62% of Americans Now Support a Ban on Semi-Automatic Assault Rifles and Clips
Congressman John Yarmuth joined a long list of Democrats to speak out against gun advocates in the wake of the Newtown school shooting, but Yarmuth isn't just any Democrat: he's from Kentucky, he used to be a Republican, and he took on the National Rifle Association and its silence on Sandy Hook, head-on. On the same day that Sen. Harry Reid said "every idea should be on the table" in terms of new gun legislation, Yarmuth had this to offer during a news conference in Louisville Monday morning:
The National Rifle Association has spent untold millions of dollars instilling fear in our citizens and our politicians. That organization, which regularly fails to represent the responsible attitudes of its members, wants us to believe that the best protection against the irresponsible and lethal use of guns is for everyone to be armed. And while no specific gun regulation may have prevented the deaths of the 20 Sandy Hook Elementary children, 6 and 7-year-old children, the answer simply cannot be a gun in every elementary school lunchbox.
Yarmuth, who is one of only two Democratic congressman from his state, added: "I confess, I am afraid of guns." Which may be a first for any elected official from the great state of Kentucky. You can watch more of Yarmuth's remarks here:
Want to add to this story? Let us know in comments
or send an email to the author at
jtrotter at theatlantic dot com.
You can share ideas for stories on the Open Wire.
J.K. Trotter
| Related Articles | More by J.K. Trotter | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Have a story we missed? A link we have to click? A sharp opinion about the news? Instead of waiting for us to post it, tell us on the Open Wire.
Submit your news and ideas | See all reader posts
User Comments
Please type your comment and click Post. If you’re not already logged in you will be prompted to log in or register