Editorial | Legislative Indifference to Gun Violence

Heads in the sand as people die

"It's become pretty clear that the Pennsylvania legislature has no shame when it comes to being goaded into action on needed gun-control legislation.

Not even the Oct. 31 murder of Philadelphia police Officer Chuck Cassidy could motivate these politicians - mainly from the suburbs - to limit the number of guns in circulation.

Then, as now, their refrain has been that it's not really guns that are the problem, it's the criminals who use guns illegally.

African American legislators who mostly represent urban areas - where much, but not all, of the state's gun violence is happening - walked off the House floor last week to protest the lack of progress on gun control.

Their demonstration was followed by a rally Monday at the state Capitol during which Gov. Rendell pleaded for Pennsylvania lawmakers "to put your rear end on the line" and vote for more gun control."

How's about going to the actual cause of the problem and putting your rear end on the line by sending these same blacks to the cozy room with the needle, or life imprisonment for using a gun in an act of violence?

Eradicating 80% of the problem would sure enough be doing something good, now wouldn't it?

But no, its become pretty clear that blaming the PERSON committing the crime is far too dangerous, so the cowards way out is to blame the innocent bystander.

Weasels. Each and every one of 'em. Lots easier to SWAT your way into some granny's house and take her down because the bad guys fight back.

The last time law enforcement knew precisely who it was committing crimes and failed to act was when J. Edgar dismissed all thoughts of the existence of the Mafia because he didn't want to tangle with them.

Now they're out there blaming violence on inanimate objects.

Can't make this shit up.