U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder appealed to Americans to stand against the actions by gun lobbyists who are intent to maintain the violent status quo. Thursday, in a speech, Holder spoke out against special interest groups that are intent on derailing post Newtown efforts to make the country a safer place. The AG recalled his commitment to the 26 "angels" who lost their lives, citing an April 4 Huffington Post story.
Holder addressed an audience at the National Action Network and spoke passionately about the controversial gun control debate before Congress. While the issue has galvanized many in favor of reform after the recent strings of mass shootings, special interests groups like the NRA maintain the right to bear arms.
Eric Holder said cautioned that efforts to bring out changes in the current laws will not be easy and many desiring change will be targeted by the strong gun lobby. However, he appealed to everyone to stay the course and support upcoming congressional proposals the Senate is taking on in the weeks ahead.
"The American people must stand with and support those who will be with us on this critical issue. The collective voice of those who overwhelmingly support the proposed reforms must overcome the efforts of the well-financed few who stand for a violent and dangerous status quo. Those whose lives have been impacted by gun violence -- the victims and the survivors -- are depending on us," Holder said.
Then, the attorney general told a moving story about his first visit to Newtown in the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings. Arguably, it was the most moving part of his speech. He talked about the chaos that ensued and the gripping sadness and fear enveloping everyone involved.
While special interests groups contend the use of Adam Lanza's shooting spree is a red herring in gun control debates, Eric Holder insists that it's the right thing to do for America.
The attorney general and the Obama Administration have said in the past that it's not about denying any law-abiding citizen the right to bear arms. However, it should be done so in a way that is responsible, while saving lives.
Comments