As private citizens who have served as elected representatives of the Davis community, we speak with one voice, “It’s time to take action to reduce gun violence.”

 

The lessons of Newtown, Aurora, Tucson, Stockton, Nevada City, and Columbine are stark.  American policy, or lack thereof, makes it far too easy for guns to be misused or fall into the wrong hands.

 

The violence continues.  Nearly 100,000 people are shot in the United States each year.  According to recent statistics on Slate.com, 27 people die from gunshot wounds daily. That’s the equivalent of a Newtown massacre each and every day.

 

Americans are ready for change.  In January 2013, 88.8% of the overall population supported background checks for all firearm transfers.  Even more telling, 84.3% of firearm owners and 73.7% of National Rifle Association members expressed the same support.  (Source: http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/vprp/)

 

Recognizing the tide is turning, leaders in the United States Congress and the California Legislature are working on legislation to ban assault weapons and high capacity magazines, to require reporting of sales of large quantities of ammunition, and to limit the scope of concealed weapons laws.  Mental health services must also be improved.  These efforts require our active and vocal support.

 

The votes will be tough, but the face and the future of our country will change only through concerted, concentrated effort. 

 

Now is the time.

 

Signed,