On Wednesday, former Democratic Ariz. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords gave a public speech at the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. to spread her message on why gun violence is also a women’s issue.
You see, in 2011, Giffords was severely injured in a shooting spree that killed six people, and wounded 13 others, including Giffords.
The shooter, 22-year-old Jared Lee Loughner, had stalked Giffords and launched the attack at a Tucson-area supermarket where Giffords was greeting her constituents. During the attack Giffords was struck in the head, and has since undergone a long and brave fight to recover. And recover she has.
Speaking at the event, sponsored by the Center for American Progress, Giffords gave a passionate speech in support of a bill that Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) is proposing. While there are many laws on the books under the Violence Against Women Act, Klobuchar’s bill would add non-cohabiting dating partners and convicted stalkers to the list.
During her speech Giffords said:
?Dangerous people with guns are a threat to women. Criminals with guns. Stalkers with guns. Abusers with guns. That makes gun violence a woman’s issue.?
She also went on to say:
?Today we’re talking about keeping guns out of the hands of men who stalk and abuse women. We’re talking about passing laws that absolutely saves lives, especially the lives of women. ? Today we are closer than ever to doing this, but we can’t do it if we don’t all work together.?
With all of the gun violence occurring lately, and the senseless loss of life, let’s hope that common sense prevails and the Senate will push Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s bill forward and begin the process of saving lives.
Also, to help in the cause against gun violence, Giffords along with her husband retired U.S. Navy Captain Mark Kelly, have founded Americans for Responsible Solutions. This PAC helps in the election of candidates that support the enacting of legislation to help prevent gun violence.
The problems we face today in regards to guns will not solve itself. So with the new bill that Giffords so bravely endorsed Wednesday, by voting, we can all help these brave women continue in their efforts to enact responsible gun laws.
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edited by tw
