Mass Shooting at Umpqua Community College And Gun Violence in America
Floor Speech
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Madam President, just a few days ago--last Thursday--our great Nation witnessed another tragedy. While preparing these remarks, we were trying to come up with what we should say, and ``tragedy'' doesn't quite convey how horrible that mass killing was in Oregon.
Once again, a young man was able to obtain an arsenal of guns and end the lives of innocent people. Nine men and women woke up Thursday morning, all to attend a community college, but they were assaulted and killed in a demented, sadistic killing ritual. Lucero Alcaraz, age 19; Treven Taylor Anspach, age 20; Rebecka Ann Carnes, age 18; Quinn Glen Cooper, age 18; Kim Saltmarsh Dietz, 59 years old; Lucas Eibel, 18 years old; Jason Dale Johnson, 34; Lawrence Levine, 67; Sarena Dawn Moore, 44--all victims of a deranged gunman's murderous attack.
Madam President, our hearts are broken for the families and loved ones of the victims and for this whole community of Roseburg, but a broken heart isn't enough, is it. This senseless act of gun violence is not an isolated tragedy. Communities all around our Nation are shattered daily by these cruel and undeserved acts of gun violence.
The reality of gun violence in the United States is not only shocking; it is pathetic. Every day, gun violence claims the lives of 30 Americans. Tomorrow at this time, 4:15--24 hours from now--about 30 more Americans will be killed by guns. And 11,000 Americans are murdered with guns each year. This year alone, we have had 200 mass shootings--200. Anywhere else in the world these alarming facts would prompt action. Sadly, here in the United States we have become so desensitized to the lives taken every day by guns that our response is to do nothing--to do nothing.
Each time gun violence claims a life in America, the Nation follows the same routine. Here is what it is. The same thing happens. We have shock and sorrow. Then we start asking questions. Who did that? Who was the killer? We usually have to wait a few hours to find out who it was. Why did they do this? Why did they carry out this horrible act? Then we wonder aloud, when the time allows it: What could we as a nation have done to prevent this terrible thing from happening? But we don't do anything. We don't act.
It is within our power to reduce gun violence in this Nation and prevent mass shootings--not all of them but some of them, a few of them. We know these tragic events almost always occur in instances where somebody is unstable or they are terribly violent, and they are able to get a gun easily and use it to carry out these terrible attacks. We know this, yet we fail to pass improved Federal laws placing distance between mentally ill, violent people and guns. Instead of taking action, lawmakers all around this country pander to the extreme rightwing gun lobby and leave Americans vulnerable to these attacks. This year alone there have been more than 200 mass shootings--this year. The United States is the global leader in mass shootings--this great Nation. Can't we raise standards in this country for gun purchases? The answer of course is yes. We can do it while not infringing on the rights to restrict access to firearms but to keep Americans safe. Let's not mince words about who would stop us from passing background checks: Republicans who wage a rightwing ideological crusade fashioned by the National Rifle Association and Gun Owners of America. These two organizations are in a scramble of who can raise the most money. That is what it is all about. If one of them does something, the other will do better than that. Each request comes with ``Can you send some money?'' This rightwing ideological crusade, fashioned by the NRA and Gun Owners of America, is to prevent background checks to keep guns out of the hands of terrorists, criminals, and the mentally ill.
The National Rifle Association is a far cry from the sportsmen's organization it once was. The NRA once called mandatory background checks ``reasonable.'' That is what they said. Now it uses its energies and its members' dues to fight against even the most sensible reforms. In opposition to this deadly agenda, Democrats have long sought to strengthen background checks. But instead of joining Democrats in finding ways to protect American lives, Republicans have pledged their loyalty to what was once a moderate sportsmen's organization.
Times have changed. Now the NRA and its leadership are committed to a radical agenda that allows criminals and mentally ill Americans to access guns and commit these terrible acts. Is this what the American people elected us to do? I think not. Is this the protection they want or deserve? I think not. Americans are smarter than that. They deserve better than that.
The majority of people who belong to the NRA believe there should be background checks to stop people who are mentally unstable and are criminals from buying guns, and 90 percent of gun owners believe there should be background checks, including 86 percent of Republicans. But even in the face of overwhelming public support, Republicans still refuse to join Democrats in taking steps to implement background checks that could save the lives of countless Americans.
We have witnessed the consequence of inaction too often. Why do I say that? This is over a period of many, many years--now decades: Fort Hood, 13 Americans killed; Tucson, 6 Americans killed; Carson City, 4 Americans killed; Newtown, 27 Americans killed, including 22 babies, little tiny children; Aurora, 12 Americans killed; the Navy Yard, here in DC, 12 Americans killed; Charleston, 9 Americans killed while worshipping; Moneta, VA, 2 journalists shot to death on live television; and now there is the massacre at Umpqua Community College, 9 dead.
These tragic events have shattered the lives of too many families. The shooter was armed with 6 firearms and loads of ammunition, and when they came to his home they found at least 14 guns--and another gun. I thought it was only 14, but, no, they found another one. So add them up--15 plus 6, or 21 guns--21 guns.
We do not yet know why this young man murdered these innocent people in cold blood. But what does it say about our country that it is willing to stand by, idle, while these tragedies happen, happen, happen?
Smarter gun laws in this country are long overdue. The lives of these men, women, babies, and children are at stake. How many more innocent lives must be taken before we are willing to act? How many more communities and families' lives will be shattered? How many more sacred places of worship will be violently attacked? How many more colleges or schools will be terrorized and forever traumatized by gun violence? How many more Americans will we mourn? How many more solemn statements, speeches of condemnation, and frank discussions must take place? What will it take before we stand up as a nation and say: Enough, not another innocent American will fall victim to this ideological crusade of having more guns and more guns and more guns.
If we don't take action, we are equally responsible for innocent deaths as are the sick individuals who plot and carry out these horrific massacres. I have started reaching out to Senators and talking about what can be done to advance the cause of background checks while Republicans are in charge for the next year or so. But one thing is clear. To pass background checks, we need Republicans to stop acting as puppets for the NRA.
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