Tucsonans know about mass shootings ever since January 8, 2011 when then CD 8 Congresswoman Gabby Giffords was shot, along with her District Director/later CD 2 Congressman Ron Barber, Congressional aide Gabe Zimmerman and Federal District Judge John Roll. 6 innocent people died that day and 13 were wounded, some of whom are now disabled like Gabby. Recently there was another mass shooting at Santa Fe High School in Texas where 9 high school students and one teacher were killed. Is this gun violence just a way of life in America?
Attend this Wear Orange event on June 2nd and learn more about what can be done to reduce gun deaths and injuries.
“Have you ever wondered what you would do if you became involved in an active shooter situation? Do you want to learn about simple ways to protect yourself or your family if you find that a violent event is occurring right in front you? If so, then you are welcome to attend this lecture style course offered by the Tucson Police Department. The presentation will discuss preparedness strategies, potential warning signs and actual methods to consider if you are confronted with an active shooter. Included in the lecture will be discussion on the likelihood of being involved in this type of event, some looks back at past tragedies and some lessons learned from analyzing those events.”
Carolyn’s note: It’s a sign of the 21st Century times in May, 2018 that the Tucson Police Dept. has to offer courses like these (next one is on May 24, which incidentally is already booked full). Stay tuned for the next one. I’ve already posted a few of these courses at the TPD West Side Service Center on our image Calendar (since November, 2017).
Then the mass shooting at Santa Fe High School in Texas just happened last week Friday. 10 innocent people (mostly high school students) were killed and 13 more were injured. Now we tragically know the answer to the April 19 “Who Will be Next?” Memorial service at the UA Mall.
Where do we feel safe nowadays? Only at the airports and in court houses where there are security guards and screening machines for metal objects/weapons.
On the anniversary of the Columbine school shooting, Kirkpatrick (at right) joined students across the country in walking out to protest lax gun laws. She was invited by the students of Rincon & University High Schools to be a part of their protest.
Democrat Ann Kirkpatrick, who once supported the NRA, has emerged as a leading gun safety candidate in Tucson’s CD2 Congressional primary race. Among her supporters:
She was just named a Moms Demand Action for Gun Sensein America Candidate. The group pressures lawmakers to improve gun laws, raises awareness about gun violence and educates the public about common-sense gun laws and responsible gun ownership.
She is endorsed by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. It announced the goal to cut the number of U.S. gun deaths in half by 2025 through background checks that are applied to all gun sales; to “Stop ‘Bad Apple’ Gun Dealers” – the 5 percent of gun dealers that supply 90 percent of all crime guns; and to change social norms around the real dangers of guns.
She’s endorsed by the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. Founded by shooting survivor and former Congressman Gabby Giffords, the center’s legal experts research, write, and defend the laws, policies, and programs proven to save lives from gun violence.
Democrats Matt Heinz and Mary Matiella are also Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense candidates. All seven of the Democratic primary candidates support gun safety measures.
Only one Arizona legislator had the courage to stand up against gun violence: Rep. Randy Friese, a Democrat from Tucson. Watch the 4-minute YouTube video or read the transcript below as he calls for his colleagues to act, just days after the Parkland, FL, mass murders.
Friese had introduced HB2023 to ban bump stocks, but he could not get it heard in the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee where it was assigned. He used procedural motion to bring the measure directly to the House floor for a vote. But Rep. John Allen, a Republican from Scottdale, used a second motion to stop it from being debated.
Every Republican member of the Arizona House voted against gun safety, refusing even to hear the bill against bump stocks.
The GOP legislators are intentionally out of touch with the electorate:
72% of registered voters support a ban on bump stocks.
88% of Americans support universal background checks.
81% think that a person should be at least 21 to buy a gun.
70% endorse a ban on high-capacity magazines.
68% support a ban on assault weapons.
Rep. Friese’s speech on the Arizona House floor is truly a profile in courage.
We are facing an epidemic of gun violence. And this violence is everywhere, unfortunately, it’s in our schools. It’s touching the lives of children. We must act. The country is waiting for us to act. The time is now. We have an obligation to take action, we have a mandate to take action, we have the authority to take action. If we don’t recognize our authority to take action, we are failing. We are failing our country, we are failing our children, we are failing our students.
There are students in Florida today, since the last mass killings in schools, that have shown more leadership and courage than legislators across the country, than people who represent us in DC. I congratulate those young people. I ask us to be responsible to them and what they are asking us to do.
Guns in America: Where Do We Go From Here community forum
at Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. on Monday Feb. 26, 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
“In the aftermath of yet another school shooting – this one taking 17 lives – please join Ward 6 Tucson City Council member Steve Kozachik for what is sadly a timely, and yet necessary renewed conversation about gun control in America. Kozachik, along with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense have invited U.K. photojournalist Jamie Hunter to come and share his thoughts. Hunter visited multiple locations around the U.S. documenting all sides of the gun control issue. His presentation is titled “Guns in America – where do you go from here?” Following Hunter’s photo presentation we will open the forum for questions and comments from the audience. The event is free and open to all.”
“Organizer of Guns in America: Where Do You Go From Here: Local gun violence prevention groups. Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, GVPAZ (Gun Violence Prevention Arizona) , & GGW.”
On Wednesday, President Trump hosted a listening session with school shooting survivors and families of victims at the White House. Rather than announce his support for legislative solutions already pending before Congress for quick action, the answer to unprecedented gun violence in our schools that he has settled upon is, you guessed it, the NRA’s position – even more guns in our schools!— let’s arm 20 percent of our teachers and make them part-time police officers authorized to use deadly force, an extra job that no one has suggested they be paid for!
