Mark Kelly to CNN: 'We need to do something now' about gun violence
Washington (CNN) - Retired Space Shuttle Commander Mark Kelly hopes coming to President Obama's State of the Union address with his wife, former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, will help convince her former colleagues its time to tighten the nation's gun laws.
"We hope it has a big impact on the members of congress who are going to be sitting down below," Kelly said of Giffords' presence in the House visitors gallery.
Watch CNN's comprehensive coverage of President Barack Obama's State of the Union address starting Tuesday night at 7 p.m. ET on CNN TV and follow online at CNN.com or via CNN's apps for iPhone, iPad and Android. Follow our real-time State of the Union live blog at cnn.com/conversation.
[twitter-follow screen_name='politicalticker']
After the deadly massacre in Newtown, Connecticut, the two started an organization committed to pressing for more gun control. The group, Americans for Responsible Solutions, released its first television ad on Monday.
"What's important is that right now we are 100 percent committed to making sure we do the right ting and the right thing is universal background checks, banning high capacity magazines, addressing the easy access we have to assault weapons," Kelly told CNN in an interview.
Giffords is still struggling to recover after a gunman shot her through the head two years ago. Traveling to Washington and appearing in public is still extremely taxing.
But Kelly said it was important for her to come to the president's address, where he will make another push for gun control.
"We need to do something now," said Kelly.
From CNN Politics
- Missouri AG seeks to restrict gender-affirming care for minors
- 10 Cards Charging 0% Interest Until 2024
- Michael Chertoff acknowledges scope of his Supreme Court security work and outlines leak probe timeline in new letter to Congress
- Feds proceed with caution as potential Trump indictment fuels sporadic calls for violence online
- US to accelerate delivery of tanks to Ukraine
- Biden designates area sacred to tribes as largest national monument of his presidency
Here at No Labels we all agree that gun violence in the United States is a serious issue which needs to be addressed. And instead of unproductive banter, Congress needs to agree to sit down and have a legitimate discussion about the issue. Only when Congress works together instead of fighting can an appropriate solution be found. #fixnotfight
Mark theres nothing you can do about guns, the crimminals always finds ways to get guns. No one wants to pray anymore all people wants to do is point finger at each other.
The proposed gun laws will not do one iota of good when the folks that are responsible for crimes with guns will not comply with the existing or any new laws. This is all about control of the population by weakening the second admendment.
Pass gun-control laws. Listen to this wise and educated. Do not pay heed at NRA thugs. They are greedy monsters.
Mark Kelly is clueless. He needs a lesson in US history.
“A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.” – The 2nd Amendment to the Constitution
“A free people ought not only to be armed and disciplined, but they should have sufficient arms and ammunition to maintain a status of independence from any who might attempt to abuse them, which would include their own government.” – George Washington
“The Constitution shall never be construed to authorize Congress to prevent the people of the United States, who are peaceable citizens, from keeping their own arms.” – Samuel Adams
“When governments fear the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny. The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.” – Thomas Jefferson
“Arms discourage and keep the invader and plunderer in awe, and preserve order in the world as well as property… Horrid mischief would ensue were the law-abiding deprived of the use of them.” –Thomas Paine
“Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are ruined…The great object is that every man be armed. Everyone who is able might have a gun.” – Patrick Henry
“To preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of the people always possess arms, and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them.” – Richard Henry Lee, 1778
“To disarm the people is the best and most effective way to enslave them.” – George Mason
1,750 dead Americans because of guns in a little less than two months. The insanity must stop.
Being able to track where the weapons were can point to those that are arming criminals. Once we do that, then there is a chance to reduce some of the gun violence. It takes people being responsible with their weapons to reduce the violence; means knowing who has it and keeping it secure.
dream on Kelly. The NRA owns the congress.
Mr. Kelly is correct. Now is the time to push for gun control which will be acceptable to the majority. He and Ms. Gifford are so courageous. They are to be congratulated. Many of us are standing with them. We hope that a majority of Congress will find a way to bring about gun control which is fair for all.
Godspeed, Mark Kelly! A grateful nation awaits the outcome of your and Gabby's efforts at sanity and decency.
Ronald Pies MD
Were not out of the woods yet, I bet it was though for CNN to put this article up. Listen and think before you post an article up on you site, or on TV. That’s how the NRA says afloat, at some point the tyrant will fall; and America will revert back to exercising our liberties with out the need to fall back to our last line of defense. After that you can say and do whatever you what to.
I respect these two and they have my full support. I personally would go many many steps further and have a complete repeal of the 2nd amendment to the constitution which is a joke at best. Written by slave owners and whore mongers. Ban all guns!!!!