U.S. Rep. Jack Kingston (R-Ga), serving Georgia’s 1st congressional district, released a statement on Wednesday in response to President Barack Obama’s announcement of several gun control proposals.
While Kingston praised the President for recognizing the role of brutal video games and media images as well as the issue of mental health as important factors in the increasing gun violence, the Georgia lawmaker criticized the President for his plans to use executive orders to enact some of the measures.
“We owe this country a thorough and thoughtful discussion on what actions can be taken to prevent future tragedies,” said Kingston in a press release. “Unfortunately, this national debate is already digressing into the usual camps and an ‘us versus them’ mentality. The victims of Newtown and all victims of gun violence deserve better.”
Kingston expressed a concern that President’s approach to the gun control laws will divide the nation “in a way we have not been before,” which makes any Congressional progress in that area extremely difficult.
The congressman also criticized President’s legislative proposals, arguing that they would not be effective in curbing gun related violence.
“As to the specific legislative proposals the President advocates, I am doubtful some of them pass constitutional muster or would be effective in preventing another Newtown,” said Kingston. “The perpetrators of mass violence do not concern themselves with what laws they are breaking in the commission of their crimes.”
Click here to read the full press release.
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