January 30, 2013: Yesterday, California's lawmakers began discussion over gun control in light of the Newtown, Connecticut school shooting and the bills proposed in the shootings aftermath.
According to Kim Minugh reporting for The Oakland Tribune, two former state senators who had supported gun legislation warned legislators of the death threats that may now be aimed at them while they discuss gun control. Regardless of the threats, past Senators David Roberti and Don Perata urged the Legislature to toughen the state's pre-existing gun control policies. Perata emphasised to the super-majority Democrats in both houses that they should take advantage of their power on this issue.
Perata, described gun violence as a "pandemic" that has spread far beyond the violent crack cocaine drug wars that plagued part of his constituency when he was in office.
Although there wasn't a vote or specific policies discussed, the members ensured there will be thorough discourse and respect for opposing opinions. Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg said, "This will serve as a launching point... for what I believe will be a very active session around gun violence."
Executive director of Gun Owners of California, Sam Paredes suggested that instead of adding more gun control policies it would be beneficial to focus on existing measures. He added that more measures will infringe on the rights of law abiding citizens to own guns "you will continue to have these atrocities we have seen because none of these laws will impact these people who one day are normal and the next day are ... evil."
Above photo from Hector Amezuca-Sacramento Bee: Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) and Senator Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) look at an assault rifle provided from the Department of Justice.
Written by Taylor McCulloch.
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