President Trump on Thursday doubled down on his idea of arming some teachers as a deterrent for school shootings and praised the top leadership of the National Rifle Association as “Great American Patriots.”
This is a damn fool idea. The best explanation I have seen, so far, as to why this is so obviously a damn fool idea is from Lawrence O’Donnell in this segment of his The Last Word program on Wednesday evening. Lawrence: Why arming teachers is a fantasy war game (you may have to click on the video’s sound bar to get audio). UPDATE: Trump vowed during the 2016 campaign to end “gun free zones” at schools.
I cannot explain it any more clearly and succinctly than Lawrence O’Donnell does. Why can’t we have this kind of sound, informed, reasoned and rational analysis from our elected leaders? Instead of ridiculous bumper sticker slogans like “The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun“? Because they are beholden to special interests like the gun lobby for their campaign financing.
“Resolve your active warrants! Justice Court Customer Service Windows: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Tucson City Court Customer Service Windows: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Available Services: – Quash your warrant – Create a payment plan – Reinstate your driver’s … Continue reading →
What’s the future of energy for Tucson? Solar power. Wind energy. Hydroelectric. Geothermal. Nuclear power. What are the alternatives to our fossil fuel addiction? How can we implement them? What are the advantages? What are the challenges?There are a lot … Continue reading →
Closed Captions Eating Animals TUESDAY, AUGUST 14 AT 7:30PM | REGULAR ADMISSION PRICES Thanks to our community partner, Food Conspiracy Co-Op! “How much do you know about the food that’s on your plate? Based on the bestselling book by Jonathan … Continue reading →
“Glendale, we have a new office coming your way! Come out to our office opening party this Wednesday at 5:30pm! Meet our local AZ Dems team and become a #trailblAZing volunteer. RSVP here: https://my.azdem.org/event/map/98114” https://www.facebook.com/events/301138480642465/Share this:FacebookTwitterMoreEmailTumblrPrintPocketRedditLinkedInGooglePinterestLike this:Like Loading...
Hosted by YWCA Arizona – STAT-Stand Together Arizona Training & Advocacy “Some people think that voting has gone to the dogs, so let’s prove them wrong and have a party. YWCA STAT team invites you to bring your ballot and … Continue reading →
“All Candidates running for State Legislator and Senator in Legislative Districts Two and Three have been invited. Moderated by Ernesto Portillo, Jr. The focus is on education, come ask your questions. Free and open to the public! Hosted by Arizona … Continue reading →
Thursday, August 16, 5:30 p.m.: Pima County Democratic Party Nucleus Club meeting, at the Viscount Suite Hotel, 4855 E. Broadway Blvd. Meet the second Thursday of each month. For more information please contact Carmen Prezelski at (520) 326-3716. Meeting delayed … Continue reading →
Our next meeting is on August 18th, 6:30 pm-8:00 pm at the Murphy-Wilmot Library, 530 N. Wilmot Rd., Tucson, Arizona 85711. “We will be meeting in the large meeting room. This meeting is a planning and strategy meeting for direction … Continue reading →
Hosted by League of Women Voters of Central Yavapai County https://www.facebook.com/events/1921462437904567/Share this:FacebookTwitterMoreEmailTumblrPrintPocketRedditLinkedInGooglePinterestLike this:Like Loading...
“We’re having a party this Saturday to celebrate our new office opening in Nogales! Come meet other local Democrats and find out how to join our #trailblAZing volunteer team. RSVP here: https://my.azdem.org/event/map/98614 It’s the office with pink flowers on the windows!” https://www.facebook.com/events/288515001948085/ Share … Continue reading →
“Come learn about the Party’s plans for 2018 and get to know your fellow Santa Cruz County Dems!” https://www.facebook.com/events/318747532004291/Share this:FacebookTwitterMoreEmailTumblrPrintPocketRedditLinkedInGooglePinterestLike this:Like Loading...
*Please note that this meeting is on the 3rd Sunday of the month, instead of the usual 2nd Sunday. “Carmen Liñero-Lopez with the Feminist Majority will be speaking to us about her work to energize and get out the student … Continue reading →
Pima County Democratic Party Chair Jo Holt will be speaking on “Electing Democrats and Looking forward to the General Election”. The Arizona primary is on August 28, 2018 so don’t forget to vote. Share this:FacebookTwitterMoreEmailTumblrPrintPocketRedditLinkedInGooglePinterestLike this:Like Loading...
Hosted by Presidio San Agustín del Tucson and La Cocina Restaurant & Cantina “Tucson’s official birthday party will take place in the Presidio District on Aug. 20, the City’s actual birthday, from 5-7:30 pm. Hosted by the Tucson/Pima County Historic … Continue reading →
City of Tucson’s Official 242nd Birthday FREE Monday, August 21st at the Presidio San Agustín del Tucson 5:30 pm Gates open Music by Los Changuitos Feos 6:00 – 6:45 pm Flag and Cannon Firing Ceremony 6:45 pm Family-friendly food tasting celebrating the … Continue reading →
The RSVP Deadline is August 19th The Child Separation Fiasco: How did we get here? The policy of family separation evoked alarm and outrage from the general public this summer. But this practice is merely the latest in a decades-long … Continue reading →
“Join us on August 24 to learn about the current status of the North American Free Trade Agreement, the opportunities in revisiting the agreement, and the current status of negotiations between Canada, Mexico and the United States. Mr. Lopez will also discuss … Continue reading →
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