I have lots of liberal friends, (OK, probably less than a football team, but, you know, lots!) and I always try to think of them when I post things here or on facebook. My intent is not to offend anyone, but rather to express my own personal views.
Jared Loughner was sentenced to life in prison plus 140 years for the shooting of Congresswoman Gifford and his other victims. He is a disgusting, creepy character with a smirk on his face and he deserves the worst our system can possibly put him through for his reign of terror. Watching Gabby Gifford is heartbreaking and inspiring at the same time. Seeing the photos of his dead victims is powerful. The surviving victims are pushing for stricter gun laws and I'm not sure that would have made a difference at all in this case, or in any of the other cases where crazy people open fire on innocent victims.
Jared Loughtner bought his gun "legally" although there is no doubt that he lied on the ATF form about his recreational drug use. Had he been unable to purchase a gun this way, do we really think he would not have obtained one in another way? Anyone who is willing to murder a 9-year old girl is certainly willing to steal a weapon to do it. Honest people already jump through a lot of hoops in order to keep and bear arms. What more can we possibly ask of them? American citizens have a right to own guns if they so choose. I do not own guns. I think I'd rather take my chances than have to make the decision to fire on an intruder in the unlikely event that one would enter my apartment here in our small Utah community.
I haven't done my research. I don't know know what Mark Kelly is specifically asking for, and maybe it's reasonable, but I stand by my position that stricter laws DO NOT deter criminals from breaking the law. Those who wish to obtain guns will do so regardless of the laws prohibiting it.
That's all. Back to math homework.