Senator Al Franken: 'We in Congress are failing the American people'

[kpete]

The investigation is ongoing and many details are still emerging, but we know this. The 49 men and women who lost their lives on Sunday night were murdered by a man with hate in his heart. Perhaps even hate directed within and with an assault weapon in his hand. Madam president, following each and every tragic shooting, one thought haunts me, and that is that we in Congress are failing the American people. We have failed to answer their repeated calls to address gun violence in this country. We have failed to take steps necessary to make our communities safer and as a result, we are complicit in creating the circumstances that give rise to these events. We can't pretend that this part isn't on us.


Now, our state of Minnesota has a proud tradition of responsible gun ownership. Generations of minnesotans have learned to hunt from their parents, their grandparents, their aunts and uncles, friends and neighbors. But when I speak to constituents on this issue, the message is clear: Minnesotans want congress to take commonsense steps to reduce gun violence and ensure their families' safety. There is a balance to be struck here, and I strongly believe that we are capable of striking that balance. The second amendment doesn't protect the rights of everyone to carry whatever weapon he likes in anyplace he wishes, for whatever purpose he wants. The second amendment does not entitle criminals, potential terrorists or people with serious mental illness to carry guns. It does not entitle Americans to own guns designed to slaughter scores of people in seconds.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2016/6/15/1539054/-Al-Franken-We-in-Congress-are-failing-the-American-people

[BootinUp]

1. K & R

[Thinkingabout]

2. They failed to extend the assault weapons ban, we have missed opportunities and

with the majority of Americans wanting stronger background checks why can't congress get their act together.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

13. Because----

repukes

[Trajan]

3. While recognizing that Al is a fully fledged establishment Democrat

I appreciate this much .... Thanks Al

[Pauldg47]

6. Me too... I think Bernie's message is resonating.

[Botany]

4. Sen. Al speaks w/the power of the truth.

"The second amendment doesn't protect the rights of everyone to carry whatever weapon
he likes in anyplace he wishes, for whatever purpose he wants. The second amendment does
not entitle criminals, potential terrorists or people with serious mental illness to carry guns.
It does not entitle Americans to own guns designed to slaughter scores of people in seconds."

[smirkymonkey]

10. One of the most sensible things I have heard from a politician on this topic.

Mostly because it is so clear and logical and I don't see how anyone with half a brain can argue with it.

[MichiganVote]

5. Damn right Congress is.

[chknltl]

7. knr nt

[Francis Booth]

8. They have blood on their hands. Especially after Sandy Hook, when

the national mood was finally ready for some serious change. FFS, everyone I know was itching to do something then. But, again we let an opportunity pass.

[NorthCarolina]

9. Correction: "Have been failing the American people"

for decades. Not just in the area of gun control either.

[appalachiablue]

15. +1 Seriously. I've heardly heard a peep out of Franken, glad to see he's around.

The GOP's fault! the NRA's fault! stuff is wearing very thin, like the exaggerated enemy Trump drama. Way overkill.
With more representatives like Bernie, Ted Kennedy and other Dem. legends things would be quite different.

[spanone]

11. K&R...

[mountain grammy]

12. K & R and thanks, Al.

[Hotler]

14. Congress failed the American people long, long ago.

My list of failures off the top of my head.
1. Shitty investigation of the JFK assassination.
2. In involvement in the Vietnam war.
3. Repeal of the Glass-Steagall Act.
4. Iran Contra.
5. The Bush/Cheney election fraud.
6. 9/11 investigation
7. Iraq war
8. Bailout of Wall St. 2008
9. and of course all the gun massacres
10. and on and on and on.