reauthorize the federal assault weapons ban, close the existing 
loopholes, and strengthen the background checks requirements.
  I want to submit for the record a Letter to the Editor that was 
posted in the Washington Post on April 21, 2007. This letter was 
written by Jay Wind of Arlington, VA, and Robert Weiner of Accokeek, 
VA. I agree with their contention that now is the time for Congress to 
address gun control and get these semiautomatic weapons off the 
streets.

               [From the Washington Post, April 21, 2007]

                     Reflections After the Killings

                (By Robert S. Weiner and Jay Jacob Wind)

       As a national political public affairs consultant and the 
     father of a Virginia Tech student who knows five of the dead 
     and was best friends with one of the first two shot, we are 
     outraged and dismayed that congressional leaders of both 
     parties are running for cover from handgun control after the 
     worst gun violence in American history. Instead of using this 
     sad opportunity to stop such shootings by barring handguns, 
     as other civilized countries do, Congress and the White House 
     are pandering to the politics of the National Rifle 
     Association because of potential votes in swing states.
       Why are our political leaders not speaking out against 
     handguns instead of asserting that this is not the right time 
     for such a debate? In unarmed Britain, fewer than 100 die a 
     year from handguns. America is still the Wild West, with an 
     average of 30,000 gunned down annually.
       In September, the youngest Wind daughter will enter 
     Virginia Tech. She thought she would be safe, near her older 
     sister. It's time for Virginia's leaders--and the nation's--
     to act to prevent future massacres.

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